14 answers
Taylor
Student
Morrisville, Pennsylvania
2
Questions
Asked
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What Careers Can You Have With A Bachelors Degree in Marketing?
Hello! I am a transfer student currently transferring to West Chester in the fall. All online though :(
I will be studying marketing and am wondering what types of jobs I could thrive in as a marketing student. #Marketing #JULY20
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14 answers
Michael Ainslie
Senior Community Manager
4
Answers
Bloomington, Illinois
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Taylor!
One of the marvelous things about a career in marketing is the wild array of opportunities it offers a professional. Most companies, both profit and non-profits, need some kind of marketing activities. Being a marketer is kind of being like a chameleon, you can move from field to field within your professional background, but be doing entirely different jobs -- that's one of the big appeals of the field!
I started in leisure marketing, then tourism, and then online communities -- you can really take this path into any industry that interests you.
One of the marvelous things about a career in marketing is the wild array of opportunities it offers a professional. Most companies, both profit and non-profits, need some kind of marketing activities. Being a marketer is kind of being like a chameleon, you can move from field to field within your professional background, but be doing entirely different jobs -- that's one of the big appeals of the field!
I started in leisure marketing, then tourism, and then online communities -- you can really take this path into any industry that interests you.
Amanda Tan
Demand Generation Specialist
4
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Hey Taylor,
Another aspect you can consider is if you prefer B2C or B2B marketing, and that depends on your interest! For me, I have been in the B2B scene and I enjoy the process of working with the Sales folks to figure out what are their pain points with clients, and coming up with marketing strategies to help solve.
Another role you can consider (maybe when covid gets better), is revenue management in the hotel or airline industry. If you like marketing, numbers and the travel industry, this would be a perfect fit. This role aims to increase occupancy and room/seat rate to increase overall revenue. By doing so, you will have to analyse past data, forecast trends and work with the marketing team to come up with strategies/offers to help fill the room/seats.
All the best!
Another aspect you can consider is if you prefer B2C or B2B marketing, and that depends on your interest! For me, I have been in the B2B scene and I enjoy the process of working with the Sales folks to figure out what are their pain points with clients, and coming up with marketing strategies to help solve.
Another role you can consider (maybe when covid gets better), is revenue management in the hotel or airline industry. If you like marketing, numbers and the travel industry, this would be a perfect fit. This role aims to increase occupancy and room/seat rate to increase overall revenue. By doing so, you will have to analyse past data, forecast trends and work with the marketing team to come up with strategies/offers to help fill the room/seats.
All the best!
Erica Chun
Shopper Marketing
3
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Erica’s Answer
Hi Taylor,
As many others have mentioned, you have a wide variety of career options with a marketing degree. I currently work at a shopper advertising agency but have worked at a brand agency in the past. I have worked as an account manager and have shared some tidbits below, but also included details on account planning as that may help guide your decision if you decide to go into an agency role.
Account managers focus on the ins and outs of a specific brand. They understand the client's brand just as if it were their own business and help serve as the strategic liaison between the client and the rest of the agency team ( digital, creative, planning). For entry level account managers, your day-to-day entails managing tactical execution from start to finish. That includes briefing the team, creative reviews, proofing, trafficking creative, and managing critical admin notes for the team such as project statuses. Critical skills for this job include strong attention to detail, organization, clear communication skills, and people skills. You have to communicate with a lot of different teams so having the soft skills to read the room and read the group is very important.
Account planners focus on the bigger picture and look at the category as a whole. So for example if your client is a soda brand, you will look at the beverage category as a whole. Account planners will look at the target markets, media consumption, competitive research, and look at broader trends within the category. If you would like to go into account planning be prepared to do a lot of research and analyze large data sets. A successful account planner is organized and is great at synthesizing large amounts of data into succinct chunks of information.
Email someone who does your dream job to ask for “an informational interview” if you would like to know more
Read job descriptions from at least 4 different companies to see if you are interested in the career
Read relevant articles/follow relevant influencers in your field to see if it makes you excited
As many others have mentioned, you have a wide variety of career options with a marketing degree. I currently work at a shopper advertising agency but have worked at a brand agency in the past. I have worked as an account manager and have shared some tidbits below, but also included details on account planning as that may help guide your decision if you decide to go into an agency role.
Account managers focus on the ins and outs of a specific brand. They understand the client's brand just as if it were their own business and help serve as the strategic liaison between the client and the rest of the agency team ( digital, creative, planning). For entry level account managers, your day-to-day entails managing tactical execution from start to finish. That includes briefing the team, creative reviews, proofing, trafficking creative, and managing critical admin notes for the team such as project statuses. Critical skills for this job include strong attention to detail, organization, clear communication skills, and people skills. You have to communicate with a lot of different teams so having the soft skills to read the room and read the group is very important.
