30Under30 Honouree: Melanie O’Meara

Great to hear from Significant Insights Global 30 under 30 honouree Melanie O’Meara who is a passionate emerging researcher from Brisbane, Australia. Mel is not only a passionate all round researcher, but also committed to creating an inclusive industry that nurtures the next generation of researchers, creating an industry that thrives into the future.

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

Some people say they fall into market research, but I think a headfirst dive is probably a more accurate description for how I entered the industry. I studied a double degree in business and psychology at University, but had never heard of our industry until a couple of years into my career. After finishing University I started a graduate program in the banking and financial services sector, while completing rotations through the program I found the internal research and insights team. From the outside, I thought their work looked interesting, and once I joined the team my suspicions were confirmed. There was no turning back from that point!

I spent my first few years in the industry working in that team, across a wide range of research projects and supporting many stakeholders in the business. As someone who identifies as a lifelong learner, I always knew I wanted to make the jump agency side to build my core skills and gain wide experience. I did that at the start of this year, and I’ve been working at Enhance Research as a Research Consultant in 2024.

Why should anyone consider a career in market research, data and insights?

So many reasons! I think it really depends on the individual as to why someone should consider a career in our industry. Our industry is so broad and varied, and I guess that’s why I’d encourage someone to consider a career in it. I’ve been working in the industry for almost four years, and I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface. For people considering a career, I think that level of variety and opportunity in one industry is really exciting.

Career paths are rarely without challenges. Can you share an honest moment from your career when things didn’t go quite according to plan, but the lessons remain with you to this day?

In answering this question, I can confidently say that today I truly love our industry. However, I haven’t always felt that way. Some of the biggest challenges I’ve faced on my career path have been in actually finding that path. As an early career researcher, many times I’ve felt lost and overwhelmed about where I want to end up in our industry or how I should get there. In those moments, I’ve learnt to embrace a level of ambiguity and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. But importantly, I’ve also learnt to ask those around me for help and advice in those moments, something which I will continue to do into the future.

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

This is a two-part answer…

Be open to opportunities: As you progress through the first couple of years in your career, it’s important to look for opportunities for learning and growth. I’ve found being open to taking on new opportunities has always rewarded me, and in the first couple of years of my career I really tried to capitalise on any chance to learn something new.

Be confident in your abilities: When it comes to taking on those opportunities, you also need to be confident in your own abilities. Learning how to champion your own skills and talk about your experiences and strengths is such an important part of progressing your career. If you’re not championing your own career, no one else will do it for you.

Do you have any advice for our sector?

Make sure the next generation of our industry have a seat at the table. In my first few years in the industry, I didn’t really feel like my experience as a young researcher was understood or reflected in the people around me. With the help of some trusted mentors, and industry associations I’ve seen the value that my perspective can have in creating a better industry. Giving our next generation of researchers a seat at the table not only helps empower them, but their diverse perspectives can also help create a better industry for everyone. 

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’ve been very fortunate to be surrounded by great people for the first few years of my career. They’ve been instrumental in helping me grow, championing my success and providing me opportunities to thrive. A couple to mention include:

Rachel Coulthard – My first manager in the market research industry, who nurtured my growth and taught me so much about not only research but also life. 

Joel Vermaas – My first industry mentor, who championed me as a person and helped me find my voice, because he cares deeply about our industry and the people in it.

The team at Enhance Research – For providing me opportunities to step outside my comfort zone and become a better researcher.