Marketing has become a very crucial part of any business and it is because we have marketers that we get to know about the existence of new products and services. However, most people have little or no knowledge about marketing and what careers one can make in marketing.
It is because of this set of people and those intending to study marketing that we’re writing this article.
Therefore, if you’ve ever wondered what careers are in marketing this article is for you.
The article will carefully discuss the various career paths one can choose as a marketer.
According to US marketing Statista, The United States is the largest advertising market in the world, with ad spending amounting to 242.54 billion U.S. dollars in 2020.
This is over 100% above what was spent the previous year which its annual marketing data spend was 12.3 billion dollars.
It’s easy to understand why the US would spend so much on marketing, it’s because they understand its values and the results therein.
Introduction:
Marketing is the action or business of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising.
Marketing has become the soul of every business. Whether small, medium, or a fortune 100 company, everyone needs one form of marketing or the other.
And because these companies need various kinds of marketers to meet their marketing needs, the global marketing industry has evolved to what we have now.
Today we have content marketing, digital, and even social media marketing, and they all have their various tactics and outcomes when applied.
And as day breaks, its importance in all business endeavors continues to compound.
The importance of marketing cannot be overemphasized as it’s at the center of all business endeavors.
Before looking at those marketing career paths, below is a brief definition of marketing.
You too can get a marketing degree at your own pace and time check out: Top 15 Cheap Online Master’s and MBA in Marketing Degree Programs
What Is Marketing?
The American Marketing Association’s definition of marketing keeps changing as it’s usually reviewed to suit the newest trends in the marketing industry.
Therefore, the definition below represents their view of what marketing currently is. And, the definition was approved in 2017 and will be the definition of marketing until its reviewed.
Hence, marketing according to the American Marketing Association is the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large. (Approved 2017)
From this definition, it’s easy to deduce that marketing refers to all the channels used by an institution to make the existence of a new product or service know to the members of the public.
The product in this case might also be an old product that has been re-branded or repackaged to meet certain industry standards.
Other definition of marketing includes offering/associating a lifestyle that relates itself to the brand/product. It’s also about creating a lifestyle for its buyers where they attach themselves with a brand/product on their daily basis subconsciously.
What this means is that marketing doesn’t necessarily speak about selling its product (s). It speaks about what you gain by associating yourself with the product.
Additionally, marketing doesn’t speak about the products their benefits. It rather talks about the benefits it adds to your lifestyle.
What Does Marketers Do?
Marketers are responsible for promoting a company and the product and services it sells.
They typically organize and implement both inbound and outbound promotional campaigns that raise awareness of a brand.
They also use marketing tactics to convince consumers to make a purchase from a company.
Top Ten Marketable Careers In Marketing
Over the years, marketing as a concept has evolved (and it will continue to do so), and this gave birth to various kinds of marketing.
Additionally, technological advancements have greatly improved marketing strategies and concepts thereby further evolving marketing.
This said let’s take a look at some marketing careers.
#1. Digital Marketing
Digital marketing refers to marketing through digital channels like search engines, websites, email, and mobile apps.
In the last 30 years, the rise of the internet, smartphones, and big data has completely changed the way companies market and promote their products and services … and, in turn, created many new marketing careers.
#2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Specialist
Search engine optimization refers to organically optimizing web content to be indexed by search engines and easily found by your audience. This type of marketing involves paying for advertising space on said search engines.
SEO, SEM, and their ever-changing trends have become such an influential part of online marketing that people are specializing in it — and companies are hiring for it, too.
The responsibilities of an SEO specialist include improving the ranking of a website on a search engine results page (SERP), conducting keyword research, making technical SEO recommendations and designing the site architecture, and analyzing and applying metrics on website and keyword performance.
The responsibilities of an SEM specialist include leveraging search engines like Google and Bing to increase website visits, conversions, and revenue through paid advertisements.
The skills and qualifications required of both SEO and SEM specialists include experience interpreting and applying analytics, the ability to manage and allocate a marketing budget, the ability to read and apply website and search analytics, proficiency in Google AdWords and Google Analytics, and knowledge of search engine trends and news.
SEO specialists make between $34,000 and $64,000. SEM specialists make between $36,000 and $67,000.
Get a marketing degree at a cheap rate read: 21 Most Affordable Online Marketing Degrees
#3. Email Marketer
Email as a marketing medium may seem more traditional, but its effect is far from dead. This type of marketing utilizes a single channel to reach current and potential customers through creatively written emails and digital promotions.
