OPT Market Research Analyst Jobs
Market Research Analyst roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in marketing, business, statistics, or economics. Most positions qualify as STEM-adjacent, and some employers actively sponsor H-1B visa after OPT. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension, gives you time to prove value before visa conversations begin.
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GGP Chicago - 350 N Orleans Street, Suite 300
Business
Headquartered in Chicago, IL, GGP is a leading retail real estate company with a portfolio of 95+ high-performing retail assets, encompassing over 95 million square feet of space across the United States. As an owner-operator, we’re committed to creating vibrant destinations that bring people and brands together. With a team of 1,200+ employees and a legacy of leadership in retail real estate, we’re shaping the future of the industry by delivering exceptional value to our partners and the communities we serve.
If you’re ready to be a part of our team, we encourage you to apply.
Job Description
The Market Research Analyst supports GGP’s leasing organization by delivering data-driven insights that inform merchandising strategy, retailer outreach, and portfolio positioning. Working under the direction of the Director, Market Research & Analytics, the role analyzes established data sources and summarizes findings for retailer pitches, market analyses, and internal decision-making. The role sits at the intersection of data, storytelling, and leasing strategy. Within 12 months, success is demonstrated by tailored retailer materials, clear analyses that support leasing decisions, and research outputs that are trusted, consistent, and defensible across the organization.
Responsibilities
- Support the leasing and marketing teams by preparing research, analytics and data-driven materials for retailer outreach, leasing decisions, merchandising, and portfolio positioning.
- Assess trade areas, competitors, and broader market conditions to support retailer targeting, merchandising, site positioning, and leasing decisions.
- Compile and organize market and consumer data from established sources, such as mobile location analytics, foot traffic, demographics, psychographics, consumer behavior, and credit card spending, for use in research and performance analyses.
- Prepare research reports, leasing presentations, maps, charts, and data visualizations that communicate trade area strength, customer profiles, market opportunities, and competitive advantages.
- Summarize analytical findings and communicate relevant trends, observations, and supporting data to internal teams and, as directed, external audiences.
- Conduct periodic evaluations of shopping center performance against visitation trends, trade area dynamics, consumer behavior, and relevant market benchmarks.
- Track recurring performance indicators, including traffic, visitation, trade area shifts, and consumer behavior trends, and flag notable changes for review.
- Follow established quality-control practices to maintain data accuracy, consistency, and quality across research reports, presentations, and analytical outputs.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Economics, Business, Analytics, or related field.
- At least 2 years of experience in market research, analytics, or commercial real estate.
- Intermediate proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.
- Intermediate proficiency with GIS tools and spatial analysis.
- Intermediate proficiency with data visualization tools.
- Ability to analyze large datasets into clear, actionable insights with strong attention to detail.
- Intermediate written and verbal communication and storytelling skills, including the ability to explain analytical findings clearly.
- Intermediate project management skills, including ability to manage multiple priorities. Intermediate collaboration skills in cross-functional environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with ArcGIS.
- Experience with PowerBI.
- Familiarity with retail, real estate, or consumer behavior data.
Travel
Occasional travel may be required.
Compensation
Salary type: Exempt
Pay Frequency: Bi-weekly
Annual Base Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000
Annual Bonus Eligibility: 10%
Benefit Information
- Competitive compensation
- Medical, Dental and Vision beginning day 1
- 401(k) Company matching
- 401(k) Vests on Day 1
- Career development programs
- Charitable donation matching
- Generous paid time off (i.e., vacation, personal holidays, paid sick time)
- Paid Volunteer Hours
- Paid Parental Leave
- Family planning assistance including IVF, surrogacy, and adoption options
- Wellness and mental health resources
- Pet insurance offering
- Childcare Assistance
- Commuter benefits
- A culture based on our values of Act with Integrity, Build Mutual Trust, Take Initiative, and Win Together
We are proud to create a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are grateful for your interest in this position, however, only candidates selected for pre-screening will be contacted.
Location
GGP Chicago - 350 N Orleans Street, Suite 300
Business
Headquartered in Chicago, IL, GGP is a leading retail real estate company with a portfolio of 95+ high-performing retail assets, encompassing over 95 million square feet of space across the United States. As an owner-operator, we’re committed to creating vibrant destinations that bring people and brands together. With a team of 1,200+ employees and a legacy of leadership in retail real estate, we’re shaping the future of the industry by delivering exceptional value to our partners and the communities we serve.
If you’re ready to be a part of our team, we encourage you to apply.
Job Description
The Market Research Analyst supports GGP’s leasing organization by delivering data-driven insights that inform merchandising strategy, retailer outreach, and portfolio positioning. Working under the direction of the Director, Market Research & Analytics, the role analyzes established data sources and summarizes findings for retailer pitches, market analyses, and internal decision-making. The role sits at the intersection of data, storytelling, and leasing strategy. Within 12 months, success is demonstrated by tailored retailer materials, clear analyses that support leasing decisions, and research outputs that are trusted, consistent, and defensible across the organization.
Responsibilities
- Support the leasing and marketing teams by preparing research, analytics and data-driven materials for retailer outreach, leasing decisions, merchandising, and portfolio positioning.
- Assess trade areas, competitors, and broader market conditions to support retailer targeting, merchandising, site positioning, and leasing decisions.
