Marketing is a very diverse area which includes many aspects of management.  A person with skills in communications and the ability to work with people may be interested in the sales and/or advertising area.  On the other hand, the person with quantitative skills may become involved in marketing research.  Many areas of marketing lack the precision involved in an area such as accounting.  Decisions are difficult because of the uncertainty of consumer or market behavior.

Marketing involves the transfer of products or services from an organization to the consumer.  This process encompasses such things as market research, product planning, sales forecasting, packaging, advertising, distribution, pricing, and sales.  Since marketing is concerned with meeting the needs of the consumer (the basic concern of all business), concentration in this area provides a good background for a number of business career paths (including small business).  Marketing is also an increasingly relevant preparation for careers in non-profit organizations such as museums and hospitals.

WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL JOB TITLES IN THE FIELD OF MARKETING?

Manufacturing

Sales representative, market research analyst, product or brand manager, freight and traffic manager, public relations manager, sales promotion manager, and international marketing.

Retailing

Store manager, buyer, and credit manager.

Advertising Agencies

Advertising research analyst, copywriter, or account executive.

HOW MANY JOBS ARE EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE IN THE AREA OF MARKETING?

The demand for managers is expected to increase rapidly during the next decade, especially in the area of marketing research, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  In appraising and planning for marketing environments, managers depend on researchers for information and advice.

Many entry-level jobs are available in the area of sales which can provide opportunities to advance to management positions.  Many companies offer a training program in management for select persons showing basic interest and skill in the area of marketing.

Other companies may hire only into a general trainee position, preferring to provide general training to new managerial employees.  Therefore, it may be necessary to work in various positions before moving into the area of marketing.