Discover your hidden talents! Why not start with marketing? Marketing is the process of planning and executing the conception, pricing, promotion, and distribution of ideas, goods, or services to create exchanges that will satisfy individual and organizational objectives. It’s a field for people who think creatively about getting their message out there to as many people as possible.
Marketing majors may be product research and development; advertising, promotions, public relations; sales management; market research; customer service management; economics forecasting. They are analytical thinkers who can solve problems on the fly with creativity when needed. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit or enjoy problem-solving, this might be the perfect career path for you! This article will guide you through everything you need to know about the marketing primary career path.
Table of Contents
1. What Is Marketing?
Marketing is the process by which organizations create value for customers and clients and manage customer relationships to benefit the organization and its shareholders. Although this definition may also sound very broad, it represents a particular field within the business, where professionals are responsible for many activities, including brand management, product management, pricing strategies, channel management (relationship between sellers and buyers), communications, direct marketing, distribution, promotion and many more.
Marketing majors may be product research and development; advertising, promotions, public relations; sales management; market research; customer service management; economics forecasting. They are analytical thinkers who can solve problems on the fly with creativity when needed.
Marketing professionals are great for creativity, analytical skills, attention to detail, and multitasking capabilities. A marketing major can find employment in various organizations, ranging from small start-ups to huge multinational companies.
2. What Does a Marketing Major Do?
The most obvious task for a marketing major is promoting products and services, usually with the help of advertising, promotions, or sales. However, there are many other responsibilities through which marketing majors contribute to their organization’s success.
Marketing professionals are great for creativity, analytical skills, attention to detail, and multitasking capabilities. A marketing major can find employment in various organizations, ranging from small start-ups to huge multinational companies.
3. What Skills Do I Need to Become a Marketing Major?
Marketing majors need to be detail-oriented and curious, and they should also have a very creative side. They need to be able to prioritize their work tasks and manage time efficiently while still juggling multiple projects simultaneously. Making accurate predictions is something that marketing professionals do regularly, so it would certainly help if you had some knowledge of economics, trends analysis, and statistics.
Businesses worldwide are scrambling to find suitable marketing professionals, so your chances of getting a job may be higher if you have previous experience in the industry or some hands-on training on the side through internships or coaching programs. It may also be worth considering pursuing additional certifications that may give you a competitive edge over someone else.
4. What Can I Do as a Marketing Major?
There are many jobs that you may apply for as a marketing major, and the list above is essential – most companies nowadays rely on various digital and internet-based advertising campaigns, so your creativity will surely come in handy if you decide to work for this type of organization. Here are some other roles that you may consider:
• Social media manager (ensures that messages are delivered correctly to the right people at the right time)
• Digital marketing manager (responsible for online campaigns, including website optimization and email marketing, which means sending messages directly to customers’ inboxes)
• Digital advertising manager (ensures that ads are delivered correctly and that campaigns are reaching their intended target market)
• Marketing research analyst (helps the company make better decisions by using relevant data for future projects, products, etc.)
• Data analysis manager- Marketing majors usually have a lot of freedom to choose the type of work they want to do. They can opt for a more managerial role, focusing on brand management, customer relationships, and possibly investor relations. After all, this is a very flexible field that allows you to take your career in the direction you choose.
5. What Courses Can I Take to Pursue Marketing Major?
Are you thinking about taking up a degree in marketing? If so, then here’s some more information that might be useful:
Bachelors of Science Degree in Marketing – most bachelor programs cover such topics as management principles and practices (e.g., scheduling tasks, conflict resolution), labor relations, accounting, and finance theory, business law, statistics, and research methods (e.g., focus groups, questionnaire), product management and promotion strategies, marketing management (e.g., market analysis, product pricing), etc.
Master’s Degree in Marketing – advanced courses focus on strategy development and implementation, digital marketing and social media marketing, statistical data analysis, etc.
Doctoral Degree in Marketing – you will need to write and defend a dissertation to qualify for this degree.
Online Marketing Courses – the internet is full of free marketing courses that were designed to help students either brush up on their existing knowledge or learn (and master) new skills related to digital content creation, email newsletters, online stores, etc.
6. What Are Marketing Career Prospects?
Thanks to the growing demand for digital marketing experts, your options in this field are practically endless. As mentioned before, online degrees are becoming increasingly popular, so you might want to consider taking a course that will teach you how to create social media campaigns, website design, etc. Most professions in the digital sector require relevant certifications, though, so it might also be worth checking how to get some on the side (e.g., Google Analytics certification).