Account planners focus on the bigger picture and look at the category as a whole. So for example if your client is a soda brand, you will look at the beverage category as a whole. Account planners will look at the target markets, media consumption, competitive research, and look at broader trends within the category. If you would like to go into account planning be prepared to do a lot of research and analyze large data sets. A successful account planner is organized and is great at synthesizing large amounts of data into succinct chunks of information.
Erica recommends the following next steps:
Chauntia Elmore, MBA, MA.ED.
Marketing Support Assistant
5
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Chauntia’s Answer
I currently work in marketing. I am a marketing specialist; this is an entry level position; therefore, they will accept at least one year's experience or some form of education beyond high school. You can do many things with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. Here are the following jobs in my department alone: Sales Executive, Account Management, Business Development Manager, Marketing Director, and Business Analyst. It is just all up to you which line of work that you are seeking such as health insurance, freight management, and so on. I hope this helps!
Joe Clifford
Product Data Manager
8
Answers
Canby, Oregon
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Having a Marketing bachelors degree opens a lot of doors for opportunity for your future. Marketing and sales drives a business or organization to success and growth. Marketing can involve advertising, public relations, social media, and promotions where all are designed to reach customers to persuade them to buy your product or service. Many entry roles can be offered through various organizations to help drive more sales and growth including: marketing coordinators, marketing analysts, public relations coordinators, social media analysts, etc. Eventually, you will have enough experience where you can attempt to go after manager roles in these areas that you like. You can build your resume with paid as well as volunteer opportunities to gain your experience to position you for your great opportunity.
I graduated with a Communications degree and a Marketing Minor, where I was not able to reach a Marketing Coordinator position until my 3rd role at my 3rd employer out of college. It was touch for me since I did not have any prior marketing experience on my resume. If you can do an internship or volunteer at an organization doing marketing duties, that should position you for better opportunities to based on your experience to compliment your bachelors degree.
Best of luck!
I graduated with a Communications degree and a Marketing Minor, where I was not able to reach a Marketing Coordinator position until my 3rd role at my 3rd employer out of college. It was touch for me since I did not have any prior marketing experience on my resume. If you can do an internship or volunteer at an organization doing marketing duties, that should position you for better opportunities to based on your experience to compliment your bachelors degree.
Best of luck!
Jennifer Gruninger
North America Field Marketing
4
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Taylor!
With a bachelors in Marketing, you can take on many different roles. This degree is very versatile.
Here are a few that we have at my company in the Marketing and Communications departments:
- Marketing Coordinator
- Marketing Data Analyst
- Communications Coordinator
- Project Coordinator
- Event Coordinator
- PR Analyst/Coordinator/Associate
With a bachelors in Marketing, you can take on many different roles. This degree is very versatile.
Here are a few that we have at my company in the Marketing and Communications departments:
- Marketing Coordinator
- Marketing Data Analyst
- Communications Coordinator
- Project Coordinator
- Event Coordinator
- PR Analyst/Coordinator/Associate
Joshua Farrand
Training
3
Answers
Wayne, Michigan
Updated
Joshua’s Answer
Hi Taylor,
My bachelor's degree is in marketing so let me just tell you a bit about what I do. I currently work within a broad marketing department and my role focuses on supporting training programs for external and internal colleagues. In this role I handle things like content development, podcast development, project management, learning management system administration, internal/external marketing communication for new and existing courses, webinar support, and occasionally video, photo, and audio editing.
Keep in mind, as others have said, marketing is quite broad and you can go in many different directions with a marketing degree. Take the time to narrow down which area of marketing you're most interested in, begin learning more about this area in greater detail, and work on getting some experience in this area. I may also recommend requesting a job shadow with someone in a role you're interested in, and exploring multiple different areas within marketing.
Best of luck!
My bachelor's degree is in marketing so let me just tell you a bit about what I do. I currently work within a broad marketing department and my role focuses on supporting training programs for external and internal colleagues. In this role I handle things like content development, podcast development, project management, learning management system administration, internal/external marketing communication for new and existing courses, webinar support, and occasionally video, photo, and audio editing.
Keep in mind, as others have said, marketing is quite broad and you can go in many different directions with a marketing degree. Take the time to narrow down which area of marketing you're most interested in, begin learning more about this area in greater detail, and work on getting some experience in this area. I may also recommend requesting a job shadow with someone in a role you're interested in, and exploring multiple different areas within marketing.
Best of luck!
Jackie Post
Digital Marketing
6
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Jackie’s Answer
Hi Taylor!
A degree in marketing does not limit yourself, there are a lot of different paths you can take. You could look at advertising/media/brand agencies, look for associate roles at a brand you admire, go into sales, account management, and more. I started my career at a TV network, moved to a media agency and now work brand side.
My suggestion would be to find something you love (other than marketing) and see if you can get your foot in the door that way. Otherwise, an agency really opens the door to different paths you could take, especially if you don't know exactly what you want to do.
Feel free to reach out if you want to connect more.
A degree in marketing does not limit yourself, there are a lot of different paths you can take. You could look at advertising/media/brand agencies, look for associate roles at a brand you admire, go into sales, account management, and more. I started my career at a TV network, moved to a media agency and now work brand side.
My suggestion would be to find something you love (other than marketing) and see if you can get your foot in the door that way. Otherwise, an agency really opens the door to different paths you could take, especially if you don't know exactly what you want to do.
Feel free to reach out if you want to connect more.
Anny Woo
Strategist
34
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Anny’s Answer
Hi, Taylor
There are many possible career paths in marketing. They include:
- Market research - develop and execute research, communicate results
- Account management - maintain and grow relationships, lead business and manage project scope
- Brand planning/strategy - analyze where the brand has been and recommend where the brand should go, and how to do this
- Media planning - determine where to communicate a brand message based on audience objectives
- Product development - create new products to solve business problems or to respond to unmet consumer needs
The areas you select will depend on your capabilities and areas of interest.
There are many possible career paths in marketing. They include:
- Market research - develop and execute research, communicate results
- Account management - maintain and grow relationships, lead business and manage project scope
- Brand planning/strategy - analyze where the brand has been and recommend where the brand should go, and how to do this
- Media planning - determine where to communicate a brand message based on audience objectives
- Product development - create new products to solve business problems or to respond to unmet consumer needs
The areas you select will depend on your capabilities and areas of interest.
Danny Parr
Management Consulting
4
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Danny’s Answer
Hi Taylor,
Great question! I majored in Economics but a great way to leverage your Marketing degree is for a job in Management Consulting. It's a fantastic place to start learning and developing professional skills since the projects often varied and you get lots of direct feedback. Many big consulting firms are impersonal and work their employees too hard, so I recommend finding a smaller organization that can devote attention to your career development and give you opportunities to shine. Reach out if you have any further questions!
Research consulting firms in your area
Get an internship with a consulting firm to try it out
Practice your communications and problem-solving skills whenever you can
Great question! I majored in Economics but a great way to leverage your Marketing degree is for a job in Management Consulting. It's a fantastic place to start learning and developing professional skills since the projects often varied and you get lots of direct feedback. Many big consulting firms are impersonal and work their employees too hard, so I recommend finding a smaller organization that can devote attention to your career development and give you opportunities to shine. Reach out if you have any further questions!
Danny recommends the following next steps:
Candy Collins
Senior Member Marketing Manager
2
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Candy’s Answer
Hi, Taylor!
Don't forget about Product Marketing. This is an exciting role that really jump-started my career.
It can mean a lot of different things as it's still a relatively new role in the tech world. But basically you get to sit between Product and Marketing and Sales Enablement to create the messaging and positioning the company uses to describe your products and services. You're also the voice of the customer in many ways. It's your responsibility to do the research to know what the customer needs and help guide the company's roadmap accordingly. It's very rewarding and there's a lot of opportunity for growth.
Best of luck!
Candy
Don't forget about Product Marketing. This is an exciting role that really jump-started my career.
It can mean a lot of different things as it's still a relatively new role in the tech world. But basically you get to sit between Product and Marketing and Sales Enablement to create the messaging and positioning the company uses to describe your products and services. You're also the voice of the customer in many ways. It's your responsibility to do the research to know what the customer needs and help guide the company's roadmap accordingly. It's very rewarding and there's a lot of opportunity for growth.
Best of luck!
Candy
Amy Stevens
Associate Creative Director
4
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Hi Taylor,
A Marketing degree is very versatile. You can apply for many entry-level marketing jobs with corporations both large and small. You can also apply for jobs in advertising agencies, market research firms, branding agencies, public relations firms, and the list goes on. You really have a lot of doors open to you with a marketing degree. What aspects of your classes do you like best? I suggest starting there to pinpoint the types of things you're most interested in. From there you can start looking online for types of jobs that exist. I also think that creating a LinkedIn profile and searching jobs on that site would be a good way to expose yourself to the types of companies you may want to apply to, to connect with recruiters at those companies, and begin to build a professional network. So much of getting a job is about who knows you and can vouch for you or recommend you.
Do you have any remote internship options available? Does your college's career center have resources that can help you build a resume?
You may have already thought about all of these things, but if you haven't, I hope they help. Feel free to reach out with any more questions!
-Amy
A Marketing degree is very versatile. You can apply for many entry-level marketing jobs with corporations both large and small. You can also apply for jobs in advertising agencies, market research firms, branding agencies, public relations firms, and the list goes on. You really have a lot of doors open to you with a marketing degree. What aspects of your classes do you like best? I suggest starting there to pinpoint the types of things you're most interested in. From there you can start looking online for types of jobs that exist. I also think that creating a LinkedIn profile and searching jobs on that site would be a good way to expose yourself to the types of companies you may want to apply to, to connect with recruiters at those companies, and begin to build a professional network. So much of getting a job is about who knows you and can vouch for you or recommend you.
