Some marketing assistants are responsible for putting together spreadsheets and sales reports.
Before starting their marketing careers, college students acquire work experience as interns in corporations, non-profits and advertising and public relations agencies. Having previous work experience--even as an intern--improves candidates' chances for landing entry-level marketing jobs that require computer skills and knowledge of common industry practices and marketing principles. Entry-level marketing professionals usually start off as a marketing assistant or coordinator before progressing to more senior-level roles.
Function
Because entry-level marketing roles are usually assigned to professionals who have recently graduated from college, duties range from data entry to answering and screening client phone calls. Entry-level marketing professionals shadow marketing managers and specialists, conduct market research, update client contact databases and ship materials to client events and trade shows. Some marketing assistants also support sales teams and generate sales revenue and team status reports. Other duties include proofreading marketing publications, ordering promotional items from external vendors and researching venues for internal and external meetings.
Education
Most employers prefer that candidates applying for entry-level marketing positions possess a bachelor's degree in either marketing, communications studies, advertising or a related major. The curriculum for marketing students includes classes on marketing communications, creative writing, economics, statistics, consumer behavior, financial accounting and public speaking. As marketing assistants advance in their careers, professionals can opt to earn a master's degree or MBA to qualify for more senior-level positions.
Skills
Marketing assistants, coordinators and other entry level professionals should have excellent written, oral and interpersonal communications skills. It is common for these professionals to interact with multiple personalities, roles and departments when working on an event or project. Strong computer skills and knowledge of spreadsheet, work processing, presentation and email applications are a requirement in most marketing positions. Moreover, candidates must be analytical, curious, creative and detail-oriented.
Salary
According to PayScale, the average salary range for marketing assistants in the U.S. fell between $29,635 and $39,999 in June 2010. Average bonuses for the position ranged from $488.20 to $2,022. Indeed.com reports that the average salary for marketing coordinators was $44,000 in June 2010.
Potential
Marketing professionals starting off in entr- level marketing jobs positions should have favorable job prospects, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment of marketing professionals will increase 12 percent through 2018. According to the BLS report, "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition," economic expansion and globalization will drive demand for marketing workers who can creatively position and market their company's products and services in the marketplace. Furthermore, entry-level workers who continue to gain experience and technology skills will have the best job opportunities during the 2008 to 2018 decade.
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