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Marketing has quickly become an interdisciplinary career path in
the business industry, and a marketing degree can open up many
doors in advertising, media, and sales industries. Marketing
degrees are built upon a wide range of subjects including market
analysis, advertising, public relations, and brand management.
While the scope of marketing degree programs is large, many
graduates who complete a business degree in marketing can choose
to focus on a few key areas throughout their educational career.
Certificates and specialized classes are available through
various online marketing degree programs, and these may help to
accelerate learning at any level. Promotional strategies, brand
management, and public relations are all critical areas for
companies in today's global marketplace and a solid marketing
education can help students succeed in a rewarding career.
Why Earn a Marketing Degree?
Earning a marketing degree can offer many opportunities in a variety of fields
in the business industry. These include:
While specialization is not required, a concentration can help create a more
versatile and flexible course of study. Some of the most attractive marketing
career specializations include areas such as:
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Entrepreneurial marketing
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Logistics
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Physical distribution of advertising
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Multinational marketing and management
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Global branding
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Nonprofit marketing
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Consumer behavior and psychology
What Does a Marketing Career Involve?
Marketing careers offer a variety of attractive opportunities in networking,
sales, brand management, leadership, and communications roles. Many marketers
learn how to act and perform as leading representatives of their company and
brand, while others branch out and develop marketing companies and consultancies
of their own. Since marketing careers are so diverse, the skill set assumed in
most positions is well-suited for students with multiple strengths and talents.
Some positions require extensive travel for training and presentations, while
others focus heavily on networking with other leaders in the business community
and attending events on a company's behalf. Public relations managers,
advertising executives, product managers, and sales representatives are all
examples of marketing careers in this competitive business industry.
Career Options With a Business Degree in Marketing
A business degree in marketing can lead to a number of positions in the field of
advertising, public relations, market research, or statistical analysis. Job
opportunities after completing a marketing course or marketing degree program
include:
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Product Manager
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Non-profit Marketing Manager or Marketing Associate
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Market Research Consultant
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Public Relations Executive
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Advertising Representative
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Sales Manager
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Market Research Analyst
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Territory Manager
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Buyer
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Public Relations Specialist
Marketing Careers: Skills, Knowledge, and Training
A successful career in marketing requires at least an associates marketing
degree, but a bachelor's business degree in marketing is quickly becoming the
minimum standard. Since the marketplace is so competitive, employers are looking
for graduates with a solid marketing education, along with the necessary work
experience to move beyond entry-level sales and administrative positions. From
pitching products to creating new ways to sell a brand, a marketing career
offers a variety of options for strong students. Those who can work well under
pressure, can apply key analytical and problem-solving skills to business
models, and who can employ strategic thinking to develop new plans will have the
most success in their field. Additional skills needed for a successful marketing
career include:
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Strong communication and technical skills
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Ability to coordinate multiple projects and think ‘out of the box' for
creative ideas
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Brainstorming and strategizing
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Composure under deadlines and working cooperatively with multiple departments
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Ability to work with different personalities
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A basic understanding of global market competition and international business
procedures
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Statistics and analysis skills
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Product development, promotion, and web marketing abilities
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Strong sales and negotiating skills
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Self motivated and flexible
An internship can significantly increase the chances of success in a marketing
career, and is best completed while taking marketing courses, or after
graduating with a marketing degree. These can help students gain hands-on
training for positions beyond an entry-level role as they enter the competitive
job marketplace, and many managers, buyers, and public relations executives look
for employees who have significant experience in their field. Along with a solid
marketing education, students need to demonstrate key skills and expertise,
along with references from different employers.
Marketing Programs, Courses and Completing a Marketing Education
Marketing programs are available at the associates, bachelor's, and masters
degree level at most colleges and universities, and completing a marketing
education over the internet makes it simple to complete any or all of these
levels with ease. A marketing education is comprised of courses such as:
Pursuing an Online Marketing Degree
An online marketing degree program offers flexibility with a busy
schedule, and additional options for those interested in completing their
marketing education while working full or part-time. This is a valuable
opportunity for students who are looking for ways to take a marketing course on
a part-time basis, or even just returning to school after a break in their
marketing education or career path. An online marketing degree offers a very
similar curriculum and course format as a campus-based education, but focuses on
communication and learning over the internet. Online marketing degree students
can collaborate on projects with other students halfway around the country, or
learn from a lecture broadcast at a leading research unit or campus across the
world. The innovations in technology make online learning very valuable for
independent learners, and those who prefer to work at their own pace. It also
equips students with the strong internet research skills and training in a
variety of web-based platforms.
Employment Prospects and Career Outlook for Marketing Careers
With a rapidly growing economy and increasing needs for skilled
professionals, marketing careers are becoming more and more competitive.
Employment in the areas of advertising, marketing, public relations, and sales
is expected to increase faster than average for all occupations through 2014,
especially with the growth in internet marketing and global competition. Many
marketing professionals also choose to open their own businesses and work as
independent consultants on a freelance basis. This allows them the flexibility
to work with a variety of companies and take on various projects throughout
their career.
Growth and salaries vary by industry, but the median annual
earnings were $63,610 for advertising and promotion managers, $84,220 for sales
managers and $70,000 for public relations managers in 2004. Marketing managers
earned an average of $87,640 in the same year. Rates for independent consultants
vary depending on skills, knowledge, and references.
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