Why A Degree In Marketing
According to Philip Kotler and Kevin Keller, "Marketing is the process of planning and executing the conception, pricing, promotion, and distribution (4 Ps) of ideas, goods and services to create exchanges (with customers) that satisfy individual and organizational objectives. A degree in marketing may be the beginning of a promising career in the fields of sales and marketing management, advertisement, and market research analysis. The life of a marketing professional may not be easy in terms of duties, roles and long work hours, but the pay is promising.
Sales Managers
Sales managers are the leaders of business organizations' sales teams. They develop training programs, set sales goals, and analyze numbers for the organization's sales team. They are employed by retail and wholesale traders, manufacturers, and finance and insurance companies. A majority of sales managers hold a bachelor's degree in marketing, economics, management, or business administration. These degrees are now available through online degree programs offered by accredited universities and colleges. Graduates with work experience may earn as much as $100,000 annually. In 2010, there were more than 300,000 sales managers in the United States, and their numbers are expected to grow in the coming years according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Marketing, Promotions, and Advertising Managers
Marketing, promotions, and advertising managers generate market for a particular good or service. They work with an organization's finance team, sales agents, and art directors to accomplish their task. A majority of marketing, promotions, and advertising managers hold a bachelor's degree in marketing, journalism, or advertisement. Those with the following qualities have a better chance to excel in the field:
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Management skills
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Interpersonal skills
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Decision-making skills
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Creativity
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Analytical skills
The BLS predicts job growth rate of 14 percent, which is faster than the average for all other professions. In 2010, marketing, promotions, and advertising managers earned in excess of $100,000 annually (median salary).
Market Research Analysts
Market research analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a service or product. They help companies and manufacturers understand consumer trends, demands, and needs. The BLS predicts a 41 percent job growth rate for this field between 2010 and 2020. A typical market research analyst holds a bachelor's degree in marketing or market research. Some employers may demand a master's degree in marketing or a Master of Business Administration (MBA). These degrees may be earned through online degree programs, and they cater to a wide variety of students and professionals, unlike traditional degrees through on-campus programs.
Online Marketing Degree Programs
An online marketing degree is ideal for students who cannot attend marketing classes on campus. Taught through internet resources, various online marketing degree programs are preparing thousands for promising careers in different fields of marketing. These online classes and programs are great for:
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Students who are looking for cost-effective courses and degree programs in marketing.
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Students who cannot commute to the campus.
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Older students who may prefer to study independently, and from the comfort of home.
Online degrees are now more accepted as equal to degrees earned through traditional on-campus programs by employers. If you are looking to advance your career while keeping your full-time job, an online degree program may be right for you.