As for managerial positions, your education will depend on what type of company you plan to work for. If you choose to go down the small business route, then marketing manager jobs may require more practical experience than actual qualifications (although some fields demand advanced degrees, like medicine, law, etc.). More prominent companies (like Google and Facebook) usually require more formal education for managerial positions, though.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ( BLS ), job prospects for all types of marketers are expected to be pretty good, even in times of economic hardship. The BLS predicts that the employment rate for marketing specialists is expected to grow by 16% between 2012 and 2022 – this means that there will be plenty of job opportunities waiting to be filled if you have a degree under your belt.
7. What Are My Career Options after Majoring in Marketing?
Once you’ve earned your marketing degree and begun enjoying a successful career as a marketer, you might want to check out the following list of options:
• Marketing research – if you’re interested in helping companies develop new products and services (in line with cultural trends), then this could be the right job for you. You’ll need to conduct market research and prepare reports on your findings. A degree in marketing is usually required (bachelor’s or master’s), and you’ll also need to gain some industry experience;
• Accounting – you can further specialize in accounting, tax preparation, and auditing by adding a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to your resume. Earning an MBA typically takes two years, but it can be done online or on-campus;
• Budget management – if you want to get involved in directing how company money is spent, then this could be the right career for you. You’ll need some experience working in a similar position before being able to advance up the ladder;
• Business development – you can add value to your company by specializing in business development and helping generate revenue. You’ll need to be outgoing, persuasive, and comfortable dealing with high-profile clients;
• Sales specialist – if you want to take the direct approach, then this could be the right career for you. You’ll need to be able to handle rejection well, though, as the majority of salespeople don’t manage to close a sale on their first attempt.
8. Do Marketing Majors Have any Other Options?
There are plenty of other career paths that a marketing major might be interested in. If you want to get involved with content creation, for example, nothing stops you from taking up a position as a copywriter or editor.
You can also find work in the growing field of online marketing. Internet technology is constantly evolving, and businesses find it increasingly challenging to stay up to date with the latest tools and services. This means that they’re likely to hire a marketing specialist who understands how these different platforms work.
You might also decide to transition into public relations or communications instead. Public relations involves disseminating information about your client’s business activities, while a career in communications is more focused on communicating information in the media effectively.
9. Are Marketing Majors Well Paid?
As a marketing major, it’s understandable that you might be wondering whether marketing degrees are worth all the time and effort that goes into earning them. According to the BLS, marketers can expect to make an average of $72,640 per year – but there is some disparity between salaries for those working in different industry sectors.
• Brand and product managers (responsible for overseeing branding and consumer feedback) can expect to earn around $87,854 annually; marketing directors with several years of experience under their belt can make around $157,868 per year on average; chief marketing officers command an even heftier salary – they should expect to earn roughly $189,700 annually
• Marketing specialists in the software publishing industry can expect to earn an average of $83,510 per year; they’ll need another six years of experience before they can expect to earn more than $100,000 per year
• Marketing managers in the wholesale business are expected to make roughly $120,286 annually on average; marketing directors with several years of experience under their belt should be able to command a salary closer to $137,726 per year
• Marketing managers in the pharmaceutical industry are also well-paid – they’re expected to earn around $111,755 on average; marketing directors should expect to make closer to $170,000 per year
10. How Can I Get Started?
The best way for marketing majors to stand out from the crowd is to complete an internship while you’re still studying – this will help you build your resume, show your enthusiasm and prove your worth as a marketer. You’ll also need a solid understanding of the industry you want to work in. Setting up a blog or website is a good idea, too – it can be used as a portfolio to showcase your digital marketing skills, as well as generate some extra income on the side.
You might also consider enrolling in a marketing degree program where you can learn from industry leaders and up-and-coming marketing specialists. By staying current with industry trends, you’ll have a clear advantage over other job applicants – especially those that choose to enter the workforce after completing a general degree. If you’re thinking of becoming a marketing major, here are some tips to keep in mind:
• Don’t be afraid to think outside the box – you’ll need to do a lot of research to stay on top of your game, so make sure you have plenty of stamina!
• Make use of every service offered by your school – it’s essential to learn as much as possible during your time at university
• Learn how to effectively present your ideas – being able to explain your thought process is essential since you’ll need to justify all of your decisions at work
• Learn how to deal with rejection – not every campaign or idea will be successful. You’ll need to have the self-belief necessary to come up with new and innovative ways to approach problem-solving in the future
• Remember that hard work pays off – if you put in the effort, you’ll be able to impress potential employers with your commitment, ambition, and enthusiasm
11. Top Companies That Hire Marketing Majors
Hiring managers at top companies often look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree. Still, many of them will be willing to hire graduates from other disciplines who have some experience under their belt. Here are some of the top employers that might hire marketing majors:
• McDonald’s – this fast-food giant has outlets all over the world. Their marketing department focuses on building the company’s brand awareness through promotions and advertising campaigns, as well as managing their social media presence
• Walmart – this giant retailer also needs help in the marketing department. As part of an international team, you’ll need to market both in-store and online; focus groups are also used to determine how campaigns can be improved
• Coca-Cola – the company’s marketing department focuses on building relationships with employees and customers. As a marketer, you’ll need to work closely with graphic designers, copywriters, and journalists to improve public communication
• Sony – this global brand needs help from marketers who have experience with inbound marketing, which is focused on in-depth research to expand the company’s customer base.
