What can I do with a marketing degree?

So you're asking yourself, "What can I do with a marketing degree?"

If you're looking at earning a marketing degree or already have one, you might be curious about how your career might look in the long term.

A career in marketing can open doors to various in-demand career paths.

Marketing opportunities are all around us — whether it’s a billboard in the city, a pop-up ad on your phone, or an influencer talking about a new product.

This widespread presence of marketing creates a significant demand for skilled marketers.

The best part is that marketing has something for everyone.

Marketing is the process by which people and groups satisfy their needs by creating and exchanging goods and services.

— Philip Kotler, marketing expert

Photo by Mahmudul Hasan on Unsplash

Marketing professionals work to provide value to customers and manage relationships with clients, suppliers, and partners. They focus on building strong customer connections, improving how people see the brand, and helping the business succeed.

What will you learn from a marketing degree?

A marketing degree will teach you all about the basics and practices of marketing, implement marketing strategies, analyze market trends, and optimize business operations.

If you're interested in...

• consumer behavior

• branding

• advertising

• digital marketing

• market research

• sales management

And have the following characteristics and skills...

• strong communication skills

• creativity

• innovation

• analytical

• teamwork-oriented

• interested in technology

• adaptable

...a marketing degree will be an excellent fit for you!

Marketing careers may concentrate on:

• Business and finance

• Copywriting and social media

• Analytics and data

• Public relations and fundraising

There are many career paths to explore according to your interests.

Here are a few to consider:

1. Marketing assistant

Experienced marketers often hire recent graduates as assistants to help with writing marketing materials, planning promotions, or handling social media. They use strong communication skills and adaptability to contribute effectively. These assistant jobs can be a good way to move up to more advanced marketing roles.

As a marketing assistant, you can earn an average annual salary of USD $42,330.

2. Social media marketer

Social media marketing has become essential with the growth of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter). This role requires creativity, an understanding of digital marketing trends and platform algorithms, and the ability to analyze engagement metrics and adapt strategies based on consumer behavior.

A social media marketer develops and implements strategies to promote a brand online, requiring creativity, knowledge of platform algorithms, and effective engagement tactics.

Social media marketers can earn an average annual salary of USD$53,175.

3. Brand manager

A brand manager is responsible for making sure that the brand looks good and people like it. The brand manager creates strategies to improve the brand. This could include advertising campaigns, social media posts, or special events.

This role requires strong analytical skills to understand market research and consumer behavior, creativity to design engaging branding strategies, and effective communication to ensure the brand’s message is consistently delivered.

According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for marketing brand managers is USD $100,751.

4. Event manager

Event managers plan and manage a variety of business and social events, for promotional purposes. They must be innovative and adaptable, utilizing teamwork to coordinate all aspects of event management.

They manage all aspects of event planning and preparation, as well as overseeing all activities during the event. Their marketing skill is critical, as it allows them to effectively express the event's goal and message while keeping the audience interested and excited.

An average Event manager salary is USD$62,868 a year.

5. Copywriter

Marketing copywriters create written content for various platforms like print, social media, brochures, and newsletters. They need to be creative and analytical to craft effective messages that resonate with target audiences.

As businesses focus more and more on social media and blog writing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has become "a large part of the writer’s job" to make sure their writing is seen by more people online.

The average annual salary for writers ranges from USD$47,230 to USD$63,280, "depending on their industry."

You’ve just joined a marketing team at a company that needs to launch a new product. Your role involves managing the product’s presence on social media, crafting engaging content, organizing promotional events, and ensuring the brand’s message is consistent across all platforms.

Are you ready for a career in marketing?

Your marketing degree will equip you with key skills, but gaining extra knowledge and experience beyond the course can boost your job prospects. This will help you stand out whether you’re exploring different career paths or competing with other graduates for positions in the field.