Marketing Careers

Sales and Promotion

• For-profit and nonprofit organizations
• Product and service organizations
• Manufacturers
• Financial companies
• Insurance companies
• Print and electronic media outlets
• Software and technology companies
• internet companies
• Consulting firms

• Obtain experience through internships or summer and part-time jobs.
• Seek leadership positions in campus organizations.
• Work for the campus newspaper, directory, or radio station selling advertisements.
• Become highly motivated and well-organized.
• Develop a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
• To deliver effective customer service, develop problem solving skills, self-confidence, assertiveness, and empathy.
• Learn to work well under pressure and to be comfortable in a competitive environment.
• Be prepared to work independently and to be self-motivated. Plan to work irregular and/or long hours.
• Learn to communicate effectively with a wide range of people. Take additional courses in interpersonal communication and public speaking.
• Develop strong persuasion skills and learn how to build relationships.
• Some areas of sales, such as pharmaceuticals, require at least one to two years of a proven record in outside sales. Be prepared to start in a different industry before getting a job in pharmaceuticals.

Brand/Product Management

• Consumer products corporations
• Some service providers
• Some industrial goods

• Plan on pursuing an MBA for most brand or product management positions.
• Demonstrate the following characteristics: entrepreneurship, results orientation, and creativity.
• Develop strong interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills. Learn to work well on crossfunctional teams.
• Obtain a broad background in advertising, research, consumer behavior, and strategy.
• Review a list of Accredited Online MBA programs.

Market Research

• Large corporations
• Marketing research firms
• Public institutions concerning health, education, and transportation
• Management consulting firms
• Advertising agencies
• Manufacturers
• Retailers
• Trade and industry associations
• Government agencies
• Nonprofit organizations

• Develop good interpersonal skills and effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills are critical.
• Build a solid background in statistics, mathematics, and behavioral science.
• Learn how to use databases and other marketingrelevant software programs.
• Get involved with a professor’s research project or pursue an independent study to learn about the research process.
• Gain experience with data entry or interviewing through part-time jobs or internships.
• Plan on obtaining an advanced degree in business or statistics to qualify for more positions. Graduates with bachelor’s degrees may qualify for entry level positions such as junior or associate analysts.

Retail

• Special merchandisers:
  • Single-line stores
  • Limited-line stores
  • Specialty stores
• General merchandisers:
  • Department stores
  • Variety stores
• Mass merchandisers:
  • Discount stores
  • Grocery stores
  • Superstores
  • Warehouse stores

• Obtain retail experience through summer, part-time, or internship positions.
• Present a consistent, pleasant, and service-oriented image to customers.
• Develop leadership ability and customer service skills.
• Demonstrate ability to work well under stressful conditions and as part of a team.
• Gain knowledge of the process of merchandise flow, an overview of signing, pricing, and presentation, and the ability to plan, organize, and lead.
• Develop ability to communicate in a concise manner.
• Be prepared to start as a management trainee before advancing to other positions.
• Plan to work long and irregular hours, particularly during the holiday season.
• When working for large chains, be willing to relocate to advance your career.

Purchasing/Procurement

• Local, state, and federal government
• Large corporations
• Educational institutions
• Hospitals

• Obtain excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Develop strong computer and technology skills.
• Supplement curriculum with courses in logistics and purchasing.
• For federal government positions, become familiar with the federal application process.
• Maintain a high grade point average and plan to complete an internship.

Banking

• Commercial banks
• Credit unions
• Savings and loan associations
• Savings banks
• Financial services institutions

• Develop good analytical skills and sales ability.
• Supplement curriculum with additional courses in finance and accounting.
• Obtain part-time employment or internship in a bank.
• Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills in order to work well with a variety of clientele.
• Earn an MBA to qualify for positions in investment banking.
• Review a list of Accredited Online MBA programs.

Insurance

• Insurance firms
• Banks

• Complete an internship with an insurance agency.
• Talk to professionals in the industry to learn more about claims, underwriting, and risk management. Many entry-level positions exist in these areas.
• Initiative and sales ability are necessary to be a successful agent or broker.
• Develop strong communication skills as many positions require interaction with others and the ability to explain information clearly and concisely.

Real Estate

• Real estate brokers
• Banks
• Appraisal firms
• Apartment and condominium complexes
• Developers
• Large corporations: real estate departments

• Obtain sales experience through part-time, summer, or internship positions.
• Research the process of becoming a real estate broker through the National Association of Realtors.
• Develop an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Research apprenticeships in appraisal.