Graduate Program Associate

At a glance: 

• Location – Toronto, Canada
• Start Date – August 2025 
• Contract Type – 12 months Fixed Term Contract
• Working Arrangement – Hybrid 

Here’s a summary of the role:  

YouGov is offering an exciting 12-month Graduate Program in our Commercial function designed to give you invaluable hands-on experience in both Data Products Client Services and Data Services roles, providing a solid foundation for your career in-house. This unique rotational program offers you the opportunity to experience two six-month placements across YouGov’s Data Products Client Services and Data Services teams.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll do (not all of it, just the important stuff):

Data Products Client Services Key Responsibilities:

During your time in the Data Products Client Services team, you will be focused on delivering value to our clients through the actionable insights derived from YouGov’s industry leading brand-tracking and audience profiling syndicated products, BrandIndex and Profiles. Our team uses a powerful mix of syndicated tools, analytics, data visualization and storytelling skills to deliver impactful data stories to answer our clients’ most strategic business questions such as Brand Health Tracking, Customer Funnel Journeys, Audience Sizing & Profiling, and Campaign Tracking. The Client Services team plays a vital role within the company, developing strong relationships as a trusted strategic partner to our clients.

• Support the Data Products team, gaining experience and exposure to further develop as a researcher
• Directly responsible for client satisfaction and engagement for a small number of clients, driving client retention, as well as helping uncover opportunities for account growth
• Executing on a care plan for clients including onboarding & ongoing training of new DP clients
• Aid with delivery of C-suite (Executive Level) ready reports & insightful analysis to clients that forms an essential part of their research and data needs
• Regularly review KPIs on clients engagement, tool usage and client satisfaction for a group of clients
• Identify and escalate potential client satisfaction or engagement issues to the Product Team Manager and help to implement solutions

Data Services Key Responsibilities:

The Data Services Graduate Program Associate will join either one of the two teams within Data Services (Custom Research team or RealTime - Serviced Surveys team).

Custom Research role

• Research: Assisting with questionnaires and research/sample designs, often under time-constraints, employing appropriate methods to meet clients’ research objectives, aiding in the reporting and communication of findings
• Client communication: Liaising effectively with clients, collaborators and internal project teams while being the main day-to-day contact for both projects and particular clients
• Project management: Coordinating and managing different tasks for multiple projects to ensure projects run smoothly and effectively, and delivered accurately and on time
• Stakeholder interaction: Where necessary, working with and managing research suppliers to ensure accurate data collection that is in-line with YouGov’s methods, whilst keeping costs reasonable
• Analysis and Reporting: Accurately interpreting clients’ final data, creating visually appealing and easy to understand reports in PowerPoint or similar, employing attention to detail and knowledge of statistics to recognize when findings are inaccurate or unclear, and guiding clients through the results in YouGov’s data analytics software.

RealTime - Serviced Surveys role

• Research:Designing questionnaires and research/sample designs, often under time-constraints, recommending appropriate methods to meet clients’ research objectives 
• Client communication:Liaising effectively with clients and collaborators whilst being the main day-to-day contact for both projects and particular clients
• Project management:Coordinating and managing different tasks to ensure projects run smoothly and effectively, and delivered accurately and on time
• Pricing:Costing quantitative projects (with some assistance) across B2B & B2C, domestic and international, and omnibus & targeted research, showing a developing understanding of how different project components are costed
• Stakeholder interaction:Where necessary, working with and managing research suppliers to ensure accurate data collection that is in-line with YouGov’s methods, whilst keeping costs reasonable
• Commercial responsiveness:Dealing with speculative enquiries, interpreting requirements of a research specification effectively, and being able to write proposals with minimal guidance in order to win projects
• Analysis: Accurately interpreting clients’ final data, employing attention to detail and knowledge of statistics to recognize when findings are inaccurate or unclear, and guiding them through the results in YouGov’s data analytics software

These are the essentials you’ll need to get an interview:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Enthusiastic, a willing and quick learner with a drive to succeed
• Effective team player, always ready to go the extra mile
• Strong MS Excel, PowerPoint, and Word skills a must
• Detail-oriented, organized, and reliable, with the ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects
• Ability to quickly learn and master new software
• Interest in market research
• Understanding and experience of primary research across methods and sectors
• Problem solving, critical thinking, analytical and numerical skills                                      

It would be great if you had these to, but we’ll support you if you don’t:

• Experience designing and executing survey research
• Experience working with programming languages (ex. R, SQL, etc.)
• Experience with SPSS 

What to expect from the hiring process:

• Call with Talent Partner
• Assessment/Practical Interview
• Final Interview with the hiring team 

Graduate Program Overview:

Our Graduate Program is designed to accelerate your career and provide a comprehensive foundation for success. Here's what you can expect:

• 12-Month Development Program: A structured programme featuring role-specific training and professional skills development to equip you for success.
• Real-World Experience: Engage in meaningful tasks and projects, gaining hands-on experience from day one.
• Exposure to Senior Leadership: Benefit from direct interactions with our CEO, graduate sponsor, and functional leaders, offering invaluable insights and mentorship.
• Comprehensive Support System: Enjoy continuous guidance from the People Experience and Development team, as well as your dedicated line manager.
• Pathway to Promotion: Successful completion of the programme can lead to a permanent role and promotion, contingent on your performance.
• Graduate Alumni Network: Stay connected with your cohort and join a vibrant community of programme alumni to support your long-term growth.

Our program offers an incredible opportunity to build your skills, expand your network, and shape your career in a supportive and dynamic environment.

What can we offer you:

We are driven by a set of shared values. We are fast, fearless, and innovative. We work diligently to get it right. We are guided by accuracy, ethics, and proven methodologies. We respect and trust each other, bringing these values into everything that we do.

• A cohesive, fun, inclusive and supportive team environment.
• From day one, you'll have the opportunity to engage with our fast-paced, innovative teams and make meaningful contributions. We encourage innovative thinking, and when combined with our collaborative culture, it creates an enjoyable and inspiring experience for all.
• A good work-life balance. Because we all work better when we are rested. Your wellbeing is as important to us as your career growth. Access curated resources for your physical, mental, financial, and social wellbeing at your convenience, anytime, anywhere.
• Exclusive LinkedIn Learning license offering unlimited access to a vast library of high-quality, expert-led training courses that are designed to elevate your skills and foster continuous growth.
• An extra day off to celebrate yourself – enjoy an additional day to relax and celebrate your birthday.

Ready to take the first step? Apply now and be part of our next generation of leaders!