Marketing managers plan and design the promotion of a product or service. Specialists in the field understand consumer behavior and build advertising campaigns designed to catch an audience's attention. The marketing management major provides a broad education in communications, merchandising and business regulations. Graduates of these programs work in purchasing, customer relations and promotions, to name a few.
An associate degree program offers a foundation in marketing theories and concepts; you will learn the promotional and advertising techniques employed in multiple industries. The bachelor's degree program provides a deeper understanding of the field through courses that emphasize the analysis of business administration concepts.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) revealed that advertising sales agents and marketing managers could expect job growth of 13-14% from 2010-2020, while retail buyers could expect a 7% increase in job growth for the same time period (www.bls.gov).
An associate degree program can prepare you for entry-level careers in demonstration, promotion and advertising. Schools design their programs to offer a basic understanding of market research, advertising and digital marketing. You may choose from a specialization in industrial sales and marketing or advertising. Marketing requires creativity and solid communication skills; programs place emphasis on creative development and integrated communications. You can expect to take courses in psychology that examine human behavior in the context of buying habits.
Online degree programs exist and some schools provide training through a complete online experience. Completing this degree can take 18 to 24 months, depending on your schedule. Distance-education programs usually offer coursework similar to traditional options. Some schools design courses that transfer to a bachelor's degree program and the curriculum accommodates working professionals.
Take internship opportunities at sales or marketing firms. Gaining experience during your time in school offers the ability to apply your training immediately and consult with your instructors if you have questions about the complexities of sales or marketing.
Enroll in customer service classes. If your college offers elective courses in customer service representative - also known as CSR - training, consider enrolling to increase your interaction skills.
The bachelor's degree program expands the marketing management education to include product management, distribution and strategic marketing. Schools design programs to deliver training in advanced communication, data analysis and finance. Some schools offer an accelerated degree program that requires applicants to have already earned an associate degree. You can find employment in fields like marketing management, market analysis or business development. Many universities offer enriching campus-based programs, including marketing competitions or access to student chapters of marketing associations.
The bachelor's degree program may require major preparatory coursework in addition to core and general education courses. You may also take a capstone course and marketing electives to round out the roughly 120 credits required by the program. Some schools require a combination of advanced training, guided marketing classes and free electives. You will take courses in marketing principles, strategic management, sales and distribution management, business finance, brand management, business law and international business.
The online bachelor's degree program is usually designed for working professionals or people running their own business. Similarly to campus-based programs, online programs require roughly 120 credits in courses. You will study accounting and finance, marketing and communication, business law, ethics and economics. Some schools deliver their online programs in a non-credit format and require the completion of assessments to determine your progress. Keep in mind, this structure may be best suited to those with substantial work experience in the marketing field.
Take an internship in the industry that interests you. For example, if you want to work in retail, take an internship in a retailer's marketing department. Employers prefer to hire candidates with experience and a proven record of accomplishment.