What Can I Do with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing?
July 22, 2012
•Marketing, Business
• 1 Comments
The education system in the United States seems like an easy to navigate system with concise steps. After students finish their secondary education they are expected, in most cases, to move on and earn a post-secondary education from a college or university. After choosing a major, the expectation is that most will pursue a job or lifelong career based upon the knowledge gained from their degree program.
For some it is not always that simple however. Some students choose a degree not fully understanding how it can be used upon, and well after graduation. For those struggling to wrap their heads around just how Bachelor of Marketing degree can be used there is hope. An extremely versatile program, a Bachelor of Marketing degree can lead students into a variety of different career fields upon graduation [investopedia].
Many students look to a marketing degree with little understanding of what exactly their specific job fields could be. Marketing is a very unique and diverse field, and the flexibility of a marketing degree reflects that. Students can find future employment in fields including marketing, sales, retail merchandising, advertising, and public relations. What a student does with their Bachelor of Marketing degree is really up to them.
Many jobs in the modern day marketing industry require prospective employees to possess at least a Bachelor of Marketing degree. The following careers are a few examples of positions available to those who have just completed a Bachelor’s degree program [BLS.Gov]:
- Market Research Analyst: Market research analysts study market conditions in local, regional, or national areas to examine potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and what price. Market research analysts need strong math and analytical skills. Most need at least a bachelor’s degree, and top research positions often require a master's degree.
- Public Relations Specialist: A Bachelor's degree, and occasionally some work experience, is a must for this position. Management roles may require additional experience. Public relations managers and specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for their employer or client. They write material for media releases, plan and direct public relations programs, and raise funds for their organizations.
- Sales Representative: Although there is no uniform hiring code for this position, most employers look for applicants with a Bachelor’s degree. Individuals need to be comfortable dealing with the public in this role as their sole job is to sell products to customers on behalf of manufacturers and wholesalers.
With just a few years of experience in the positions mentioned above, or other positions, an individual could become eligible for consideration for management roles. A promotion to management brings with additional professional responsibilities, and even new opportunities.
Although the economic crisis that gripped the world hasn’t shown signs of abating just yet, there are future possiblities for those individuals holding a Bachelor of Marketing degree. Data from the BLS shows that marketing, promotions, and advertising management related careers are expected to grow 14% between 2010 and 2020 at the national level. These are national statistics and conditions in your area may vary.
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Sources:
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm
http://www.investopedia.com/articles/financialcareers/11/marketing-careers.asp#axzz21065JK5n
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Management/Public-relations-managers-and-specialists.htm
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Sales/Wholesale-and-manufacturing-sales-representatives.htm