What can I do with this degree?
MARKETING
AREAS: SALES
Industrial Sales
Consumer Product Sales
Financial Services Sales
Services Sales
Advertising Sales
EMPLOYERS
Profit and nonprofit organizations
Product and service organizations
Manufacturers
Financial companies
Insurance companies
Print and electronic media
Consulting firms
STRATEGIES
Obtain experience through internships or sales jobs.
Must be highly motivated and well organized.
Proven leadership abilities are desirable.
Develop a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
Must work well under pressure and be comfortable in a competitive environment.
AREAS: CUSTOMER RELATIONS
Customer Service
EMPLOYERS
Businesses providing products or services to the public or to other organizations
STRATEGIES
Obtain part-time or summer experience. Develop problem solving skills, self-confidence, assertiveness, empathy, and stamina. Develop strong leadership and public speaking skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
AREAS: PURCHASING/PROCUREMENT
EMPLOYERS
Government organizations
Large companies
Educational institutions
Hospitals
STRATEGIES
Obtain excellent written and oral communication skills. Strong computer skills are necessary. Supplement program with courses in logistics and purchasing.
AREAS: RETAIL
Buying
Store Management
EMPLOYERS
Department stores
Specialty stores
Discount stores
Super retailers
STRATEGIES
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 trainee before advancing to other positions.
AREAS: BANKING
Commercial Lending
Branch Management
Operations
EMPLOYERS
Commercial banks
Credit unions
Savings and loan associations
Savings banks
STRATEGIES
Develop sales skills and good analytical skills. Take courses in accounting and finance. Obtain part-time employment or an internship position in a bank.
Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills in order to work well with a diverse clientele. MBA required for most positions related to investment banking.
AREAS: BRAND MANAGEMENT
EMPLOYERS
Consumer goods
Some service providers
Some industrial goods
STRATEGIES
Results orientation and creativity are desired attributes. Develop strong interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills. Obtain a broad background in advertising, research, consumer behavior, and strategy. Plan on pursuing an MBA for most brand management, consulting, and research opportunities.
AREAS: MARKET RESEARCH
EMPLOYERS
Large corporations
Marketing research firms
Public institutions concerning health, education, and transportation
Management consulting firms
STRATEGIES
Develop good interpersonal skills and effective communication skills, both verbal and written. Good analytical and problem solving skills are critical. Preparation in statistics, mathematics, and behavioral science is required. Plan on obtaining an advanced degree in business or statistics.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Most entry-level positions for marketing majors reside in sales.
- Many marketing majors seek positions in advertising, public relations, sport management, and entertainment. Such positions are difficult to obtain and require breaking in at the bottom level. Seek internships in these fields even if unpaid.
- Gain as much relevant experience as possible through internships or summer and part-time positions.
- Join the American Marketing Association student chapter and seek leadership roles.
Develop excellent communication skills and the ability to work well with others. - Engage in personal networking to increase job possibilities.
Marketing is good preparation for graduate study in business. An MBA can open greater opportunities, particularly in areas of brand management and market research.
Marketing
American Marketing Association
Economists,Marketing, and Survey Researchers from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
Purchasing Managers, Purchasing Buyers, and Purchasing Agents from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
Sales and Related Occupations from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
Sales Representatives, Wholesale, and Manufacturing from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer