Career Information - Marketing
New ideas are only as good as the level of exposure that they receive. If people don't know about a hot new product or service, they won't buy it; no matter how amazing it might be. That's why businesses invest so much money into marketing and advertising. Raising public awareness is often the highest priority for many businesses.
What does marketing involve?
Marketing requires that a business brands a new item or service into the public's consciousness. Radio spots, television commercials, billboard signs, and product placement are usually the most popular methods. However, some companies also engage in mail campaigns, newspaper articles, extravagant parties, publicity stunts, giveaways, door-to-door sales, coupons, discounts, word-of-mouth, and telemarketing. More often than not, a company will use a combination of the above techniques. Those that do not are the companies that you never hear about.
It sounds easy enough
While throwing lavish parties, doing publicity stunts, and writing radio jingles sounds easy and fun, marketing is an extremely competitive industry. After all, how many slogans and commercials can the average consumer retain? Vying for the number one position requires a tremendous deal of creativity, experience, and training. Not surprisingly, many successful marketers have business, advertising, or marketing degrees of some sort. Most employers will require you to have at least a bachelors degree; preferably more.
Job outlook for marketing
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, positions for advertising, public relations, and marketing will grow more quickly than the national average for other occupations. Globalization, increased media, and a more discerning public will mean business have to find even better ways of getting their message out there. Marketing real estate is extremely precious, so every inch and every second count. For marketing managers, at least, the median yearly salary was an impressive $78,000 in 2002.
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