The responsibilities of an email marketer include creating emails that recipients not only open but also engage with.
Furthermore, they work to increase revenue and sales through digital marketing. They also grow and segment email lists, read and analyze data to optimize promotions and open rates.
The skills and qualifications required of email marketers include proficiency in email marketing and tracking programs, excellent creative communication and design skills, HTML, and data analysis and interpretation.
Email marketers make between $40,000 and $69,000.
#4. Growth Marketer
Growth hacking as it’s called refers to marketing that targets the entire funnel, and not just the top few tiers.
They prioritize both customer success and customer acquisition because they understand that retention is important.
Growth marketers work with a variety of media and teams, including but not limited to SEO and SEM, social media, PR, and email.
Because of this, the responsibilities of growth marketers can range from A/B testing to conversion funnel optimization to content creation and user experience design.
Growth hackers are required to be innovative and creative, and to have qualitative and quantitative problem-solving skills.
They must also have a varying knowledge of digital marketing systems, and experience interpreting and applying data.
Growth marketers make between $46,000 and $146,000.
#5. Content Marketing
While this might be a part of digital marketing, seeing that it’s carried out online, its career path is getting broader and, therefore, deserves a separate mention.
Content Marketing
Content marketing refers to marketing via long-form content, websites, blogs, and even audio and video content.
The responsibilities of a content marketer include strategizing and executing content creation and delivery. It also includes tracking metrics that influence content strategy and managing a team of writers, designers, and strategists.
The skills and qualifications required of a content marketer include strong writing and editing skills, proficiency with content creation and management tools, project management, and experience in online audience growth.
Content marketers make between $36,000 and $81,000.
#5. Graphic Designer
Graphic design is a subset of content marketing that focuses more on the visual appeal of web and print content. They typically work on website design, ad designs, and any graphics or images used in marketing or promotions.
The responsibilities of a graphic designer include creating any visuals used in marketing materials or campaigns, both print and digital.
Some graphic designers work on corporate identity and establish how a company will visually communicate its overall message and brand.
#6. Social Media Marketer
This is another new marketing avenue that’s paved the way for its own specialists and experts. This involves leveraging on social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to promote a company and its products and services as well as connect with its audience in new and authentic ways.
The responsibilities of social media marketers include managing a company’s social presence, monitoring the online conversation, organizing customer service through social media, creating content for social channels, and staying up-to-date on social media trends and news.
To be an excellent social media marketer, you must be proficient in all social channels and must have good verbal and digital communication skills.
Additionally, an SM marketer must be creative and have an innovative approach to digital marketing.
He she must also be proficient , and experienced in public relations or public brand management.
Social media marketers make between $35,000 and $81,000.
If you’re In the UK check this out: Best 10 Online Digital Marketing Degree in UK, 2020
#7. Brand/Product Manager
Brand managers oversee all aspects of marketing a product or service. They usually begin their careers as assistants, market research analysts, sales representatives, or trainees in development programs before earning an MBA.
Marketing majors have the knowledge of marketing research, advertising, and product development that is required for this role.
Highly developed analytical skills are necessary to evaluate consumer trends and research related to a product. Brand managers select and direct other departments or contractors that conduct research, media planning, and advertising regarding their brands.
Presentation and persuasive skills are critical when pitching budgets and other product proposals to executives at a firm.
Salary: Glassdoor reports that brand managers make an average annual salary of $89,823.
#8. Sales Representative
The goal of all marketing enterprises is to increase sales of products or services. There are many sales jobs available, and these positions can serve as an excellent springboard for careers in other areas of marketing.
Marketing majors learn to assess the preferences of consumers. They also refine the verbal and presentation skills needed to make effective sales pitches.
Marketing majors with a competitive nature, outgoing personality, and capacity to bounce back from failure, will be well suited for sales jobs like sales representatives.
Salary: PayScale reports that sales representatives earn an average annual salary of $48,321.
#9. Influencer Marketing
According to the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), influencer marketing focuses on leveraging individuals who have influence over potential buyers and orienting marketing activities around these individuals to drive a brand message to the larger market.
In influencer marketing, rather than marketing directly to a large group of consumers, a brand inspires or compensates influencers (which can include celebrities, content creators, customer advocates, and employees) to get the word out on their behalf.
This in recent times has been proven to be very effective, and as long as the social media era sphere continues to bloom, Influencer marketing will continue to thrive.
#10. Event Marketing
Company-run events are a popular way to interact with and entertain potential customers and clients. Events bring together your community, delight your customers, and put a friendly face to a brand name — especially for B2B marketers. For this reason, companies need event marketers.
