Marketing careers span the range of industries and employers, from public or private corporations, government entities, and nonprofit organizations. Specializations can be equally wide ranging, from fashion and food to pharmaceuticals and sports. Marketers may focus on topics like brand management, product development, social media, technology or global markets. Marketing campaigns typically depend on product, price, place and promotion; similarly, marketing careers and opportunities can vary by industry and location.

Most management positions in marketing require a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Advertising positions may require a bachelor’s degree in advertising or journalism. Marketing professionals usually work for corporates, manufacturing companies, wholesale traders as well as advertising and public relations services. Having skills in creativity and communication as well as the ability to think analytically can be a good fit for those seeking a career in this field.

Here are a few career options you have as a marketing professional:

Advertising managers create advertising campaigns within a stipulated budget in order to generate interest among consumers. In larger companies advertising managers may handle several in-house accounts and have oversight on the creatives and media department.

Promotions managers design advertising campaigns that offer consumers an incentive to purchase. These incentives may include discounts, coupons, samples, in order to promote sales.

Marketing managers help to maximize profits for the company and ensure customers are satisfied. They often work with other departments, including sales, public relations and product development, to identify competitors and potential markets for growth.

Career Outlook for Marketing Professionals

The job outlook in marketing is strong, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job outlook for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers from 2016 to 2026 is 10 percent (faster than the average for all other occupations), while the job outlook for marketing research analysts is 23 percent (much faster than average).

Wages for Marketing Professionals

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May, 2017), the following are the mean annual wages for marketing professionals:

• Advertising and Promotions Manager: $123,880
• Marketing Managers: $145,620

Online Degrees in Marketing

Prospective students interested in earning a degree in this field — but who don’t have the time to become a full-time on-campus student — can consider earning an online degree in marketing. Online degree programs in marketing are just as rigorous and comparable to on-campus programs.

An online degree in marketing can teach students the fundamental lessons needed to begin a marketing career in any industry. Depending on the program you choose, coursework may include:

• Consumer behavior
• Communication methods and technology
• Business law
• Finance
• Computer science
• Visual arts and statistics

The professors that teach marketing generally have industry-specific experience that students can benefit from. Potential employers tend to value candidates who have a degree in marketing as it shows them that you are serious about this profession and come with the credentials needed to learn and grow in your profession.

Learn more about the field of marketing, as well as related career paths, in our infographic below. We examine popular careers and major employers as well as some thriving industries and hot locations for marketing pursuits.