Steps to Qualify for a Marketing Degree and Career

Here’s what you can expect from the educational and professional journey in the field of marketing:

Step #1: Complete High School

Almost all marketing professions will require an aspirant to finish a bachelor’s degree, and some will even recommend a graduate degree that’s either related to business or specialized in marketing. No matter what degree you acquire, obviously you’ll never get to college without graduating high school. The subjects you’ll learn in high school may not seem to be related to the subject of marketing but if you do well in general subjects like Math, basic Accounting, and English it’ll be an advantage for you in pursuing a marketing profession because these subjects will provide you with a solid foundation for various courses particularly marketing and business.

In addition, joining business clubs, student government, or PR – related organizations in your school will also give you a glimpse of the basic tasks you’ll eventually do when you pursue a marketing degree in college since these clubs will give you opportunities to promote, sell, and communicate your ideas to fellow classmates.

High school is also the time to discover the specific marketing path you may want to take so that choosing a marketing course in college will be easier for you. If you are more inclined in PR then perhaps it is better if you take up communications; if you like to take on leadership roles then a degree in business management might be best for you etc. You don’t really need to identify everything at the onset but it’ll be helpful when it comes to deciding what particular business/ marketing course you’re going to pursue if you know the subjects you’re more inclined with or the field in marketing you could be interested in.

Step #2: Acquire a Bachelor’s Degree

Acquiring a bachelor’s degree is the standard qualification for any marketing and business – related careers. A marketing degree takes about 4 years to complete, and it’s a staple course that’s being offered by most universities and colleges nationwide. Marketing courses are usually integrated with a Business Administration degree, and can be taken up as a major with a minor in other marketing – related subjects. 

Step #3: Complete an Internship

Before you graduate in college, you’ll be required to take up an internship or an On – The – Job training. This is a very important endeavor because it will provide aspiring marketers like you with real – world and valuable hands – on working experience. It will ultimately help students in reaching their prospective employers and also establish professional connections. This is also an opportunity for you to apply the knowledge and skills you’ve learned in school, not to mention the chance to network and leave a great impression to your bosses so that they can help put in a good word for you or recommend you by the time you apply for a job.

Being an intern is a great and fulfilling experience for many college students as it gives them a glimpse of the kind of career they will take in the near future. Internships may be taken during summer or even after graduation.

Step #4: Gain Working Experience

   As what they always say, “you have to start somewhere.” Once you’ve acquired a bachelor’s degree and completed your internship, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and step into the world of employment. Gaining a working experience even if it’s just an entry – level job is something that any internship experience can’t match.

If you want to also continue your studies by getting a graduate degree like MBAs or PhDs, or if you plan in applying for a higher marketing positions then gaining a working experience will be crucial. Entry – level marketing careers include the following:

• Marketing Analyst
• Marketing Associate
• Marketing Assistant
• Marketing Specialist

The jobs of these entry – level positions usually involve administrative tasks, market research, and sales work which can definitely be an addition to your qualifications while also providing you with a valuable experience in the field of marketing.  

Step #5: Get a Graduate Degree (if necessary)

Depending on your overall career ambition, a graduate degree could provide you with more knowledge, and specialized skills which in turn could lead you to more career opportunities. A graduate degree can also give you an edge if you want to take on management and leadership positions in the future.

Graduate degrees such as Master of Business Administration (MBA) and PhD are usually necessary if you want to climb the corporate ladder or perhaps become a faculty in the academe. There are also other graduate marketing programs that provide a more specialized curriculum like in the field of digital marketing, advertising etc.