Do you have any remote internship options available? Does your college's career center have resources that can help you build a resume?
You may have already thought about all of these things, but if you haven't, I hope they help. Feel free to reach out with any more questions!
-Amy
Ashley Westfall-Crawford
5
Answers
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Hi Taylor!
I think your interest in the marketing industry is an exiciting one. Marketing is very broad which allows for many cross-training opportunities, especailly once you're in the field.
To start, I would recommend figuring out which specific part of marketing you're most interested in. Is it the insights / consumer behvior / data side of building a plan? Or is it account management, where you are responsible for managing and building relationships with specific clients to understanding their goals and objecives? Or is it the creative part where you help to bring campaigns and content to life via concepting, design, production, ad shoots, etc.
No matter which part you're most interested in, it's always a good idea to have a high-level understanding of each element, as well as the WHY behind it all.
Also, since marketing includes a product or service, it touches upon all of the other industries as well, so I'd suggest identifying a sub-industry you're interested in so you can determine where the two interests intersect. For example, you know you want to get into marketing. But do you want to get into marketing music, restaurants, sports, travel, video games, toys, movies or healthcare products? Knowing WHAT you'd be passionate about marketing will ensure you start on the right path. And even as your interests change over the course of your career, you will still have the foundational marketing skills to take to a different service or product industry.
Wishing you the best of luck. This is an exiciting time in your life, where the whole world is before you.
Spend some time researching the different roles in the marketing industry to determine which excites you the most.
Identify three sub-categories of products or services you would be excited to market (music, travel,fashion lines, pharmaceuticals, etc.)
Look up real-world examples of people who are in those roles and begin to build your network.
I think your interest in the marketing industry is an exiciting one. Marketing is very broad which allows for many cross-training opportunities, especailly once you're in the field.
To start, I would recommend figuring out which specific part of marketing you're most interested in. Is it the insights / consumer behvior / data side of building a plan? Or is it account management, where you are responsible for managing and building relationships with specific clients to understanding their goals and objecives? Or is it the creative part where you help to bring campaigns and content to life via concepting, design, production, ad shoots, etc.
No matter which part you're most interested in, it's always a good idea to have a high-level understanding of each element, as well as the WHY behind it all.
Also, since marketing includes a product or service, it touches upon all of the other industries as well, so I'd suggest identifying a sub-industry you're interested in so you can determine where the two interests intersect. For example, you know you want to get into marketing. But do you want to get into marketing music, restaurants, sports, travel, video games, toys, movies or healthcare products? Knowing WHAT you'd be passionate about marketing will ensure you start on the right path. And even as your interests change over the course of your career, you will still have the foundational marketing skills to take to a different service or product industry.
Wishing you the best of luck. This is an exiciting time in your life, where the whole world is before you.
Ashley recommends the following next steps:
Chris Sims
BPO Consultant
2
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Chris’s Answer
Hi Taylor,
Congratulations on entering the wonderful world of marketing. As you've probably seen the marketing as a career can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. It can be anything from Brand Management, Product Management, Sales, Advertising, Pricing, Consulting, and much more. The answer to this questions is around the point you made of "where you can thrive".
First step here looking at what do you enjoy most about marketing ? If you don't know the answer to this question, then I would make the suggestion of reaching out to people either in your personal or professional network that work in some form of Marketing to get a true sense of what they do. Getting real world examples may help you align to the right career section in marketing. It also might be a great way to connect with a mentor that can help provide some ideas as you continue to navigate your career.
This approach might also help you identify intership opportunities or position you to find a new role upon graduation.
I've personally spent the last 12+ years of my life in some form of marketing so please feel free to reach out if you have any questions and I'm happy to connect you with someone if I can't help.
Best of Luck,
Chris
Congratulations on entering the wonderful world of marketing. As you've probably seen the marketing as a career can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. It can be anything from Brand Management, Product Management, Sales, Advertising, Pricing, Consulting, and much more. The answer to this questions is around the point you made of "where you can thrive".
First step here looking at what do you enjoy most about marketing ? If you don't know the answer to this question, then I would make the suggestion of reaching out to people either in your personal or professional network that work in some form of Marketing to get a true sense of what they do. Getting real world examples may help you align to the right career section in marketing. It also might be a great way to connect with a mentor that can help provide some ideas as you continue to navigate your career.
This approach might also help you identify intership opportunities or position you to find a new role upon graduation.
I've personally spent the last 12+ years of my life in some form of marketing so please feel free to reach out if you have any questions and I'm happy to connect you with someone if I can't help.
Best of Luck,
Chris