Jared
How hard is it to get a career in marketing that isn't sales?
I'm considering a career in marketing because I'm fascinated by the relationship between consumers and the market. However, I'm not keen on working a commission based sales job, which is what a lot of people tell me what a marketing degree leads to.
#marketing
4 answers
Sarah Koenig
Sarah’s Answer
Hi there! I began my career in a marketing department and have never really seen my role as a sales job! I have had the opportunity to present creative ideas, write communications, help design programs. I would suggest looking for an internship with a retailer (gap, whole foods, etc) or a brand (nike, kelloggs, etc) that would give you more traditional marketing experience.
Nina Purro
Nina’s Answer
Hi Jared!
This is a great question - there has always been a huge divide between marketing and sales, and building strong marketing and sales alignment is key to any company.
There are some marketing roles that are more sales facing, in which it could be beneficial to have seen the sales side of things (think Product Marketing). But, there are so many marketing jobs that don't require sales experience. Jobs such as Marketing Communications, Social Media Marketing, Digital Marketing. There are a lot of companies that offer internships in these areas, so I think it would be helpful to look for internships in those areas, if you are looking to stay away from sales!
Kim Gravell
Kim’s Answer
Hi Jared
That is a really important distinction that you make between marketing and sales. While they are often linked closely to one another there remains a very important separation of functions that is imperative to a marketer's ability to remain neutral and open to market expansion and innovation. In my experience, the best way to maintain a marketing-centered focus is to specialize in certain marketing functions that enhance the sales process, but remain distinctively marketing. But, you must always remain diligent in how it enhances the sales process. A few examples would be market research, strategic marketing, product or service management, and innovation.
Kim recommends the following next steps:
Chris Beasley
Chris’s Answer
This is a great question. As your looking to find a career in marketing that isn’t sales take time to analyze the company’s job description. The job description will give you a clear understanding of the job responsibilities and requirements. You can then discern if the job is more sales or marketing to find the best fit for you.
I would ask a lot of questions if the job description is vague or talks in platitudes. If you looking to avoid a sales job and bring your marketing skills to the forefront call the job recruiter. A lot of sites will tell you who you are sending the job application to, so give them a call with a list of specific questions. This will be a quick and valuable way to see if the job has what you are looking for.
You mentioned you are “fascinated by the relationship between consumers and the market.”, I can see why. As you are exploring opportunities, these areas of marketing will be a good avenue for your interests, content marketing, inbound marketing, voice marketing, and buzz marketing. All these marketing areas will let you dive deep into understand the customer and how your efforts will inform and engage the customer.
One last thought, network. Utilize marketing resource networks and associations to expand your reach. Here are five good marketing associations to look into: American Marketing Association, Sales and Marketing Executives International, eMarketing Association, and Social Media Club.
All these associations can provide you with contacts and possibly a mentor to help guide you in your marketing career. Good luck Jared on your marketing endeavors!