• Apple – marketers need to be creative when working for this successful company. You’ll need experience with sales promotion campaigns and social media management to stand out from the competition
12. Best Colleges to Study Marketing
If you’re thinking of becoming a marketing major, here are some colleges that might suit your interests:
• Northwestern University offers an excellent Bachelor in Integrated Marketing Communications. This program covers communication strategies and tactics used to engage with consumers on a global scale, as well as introducing students to organizational behavior and ethics
• Arizona State University offers an internationally-recognized Bachelor in Global Marketing. This program focuses on the strategies, tactics, and economics of global marketing. Students are taught how to operate within a complex economic structure while managing their resources effectively
• Michigan State University has one of the largest business schools in the US, providing students with access to many different modules. The school’s Master of Business Administration (Marketing track) is an internationally-recognized program that covers areas such as brand management, market research and planning for effective marketing campaigns
• The Ohio State University offers a wide range of undergraduate business courses through its Fisher College of Business. Its Bachelor in Marketing degree teaches students how to develop creative marketing campaigns while still being able to manage their time effectively
• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a Master in Marketing. This program is incredibly hands-on, with students required to complete three internships throughout the course. Students are also taught how brands can be marketed online, which includes social media management and search engine optimization
13. Some of the Best Online Courses for Marketing
BSc Marketing by Coursera
The Bachelor of Science in Marketing establishes a shared platform of critical information and abilities, laying the groundwork for advanced and independent study. You’ll receive a unique perspective on marketing’s position and function in contemporary society, as well as a worldwide view on how marketing affects different nations and peoples. A variety of themes are available to guarantee that you learn or reinforce a variety of conceptual, technical, quantitative, and personal abilities while also appreciating the broad, interdisciplinary nature of business administration and marketing.
Market Research Specialization by Coursera
In this course, students will learn how to start a research project for a specific business requirement, conduct research using numerous modes and datasets, analyze research data, manage specialist research providers, and offer research recommendations. Learners will develop insights by synthesizing findings across research methods, designing and testing a focus group guide, interpreting focus group results, designing and implementing a survey in Qualtrics, analyzing quantitative data, creating data visualizations in Excel, and developing a presentation of findings with recommendations to stakeholders by the end of the specialization.
Introduction to Marketing by edX
Marketing is an important function in all businesses and organizations, and it is becoming even more important in today’s global economy. This course will teach you essential principles and skills to help you better understand and excel in marketing, regardless of your sector background. Market research and its importance to strategy, brand strategy, pricing, integrated marketing communication, social media strategy, and more are among the main themes covered.
Marketing Essentials by edX
This business and management course will help students bridge the gap between theory and practise. Marketing is one of today’s most misunderstood managerial disciplines. It is usually used as a synonym for shopping activities, however, it encompasses much more than just selling a thing. Furthermore, many people assume they are marketing experts since they have spent their entire life shopping for various goods and being exposed to numerous advertisements.
You will learn the theories of marketing via practice in this beginning marketing course (examples and illustrations). This course will establish the basis for your route to excellence in the beautiful world of marketing by explaining what marketing management is all about in simple terms.
Social Media Marketing MASTERY | Learn Ads on 10+ Platforms by Udemy
This Udemy course is a must-have for everyone who wants to be successful with social media marketing. You’ll discover the concepts and methods that work for us and that we’ve successfully used to create high-converting ads for over 500 businesses and clients! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google, YouTube, LinkedIn, Tumblr, WordPress, Blogger… we’ve got you covered with this top-rated course for social media marketing! Stop wasting money on adverts that you don’t need. Finally, get rid of paid online marketing! All marketers and business owners need to know how to optimize their social media accounts. Take action now and start learning social media marketing on 10+ platforms!
Facebook Ads & Facebook Marketing MASTERY 2022 | Coursenvy by Udemy
This course will teach you all you need to know about Facebook marketing, from beginner to advanced! We go through every component of Facebook including the Facebook Ads Manager in detail. Learn how to use and optimize every form of Facebook campaign, custom audience, and pixel… the things you’ll learn about Facebook are simply incredible and will help you grow your online presence right away!
Conclusion
Marketing is a versatile field that can lead to many different career paths. Whether you want to work for a large corporation or start your own business, a marketing degree can give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful. We’ve outlined some of the most common career paths for marketing majors, but there are many other options available. With a bit of creativity and determination, you can find the perfect job in marketing that fits your interests and skillset. What are you waiting for? Start exploring today!
