Graduate Program Associate

At a glance: 

• Location – Chicago, USA
• 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 Programme in our Commercial function designed to give you invaluable hands-on experience in both Account Executive and Sales Analyst roles, providing a solid foundation for your career in-house. This unique rotational programme offers you the opportunity to experience two six-month placements across YouGov’s Account Management and New Business Teams. 

During your time as a graduate program associate in the Account Management team, your core objective is to support an Account Director on building a strong client partnership across a set of identified accounts. The Account Management team focuses on achieving sales targets through renewals, cross-selling, and upselling. In this role, you’ll learn how to prospect new contacts, uncover new business opportunities, create content engagement pieces, learn the basics for Customer Relationship Management tools, and engage with clients directly. You’ll get hands on experience learning commercial strategies for increasing sales and negotiation tactics, along with learning the soft-skills of building repertoire with clients and confidence with speaking to VP/C-Suite Executives.   

During your time as a graduate program associate in the New Business team, you will be focusing on our Syndicated Products, including BrandIndex and Profiles. As a Sales Analyst, you will play a critical role in supporting the New Business departments by leveraging your analytical and PowerPoint expertise. You will be responsible for building impactful PowerPoint decks, creating engaging email campaigns, and conducting insightful data analysis to drive business growth and enhance client relationships. This role has also been a proven starting point for promotion and upward mobility across YouGov’s greater commercial team. 

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

Account Management Key Responsibilities: 

• Prospect new contacts to uncover new business opportunities  
• Learn how to write contracts  
• Help with pipeline forecasting  
• Join client calls to learn about business opportunities  
• Learn pricing strategies and negotiation tactics  

New Business Key Responsibilities: 

• Develop visually compelling and data-driven PowerPoint presentations to showcase the value and capabilities of YouGov Syndicated Products.  
• Collaborate with the New Business departments to craft engaging and effective email campaigns to drive client engagement and generate new business opportunities.  
• Conduct in-depth data analysis using YouGov Syndicated Products, extracting key insights and trends to provide strategic recommendations to the Sales team.  
• Support the Sales team in preparing client proposals, ensuring accuracy and alignment with client needs.  
• Support the Sales team by directly supporting client product trials and proof of concept/ROI analysis  
• Maintain and update sales collateral, ensuring it is current, relevant, and aligned with the company's brand standards.  
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Marketing and Product, to gather insights and optimize sales processes and materials.  
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, competitive landscape, and client needs to identify opportunities for product enhancements and sales growth.  

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

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field.  
• Interest in sales/commercial roles for career development 
• Strong proficiency in PowerPoint, with a demonstrated ability to create visually impactful presentations.  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex information to both internal teams and clients.  
• Analytical mindset and proficiency in data analysis tools, with the ability to derive actionable insights from large datasets.  
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.  
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.                                            

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

• 1+ years of experience in sales operations, business analysis, or a similar role  
• Familiarity with market research, syndicated products, or the consumer insights industry is a plus     
• Competency with data analysis   
• Strong public speaking   

What to expect from the hiring process: 

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

Graduate Programme Overview: 

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

• 12-Month Development Programme: 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 programme 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. 

• Paid vacation, holidays and sick days
• Flexible working arrangement available
• Group medical, dental and vision insurance
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) with company match

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