Marketing Careers

Marketing professionals direct and execute the positioning, strategy and promotion of a client’s products and services. Marketing agencies and departments often have additional capabilities and oversee their client’s public relations, research, sales, media buying and product development. Marketing companies can specialize in particular types of clients or media, but “one-stop shops” are becoming increasingly more common. Marketing professionals work with a variety of media including TV, radio, print, online, direct mail, and in-store displays. Many travel frequently to meet with clients, present work, conduct research, and oversee photo and film shoots.

Employment Opportunities

Marketing professionals work in many specific professions, including:

• Creative director
• Art director
• Copywriter
• Account executive or manager
• Public relations executive

Skills

Marketing professionals need a wide range of capabilities, including:

• Creativity & strategic insight
• Working as a team
• Decisive
• Able to speak persuasively & present work
• Knowledge of a wide range of computer programs

Industry Spotlight

Internships at well-known and respected marketing agencies are the “bread and butter” of entry-level marketing professionals and allow them to secure more desirable full-time positions. Competition for these positions is increasing each year, though actual job growth will be average over the next eight years.

- Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008