Fine blog below; the articulate, diligent Sarah Schmidt (I recommend you follow her!) gathers multiple points of view on the role of Research Analyst.
imo one surprise is how many times you see the same sentiments echoed.
Analysts are talented people and, over the next few years, the industry needs many more of them. Have you got what it takes? If so, the jobs will be there!
http://blog.marketresearch.com/the-market-research-analyst-role-an-inside-perspective