The responsibilities of an event marketer/manager include organizing and promoting events, creating messaging, designing and organizing marketing campaigns, connecting with audience members, and managing a team of marketers.]
The skills and qualifications required of event marketers/managers include excellent digital and written communication skills, willingness to work under pressure and on deadlines, and high-level negotiation and organizational skills.
Event marketers make between $37,000 and $77,000.
Best Marketing Schools
While looking to get a marketing degree, it’s important you look for the best school that offers such programs.
Doing so will give you the best experience and prepare you for whatever career you might want to pursue in marketing.
For this purpose, we will be listing some of the institutions with the best marketing program. This listing is inspired by the QS world ranking of best marketing universities.
To get the rest of the universities click the button below.
How Much Does Marketers Earn In The U.S?
An average marketer according to Indeed.com earns $4,227 every month. This amounts to an annual salary of $50,724.
However, it’s important to note that this is not a fixed earning, as the earning can differ from one company to another, and from one city to another.
The salary can also be affected by the type of marketing services the person renders. For example, an influencer marketer might be earning higher than a behind-the-desk marketer. However, this might be dependent on the person’s role or level in his or her organization.
Top 5 Companies For Marketers In United States
| Company | Earning |
|---|---|
| Renatus | $12,845 |
| $10,730 | |
| Kaleo Marketing | $8,355 |
| Discover Financial Services | $7,462 |
| AstraZeneca | $7,351 |
Top 5 Cities For Marketers In United States
| City | Earnings |
|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | $6,420 |
| New York State | $6,6161 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $5,611 |
| Atlanta, GA | $4,917 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $4,726 |
How to Get a Marketing Job
Getting a marketing job might be complicated, but it’s not impossible. There are a few things you can do to ensure you’re applying for the right jobs and promoting the best version of yourself in the process.
Figure Out What Type Of Role You Want.
Before opening a job application, you must figure out what type of marketing job you want.
Do yourself (and your potential employers) a favor and perform some self-analysis before deciding which jobs to pursue.
Review the jobs we’ve described above and research others that spark your interest. Take a look at how marketing impacts your day-to-day life and see which components intrigue you.
Make a list of what you’d like to do in your role. Like:
Determining what kind of marketing jobs interest you will give you much more clarity in your job search and will help you decipher which specific roles best match your interests and skills.
Find jobs matching your interests.
There are a few ways to go about finding marketing jobs. First, throw your search query in Google. If you’ve decided you’d like to design marketing materials for a company, search “marketing design jobs” or “graphic design marketing jobs” and see what comes up.
Second, check out job board sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and SimplyHired. These sites aggregate available jobs and make it easy to set filters for salary, location, company size, and more. They also include suggested jobs in the search results so you can easily discover related roles.
Lastly, check out available jobs on company websites. If you’ve discovered a few companies for which you’d love to work, go to their websites directly and see what kind of roles they have listed.
Also, some roles might have different names at different companies and might not come up in common search results on job boards. For example, a “blogger” at one company might be referred to as a “content creator” at another.
Review job descriptions.
Once you’ve found a few open jobs to which you’d like to apply, take a close look at the job descriptions. This is when you’ll compare your list of “likes” from earlier to the terms in the job descriptions.
From my list above, I’d look for words like “writing,” “editing,” “content creation,” “research,” and more. This process will help you find the best-fit roles, which will, in turn, increase the likelihood of securing an interview — and the job.
Market yourself.
Outside of a job application, cover letter, and interview, there are other ways to boost your chances as an applicant. As a marketing candidate, you must be able to market yourself. In fact, your “marketability” speaks volumes to companies and managers, sometimes more so than your application material.
As you search for and apply to jobs, make sure your digital presence is spotless.
Review your LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social channels and ensure they all promote the same message and self-image. Google your own name and make sure all results reflect positively on you.
Also, depending on what roles (s) you’re pursuing, consider creating a portfolio or sample of your marketing chops.
If you’d like to find a position in social media, create some sample posts to include in your application. If you’re pursuing a public relations role, build a contingency plan to discuss in your interview.
These steps will help you stand out from the crowd of marketing applicants and will skyrocket your chances of landing the job.
Finally,
There are numerous career paths available for marketers, understanding the one that best suits you will determine your success in such area.
While this article might not have exhaustively discussed all career paths, it highlighted the top ten careers in marketing and how to secure the jobs.
Before taking any particular lane consider the responsibilities attached to it and consider if it’s something you’re passionate about.