30under30 Nominee: Brendan Cox

Great to hear from Global 30 Under 30 Nominee, Brendan Cox who is an Operations Analyst at Behaviorally.

So, how did you get into the industry, and take us through how you got to this point

My first two jobs out of college were both in the sports industry, which unfortunately did not offer a good work-life balance as I would be consistently working nights and weekends. During my Marketing Analytics Master’s program, I learned about Behaviorally and was fascinated by its use of eye tracking technology. Beginning with the opportunity in insights and understanding all the steps in the market research process, I constantly had the desire to make certain steps in the process more efficient for myself and coworkers. I was a natural fit once a position opened on the Operations side of Behaviorally, where I would have the ability to do just that.

What are you most proud of from your career so far?

I was able to build a multivariate logistic regression model on eye-tracking data predict stimuli visual noting. This allows clients to understand, based on statistically significant variables (i.e., share of shelf, product location on shelf), at what noting rate the model expects of products, whether they overperform or underperform expectations, and by how much. This piece of information provides a valuable insight for clients, was easier for my coworkers to use than what we had before, while also being more accurate; a win for everyone!

What two things should junior researchers focus on as they progress in their careers?

Humility and supportiveness. There are so many bright individuals in this industry that know so much from whom you can learn. Admitting to yourself that you do not know everything right out of college is easier said than done, and I have certainly taken my lumps in that department. You will be able to find people that are willing to teach you the ropes and help you in your career growth, you just need to be willing to learn! On supportiveness, this industry (like any other) has times of stress. Helping team members when they need it will come back to you and will help build professional relationships that will last years, if not decades. Supportiveness brings a sense of unity to a company and builds your own self esteem. 

What message do you have for anyone considering a career in our sector?

You will be able to carve out the career you desire in this industry. The infusement of innovative technologies and AI are beginning to revolutionize the market research industry; I have seen it in just the last few years, and Behaviorally is certainly just one of dozens leaning in. You can be qualitatively or quantitatively minded. You can be an introvert or an extrovert. Opportunities abound, and you will be able to find your niche that interests you where your career will thrive. 

Do you have any advice for our sector as a whole?

Not now. I am only beginning my journey, who would I be to think I have valuable advice for our entire sector yet!

And do you have anyone who has helped your career so far that you’d like to acknowledge and say thanks or give a shout out to? 

I have worked closely with great people of Behaviorally, but I have rotated teams fairly frequently, so no one in particular.