- Compile and organize market and consumer data from established sources, such as mobile location analytics, foot traffic, demographics, psychographics, consumer behavior, and credit card spending, for use in research and performance analyses.
- Prepare research reports, leasing presentations, maps, charts, and data visualizations that communicate trade area strength, customer profiles, market opportunities, and competitive advantages.
- Summarize analytical findings and communicate relevant trends, observations, and supporting data to internal teams and, as directed, external audiences.
- Conduct periodic evaluations of shopping center performance against visitation trends, trade area dynamics, consumer behavior, and relevant market benchmarks.
- Track recurring performance indicators, including traffic, visitation, trade area shifts, and consumer behavior trends, and flag notable changes for review.
- Follow established quality-control practices to maintain data accuracy, consistency, and quality across research reports, presentations, and analytical outputs.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Economics, Business, Analytics, or related field.
- At least 2 years of experience in market research, analytics, or commercial real estate.
- Intermediate proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.
- Intermediate proficiency with GIS tools and spatial analysis.
- Intermediate proficiency with data visualization tools.
- Ability to analyze large datasets into clear, actionable insights with strong attention to detail.
- Intermediate written and verbal communication and storytelling skills, including the ability to explain analytical findings clearly.
- Intermediate project management skills, including ability to manage multiple priorities. Intermediate collaboration skills in cross-functional environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with ArcGIS.
- Experience with PowerBI.
- Familiarity with retail, real estate, or consumer behavior data.
Travel
Occasional travel may be required.
Compensation
Salary type: Exempt
Pay Frequency: Bi-weekly
Annual Base Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000
Annual Bonus Eligibility: 10%
Benefit Information
- Competitive compensation
- Medical, Dental and Vision beginning day 1
- 401(k) Company matching
- 401(k) Vests on Day 1
- Career development programs
- Charitable donation matching
- Generous paid time off (i.e., vacation, personal holidays, paid sick time)
- Paid Volunteer Hours
- Paid Parental Leave
- Family planning assistance including IVF, surrogacy, and adoption options
- Wellness and mental health resources
- Pet insurance offering
- Childcare Assistance
- Commuter benefits
- A culture based on our values of Act with Integrity, Build Mutual Trust, Take Initiative, and Win Together
We are proud to create a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are grateful for your interest in this position, however, only candidates selected for pre-screening will be contacted.
See all 33+ OPT Market Research Analyst Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Market Research Analyst Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Market Research Analyst
Target employers with a history of OPT hires
Companies that have hired OPT students before understand the timeline and paperwork. Search OFLC disclosure data for employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for research analyst roles. Repeat filers are far more likely to sponsor again.
Frame your quantitative skills as a differentiator
Employers hiring for market research value statistical fluency. Highlight experience with SPSS, R, Python, or SQL in your resume. Candidates with hard analytical skills are harder to replace, which strengthens your case for sponsorship when OPT ends.
Apply before your OPT start date if possible
Many employers want analysts who can start within 30 days. Beginning your job search two to three months before OPT begins gives you time to interview, negotiate, and receive an offer without rushing your work authorization paperwork or EAD card timing.
Check whether your degree qualifies for the STEM OPT extension
Degrees in statistics, economics, marketing analytics, or data science often qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer, since STEM eligibility gives employers a longer runway before H-1B visa sponsorship becomes necessary.
Prioritize mid-size companies and research consultancies
Large enterprises often have rigid HR policies, while small startups may lack immigration infrastructure. Mid-size market research firms and consultancies frequently sponsor because they rely heavily on analytical talent and have enough resources to manage the process.
Address OPT directly but briefly in your cover letter
One sentence is enough: state your OPT authorization period and, if applicable, your STEM extension eligibility. Leaving it unstated creates uncertainty. Employers who see a clear timeline can plan around it rather than disqualify you out of caution.
Market Research Analyst OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Market Research Analyst on OPT?
Yes. Market Research Analyst roles qualify for OPT as long as the position is directly related to your degree field. Degrees in marketing, business administration, economics, statistics, or data science all support this connection. Your DSO will confirm the relationship between your degree and the role before authorizing OPT employment.
Does a Market Research Analyst role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you graduated with a degree in statistics, applied mathematics, economics, or a STEM-designated program, and your Market Research Analyst role involves quantitative methods, you likely qualify. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO. STEM extension approval is based on degree classification, not occupation.
How do I find Market Research Analyst jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job seekers. You can browse Market Research Analyst listings filtered to employers open to OPT candidates, so you're not wasting time applying to roles where sponsorship was never on the table. Generic job boards don't filter for work authorization compatibility the way Migrate Mate does.
Do Market Research Analyst employers commonly sponsor H-1B after OPT?
Sponsorship rates vary by employer type. Consulting firms, market research agencies, and large consumer goods companies with dedicated research teams are more likely to sponsor. Employers who invested in training you through OPT have a clear incentive to retain you. Starting a role with documented impact and strong performance reviews significantly improves your sponsorship conversation.
What counts as qualifying work experience for a Market Research Analyst on OPT?
The role must be directly related to your degree. For a Market Research Analyst, this means work involving data collection, analysis, consumer behavior research, or market sizing. Internships, part-time research roles, and project-based consulting can all count. Your employer does not need to be formally approved, but the work must connect clearly to your field of study.