Member Spotlight: Victoria Waldman  

Tell us a little bit about your company:

Our goal at IMA is to cultivate relationships that give us a greater understanding of our customers' business needs so that we can, in turn, provide insightful results that help in decision making.  Our senior level professionals draw on diverse backgrounds and a wealth of professional marketing research knowledge and experience to address our clients' needs.  We consistently provide high quality, customized solutions (qualitative and quantitative) for insight and direction.

How did you get involved with Market Research?

After a few years of doing B-to-B sales, I was looking for a career change.  Because I had always been interested in consumer behavior, I approached several market research firms in NYC to explore the possible career opportunities within that area.  A VP in a small boutique firm was kind enough to grant me an "informational" interview that led to a junior project director position.  I have been conducting primary market research, on both the client and supplier side, since that meeting over ten years ago. 

Why did you join the MRA?

I joined the MRA to build relationships with fellow researchers.  Trying to meet our clients' deadlines sometimes makes it difficult to really get to know the people who help make that possible.  The MRA networking events create a relaxed atmosphere to socialize without the pressures of the current project.

What is your favorite MRA event?

The educational and networking events are a great way to get the POV of someone you don't collaborate with on a daily basis.  The recent social media and market research event, for example, sparked quite a few ideas on how to use social media to augment custom research.

Where would you recommend MRA national holds one of the annual conferences?

I would like to try a less obvious, less densely populated metro area like Burlington, VT or Portland, ME (only if the annual conference remains in the summer, of course!)

Are you a Philadelphia native?

No, I grew up in Morristown, NJ.

What is your favorite Philadelphia area/activity?

I like biking along the Schuylkill Trail.  I love that it's paved, closed to vehicular traffic, and that you can ride your bike from an urban setting to a national park.

What are you hobbies?

I have run five marathons to date.  I have done one triathlon but need to do another.  The swimming portion didn't go so well for me and I can't let that be my only triathlon experience!

Favorite Music:

Everything from Abba to ZZ Top - just kidding!  I do enjoy a variety of music.  Lately the artists I seem to listen to most often include Janelle Monae, Lilly Allen, Mumford & Sons, Barenaked Ladies, and Sarah McLachlan.