Marketing jobs are projected to grow due to increased business transactions.
Marketing is a diverse field that includes advertising, corporate communications, promotions, social media and public relations. Typically, students with marketing degrees can become generalists or specialize in a specific area of marketing. The job outlook is positive for marketing students graduating and entering the job market between 2008 and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs for marketing professionals are projected to grow by 12 percent through 2018. However, overall job growth for marketing, advertising, promotions, PR and sales management professionals is expected to grow 13 percent during the same period.
Function
The responsibilities of marketing coordinators, specialists, managers and directors differ according to company size, industry and experience level. While some marketing professionals create content for sales or organize events, others develop press releases for publicity and analyze trends and market developments. College graduates with marketing degrees can become market research analysts, media planners, marketing communications managers, web content specialists or advertising account executives. Marketing majors can also enter industries as varied as manufacturing and information technology, accounting and entertainment.
Education
Marketing programs at colleges and universities teach students about branding, advertising, sales promotion, personal selling, retail buying and market research. It is also common for marketing majors to hold internships with companies and nonprofit organizations to acquire work experience and hands-on job training. While students can learn practical skills through classroom projects, internships or volunteer positions with marketing companies allow them to observe and shadow experienced employees in a workplace setting. Formal internship experience also helps marketing students network with industry professionals and improve their chances of obtaining a full-time position after graduation.
Salary
Most entry-level marketing positions start at the assistant or coordinator level. Marketing coordinators with zero to two years of experience earned an median salary of $49,566, reported Salary.com in 2011. As marketing professionals gain additional experience, they can advance into managerial roles. Marketing managers with at least seven years of experience earned a median salary of $86,256 per year. At the director level and beyond, marketing graduates can expect average salaries as high as $120,070 during their careers, according to a May 2009 BLS report.
Potential
Graduates with marketing degrees should focus on building their educational and professional credentials to position themselves competitively in the job market. Candidates with college degrees, advanced computer skills and a high level of creativity should receive the best job opportunities, reports the BLS. In addition, marketing graduates should possess the ability to learn and adapt to different marketing campaigns and new trends. Promotional opportunities will also be available for specialists who have professional certifications, participate in management training programs, and obtain advanced degrees in marketing or business management.
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