What Can I Do With A Major In Marketing?

Introduction

Marketing careers are found in all types of industries, including manufacturing, wholesale and retail, transportation, insurance, pharmaceutical and health care, government and nonprofit organizations. Marketing jobs are found in advertising, sales, retail management, product marketing, marketing of services, public relations and electronic commerce. It has been estimated that over one-forth of the civilian jobs in the United States involve marketing activities.

In the area of retail management, marketing graduates will likely have opportunities in merchandising and store management. Many graduates take advantage of opportunities in the advertising field and many large and medium size organizations need people with marketing talent to perform marketing research activities. Product/brand manager is an important and challenging career opportunity for marketing graduates. Another challenging job opportunity in marketing is the area of public relations. Also, those graduates interested in international careers can work their way up from entry level positions in the domestic division of a company's operations and over time move to the international operations within the firm.

A bachelor's degree in marketing qualifies you for a broad range of positions, and a master's degree qualifies you for advanced positions with more responsibility. Many careers do not require a specific major but rather a wide range of demonstrated skills and accomplishments. Regardless of your career choices, increase your marketability to employers through internships, responsible work experience, good grades and involvement in college activities.

A Sample of Related Occupations

Related Occupations Related Occupations Related Occupations
Advertising Manager   Buying Agent Customer Service Representative
Bank Officer Broker Business Manager
Claims Adjuster Consumer Loan Officer Credit Analyst
Customer Services Manager Development Officer Insurance Agent
Marketing Consultant Marketing Research Analyst Media Buyer
Product/Brand Manager Promotion Services Director Public Relations Liaison
Real Estate Agent Retail Sales Manager Sales Representative
   
 
Types of Employers  
Private and Non-profit Organizations
 

Advertising Agencies

Insurance Companies

Banks

Investment Firms

Chambers of Commerce

Labor Unions

Consumer Organizations

Magazines/Newspapers

Credit Unions

Market Research Firms

Educational Institutions

Publishing Companies

Film Companies

Radio/TV Stations

Hospitals

Retail Stores

Government Agencies
 

Consumer Affairs Office

Savings Bonds Divisions

Department of Commerce

Securities and Exchange Commission

Department of Treasury

Social Security Administration

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Travel and Tourism Administration

International Trade Commission

U.S. Mint

Related Web Links

Professional Associations

For additional career information, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook