Marketing has become a crucial part of any business, and it is because we have marketers that we learn about the existence of new products and services. However, most people have little or no knowledge about marketing and what careers one can make.
We’re writing this article because of this set of people and those intending to study marketing.
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 for 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 2023.
This is over 100% above what was spent the previous year, and its annual marketing data spent 12.3 billion dollars.
It’s easy to understand why the US would spend so much on marketing because they know its values and results.
Table of contents
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 Fortune 100 companies, 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 into what we have now.
Today we have content marketing, digital, and even social media marketing, which has 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 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 report was approved in 2017 and will be the definition of marketing until its reviewed.
Hence, according to the American Marketing Association, marketing is the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society. (Approved 2017)
From this definition, it’s easy to deduce that marketing refers to all the channels used by an institution to make a new product or service known 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 specific industry standards.
Another definition of marketing includes offering/associating a lifestyle related to the brand/product. It’s also about creating a lifestyle for its buyers where they attach themselves to a brand/product daily subconsciously.
This means marketing doesn’t necessarily speak about selling its product (s). It talks about what you gain by associating yourself with the product.
Additionally, marketing doesn’t speak about the products and their benefits. It instead talks about the benefits it adds to your lifestyle.
What Do Marketers Do?
Marketers are responsible for promoting a company and its products and services.
They typically organize and implement inbound and outbound promotional campaigns that raise brand awareness.
They also use marketing tactics to convince consumers to purchase from a company.
Top Ten Marketable Careers In Marketing
Over the years, marketing as a concept has evolved (and will continue to do so), giving birth to various kinds of marketing.
Technological advancements have also greatly improved marketing strategies and concepts, 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 how companies market and promote their products and services …, creating 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 and 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 customer success and acquisition because they understand retention is essential.
Growth marketers work with various 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 must be innovative and creative and have qualitative and quantitative problem-solving skills.
They must also have 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 influencing 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 communicate its overall message and brand visually.
This new marketing avenue has paved the way for its specialists and experts. This involves leveraging social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to promote a company and its products and services and connect with its audience in new and authentic ways.
The responsibilities of social media marketers include managing a company’s social presence, monitoring 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 have good verbal and digital communication skills.
Additionally, an SM marketer must be creative and have an innovative approach to digital marketing.
He or she must also be proficient and experienced in public relations or 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, 2024
#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 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. Many sales jobs are 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 their verbal and presentation skills to make compelling sales pitches.
Marketing majors with a competitive nature, outgoing personalities, and the 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 influence 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 (including celebrities, content creators, customer advocates, and employees) to get the word out on their behalf.
Recently, this 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 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.
What are Careers In Marketing Requirements?
The requirements for careers in marketing can vary depending on the specific position and industry. However, here are some general qualifications and skills that are typically required for careers in marketing:
- Education: A bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or a related field is typically required for entry-level marketing positions. Some companies may require a master’s degree in marketing or business administration for higher-level positions.
- Marketing skills: Marketing professionals should have strong communication, research, and analytical skills. They should be able to create and execute marketing plans, analyze consumer behavior, and develop strategies to promote products and services.
- Technology skills: Marketing professionals should be comfortable using digital tools such as social media, email marketing, and marketing automation software. They should also have experience with data analysis and reporting.
- Experience: Many marketing positions require previous experience in a related field. Entry-level positions may require internships or other forms of practical experience.
- Certifications: Some marketing professionals choose to obtain industry certifications such as the American Marketing Association Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) or the Hubspot Inbound Marketing Certification. These certifications can demonstrate a candidate’s knowledge and expertise in marketing.
Careers in marketing require a combination of education, skills, experience, and certifications. Individuals interested in pursuing a career in marketing should research specific positions and industries to determine the required qualifications and skills.
Best Marketing Schools
While looking to get a marketing degree, you must look for the best school that offers such programs.
Doing so will give you the best experience and prepare you for whatever career you want to pursue in marketing.
For this purpose, we will list some institutions with the best marketing program. This listing is inspired by the QS world ranking of best marketing universities.
- Columbia University N.Y
- Imperial College Business School London
- HEC university Paris
- ESADE University Barcelona
- ESCP University London/Paris
- Manchester(Alliance) Manchester
- Texas(McCombs) Austin (TX)
- USC (Marshal)-Los Angeles
- Vlerick Business School-Ghent
- Warwick Business School-Coventry
- EDHEC -Nice
- Cranfield-Cranfield
- University Of Edinburgh Business school-Edinburgh
- Trinity Business School-Dublin
- UCD (Smurfit)-Dublin
- Erasmus (RSM)-Rotterdam
- Michigan State (Broad)-East Lansing (MI)
- Texas A&M (Mays)-College Station (TX)
- Lancaster-Lancaster
- Florida International Miami (FL)
How Much Do 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 earn higher than a behind-the-desk marketer. However, this might depend on the person’s role or level in his or her organization.
Top 5 Companies For Marketers In the 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 the 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 determine what 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 described above and research others that spark your interest. How marketing impacts your daily life and sees which components intrigue you.
Make a list of what you’d like to do in your role. Like:
- Do you like writing and telling stories?
- Do you like to research?
- Would you like to work with analytics only to help you create better content?
- Can You work with a team?
Determining what marketing jobs interest you will give you much more clarity in your job search and 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 into Google. If 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 setting filters for salary, location, and company size easier. They also include suggested positions in the search results to discover related roles quickly.
Lastly, check out available jobs on company websites. If you’ve discovered a few companies you’d love to work with, visit their websites directly and see their listed roles.
Also, some roles might have different names at different companies and might not appear in typical job board search results. For example, a “blogger” at one company might be called a “content creator” at another.
Review job descriptions.
Once you’ve found a few open jobs to which you’d like to apply, look closely 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. Your “marketability” speaks volumes to companies and managers, sometimes more so than your application material.
As you search for and apply for jobs, ensure 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 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, and understanding the one that best suits you will determine your success in such an 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.
FAQs
1. Digital Marketing
#2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Specialist
#3. Email Marketer
#4. Growth Marketer
#5. Content Marketing
#5. Graphic Designer
#6. Social Media Marketer
#7. Brand/Product Manager
#8. Sales Representative
#9. Influencer Marketing
#10. Event Marketing
The top cities For Marketers In the United States include:
Charlotte, NC
New York
Los Angeles, CA
Altanta
Columbia University N.Y
Imperial College Business School London
HEC university Paris
ESADE University Barcelona
ESCP University London/Paris
Manchester(Alliance) Manchester
Texas(McCombs) Austin (TX)
USC (Marshal)-Los Angeles
Vlerick Business School-Ghent
Warwick Business School-Coventry
EDHEC -Nice
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