If you enjoy analyzing consumer behavior and developing innovative strategies to promote products or services, then pursuing a degree in marketing could be a good choice for you. Marketing is a dynamic field that offers many exciting opportunities for graduates with the right skills and qualifications.
In 2021, the average salary for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is around $133,380 annually — making it one of the most attractive and highly-paid careers for marketing graduates. However, this salary may fluctuate depending on your role, your employer, your work experience, and your education. Let’s explore what a marketing degree entails, the various jobs you can pursue and how you can reach this career in the future.
What Is a Marketing Degree?
A degree in marketing provides students with a thorough grasp of marketing principles, strategies and techniques. Courses included in the degree typically cover a diverse array of topics, such as market research, consumer behavior, advertising, branding, digital marketing, public relations and sales. This degree provides graduates with versatile skills and knowledge to navigate the ever-changing marketing industry and succeed in their businesses.
Best Marketing Degree Jobs for Graduates
There are several career paths available to those with a marketing degree, each with varying responsibilities depending on your education and experience. From entry-level roles to more senior positions there is something for everyone — no matter their work experience. Some popular marketing major jobs include:
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts are the detectives of the marketing world. They collect and analyze data to identify market trends, consumer preferences and competitor strategies. With this information, they offer significant input that aids companies in making informed decisions regarding product development, pricing and marketing strategies.
In terms of salary, this field can expect a competitive income. As of 2021, market research analysts had an average yearly wage of $63,920, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job outlook looks promising, with a projected growth rate of 19% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average growth in all occupations.
Brand Manager
Brand managers are responsible for shaping and maintaining a company’s image. To do this, they typically plan and oversee marketing campaigns and brand strategies. They also match a brand’s messaging across different channels.
When it comes to salary, brand managers often enjoy competitive compensation. Glassdoor reports the average annual wage for brand managers in the United States is around $81,875. The job outlook for brand managers remains steady, with opportunities available across various industries. Companies understand the importance of establishing a strong brand presence, making brand management an integral part of their marketing strategies.
Social Media Manager
Social media has become crucial in marketing, especially in the digital age. Social media managers are responsible for crafting and implementing strategies, curating appealing content, and establishing and maintaining digital communities. Additionally, they oversee trending topics, scrutinize data and modify tactics to optimize audience outreach and participation.
The salary range for social media managers is flexible and can differ based on their experience level and where they work. As per Zippia, social media managers in the United States earn an average yearly income of around $52,613. Moreover, the employment opportunities for social media managers appear optimistic, as there is expected to be an 8 percent rise in job openings between 2018 and 2028.
Advertising Account Executive
Advertising account executives act as liaisons between advertising agencies and clients. They collaborate with consumers to understand their marketing objectives, develop advertising campaigns and ensure timely and successful execution.
Those who pursue this career path can expect to receive a good salary. Zippia reports that the median yearly salary of an advertising account executive is $62,123, but this amount may differ based on their level of experience and the area they work in.
Digital Marketing Specialist
The demand for digital marketing specialists grows as the world becomes increasingly tech-dependent. These professionals promote businesses through online marketing channels like SEO, PPC advertising, content marketing and email marketing. They also analyze data, improve campaigns and use digital tools to enhance customer engagement.
Regarding salary, digital marketing specialists typically earn a competitive income. According to Zippia, the average yearly wage for this job is around $60,359. The job outlook for digital marketing specialists is also promising, with a projected growth rate of 20 percent from 2018 to 2028. As more businesses recognize the importance of establishing a strong online presence, the demand for skilled digital marketing professionals continues to rise.
Event Planner
Event planners use their marketing skills to organize and execute successful events. They work closely with clients to understand their goals, develop event strategies, manage budgets, coordinate logistics and promote events to target audiences.
Focusing on event planning can be a great career choice for marketing graduates. According to the BLS, the median yearly wage for event planners was $49,470 as of 2021 — although not the highest-paid role, it is a rewarding job and can lead to many great opportunities. The job outlook is positive, with an 18 percent increase in employment projected from 2021 to 2031.
Public Relations Specialist
Public relations (PR) specialists manage a company’s public image by building relationships with media outlets, influencers and the general public. They craft press releases, organize media events, handle crisis communications and develop PR campaigns to enhance brand reputation.
Dedicating your career to public relations can be an excellent option. The median annual wage for PR specialists was $62,800 as of 2021, according to the BLS report. This profession is also expected to grow by 8 percent from 2021 to 2031 — providing plenty of opportunities for marketing professionals looking to excel in this field.
There are multiple career paths open to graduates with a marketing degree. If they demonstrate dedication and work hard, there are endless possibilities for success.
How to Obtain a Marketing Degree
If you want to pursue a career in marketing, you will need to earn a marketing degree from an accredited institution that provides a well-rounded education and hands-on experience. Here are some important steps to consider:
- Choose a suitable program: Consider factors such as a comprehensive marketing curriculum, faculty expertise, industry partnerships, internships and alumni networks.
- Complete the required coursework: Marketing courses will cover a wide range of subjects such as marketing principles, consumer behavior, market research, sales and more. Additionally, business, communication, statistics and psychology coursework can be beneficial to become successful in this field.
- Gain practical experience: Internships, co-op programs or part-time jobs in marketing-related roles can significantly enhance your resume and provide valuable industry exposure. Seek internships with reputable companies or volunteer for marketing initiatives in nonprofit organizations to gain hands-on experience and develop your skills.
- Build a professional network: Attend industry events, join marketing associations or clubs, and connect with professionals in the field. Building a strong network can lead to mentorship opportunities, job referrals and a deeper understanding of the marketing industry.
Understanding the various career opportunities in marketing and following the steps above can create a solid foundation for achieving long-term professional success.
Skills Marketing Majors Need
No matter what marketing care you choose, you’ll need a blend of technical, analytical and interpersonal skills to thrive in your career. Typically, you can build most of your skills through various courses you take in your program or through work experience. Here are some essential skills to focus on for any marketing major:
- Creativity: Marketing requires thinking outside the box and developing innovative strategies to capture the attention of target audiences. Creativity helps marketers design engaging campaigns and generate fresh ideas that differentiate brands.
- Analytical skills: Strong analytical skills enable marketers to make data-driven decisions, interpret market research findings, measure campaign performance and identify opportunities for improvement. They’ll also need to be proficient in specific data analytic tools to derive actionable insights.
- Communication and presentation skills: Articulating ideas, writing compelling copy and delivering persuasive presentations are crucial skills for marketing professionals. Strong interpersonal skills also facilitate collaboration with team members, clients and stakeholders.
- Digital fluency: Marketing graduates must be digitally fluent to stay competitive in the job market. This requires proficiency in various digital tools such as social media platforms, web analytics and SEO techniques as technology continues to shape the marketing industry.
From market research analysts to digital marketing specialists, the marketing field offers diverse roles with promising salary expectations and job outlooks. You can carve out a successful and rewarding career in the dynamic marketing world by obtaining a marketing degree, honing essential skills and staying ahead of industry trends.
Source:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Marketing Research Analysts”
Workable, “Brand Manager job description”
Glassdoor, “How much does a Brand Manager make?”
Indeed.com, “How To Become a Social Media Manager”
Zippia, “Marketing/Social Media Manager Projected Growth In The United States”
Zippia, “ Advertising Account Executive salary”
Zippia, “Digital Marketing Specialist Projected Growth In The United States”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Public Relations Specialists”