Jeff Repko, Research Expert

Since 1 May 2020, I have been working with great pleasure at DVJ as a Research Expert. Before that, I had the opportunity to try out a job as a researcher and analyst at an agency in Rotterdam. After my studies in International Business Administration in Tilburg, I obtained my Master’s degree in Marketing Management at the University of Rotterdam. There, I discovered my interest in neurological research methods to answer marketing questions and I knew I wanted to continue in that field. So I added a year of psychology in Glasgow (Scotland), where I learned more about speculative cognitive neuroscience. Using research methods to explain human behaviour is something that fascinates me.

At DVJ I get to learn from colleagues and clients, but also during knowledge- and inspiration sessions and case presentations that all colleagues can participate in.

Passion for research

I was already familiar with DVJ Insights. What attracted me most was the intensive cooperation with the University of Groningen and the use of implicit methods, framing the question in such a way that it is not immediately clear what the answer will be. That gives much more insight and value! A researcher is curious (at least I am), and has a real passion for research. You want to uncover the “why”. Why do people click out of an advertisement early and at which moments do people think of your brand? If you know that, you can optimise. You quickly develop a few “rules of thumb” from research for clients and our own research, which also enables you to benchmark well. At DVJ I get to learn from colleagues and clients, but also during knowledge- and inspiration sessions and case presentations that all colleagues can participate in.

Diversity of clients

What makes the work as a research expert so interesting and fun is that you do research and provide insights for so many different cool brands. This includes explaining and predicting consumer behaviour, testing concepts and improving the effectiveness of media campaigns based on pre-tests. But we also do a lot of brand tracking internationally.

I work for Heineken, for instance, and various Unilever brands (Calvé, DOVE, Axe). But also for Zilveren Kruis, another completely different and unique market. You can put a lot of yourself into your projects and the intensive cooperation with the various consultants and the clients makes it challenging and varied. I also enjoy building relationships and I learn a lot by interacting with our consultants who are experts in their field.

It gives me satisfaction that I can help clients with their brand growth, which makes me feel appreciated.

Great responsibility and a fast learning curve

As a Research Expert, you have a lot of responsibility and it is up to you to make the right decisions. It helped me that I already had a year of work experience, but also when you are just starting you can turn to your colleagues with questions or for feedback on your approach or conclusions. It is the discovery and confirmation of whether you are on the right track that makes you learn fast. It gives me satisfaction that I can help clients with their brand growth, which makes me feel appreciated.

What advice would I give to new colleagues?

DVJ is a cool club. Everyone interacts informally and there are no hierarchical boundaries, even though we are getting bigger. On Thursdays, there is always an online pub quiz and we also meet up after work. At other agencies, you often stay a junior researcher for a long time, but at DVJ, you are immediately given responsibility and start working independently. You are never alone, everyone helps each other.