How to get a successful career in marketing?

Marketing is fast-paced, exciting and incredibly varied, making it a popular choice among graduates. But is it the right career for you? Perhaps you’ve been considering it for a while, but aren’t sure where to start?

A marketing degree can lead to many different career opportunities, including roles in public relations, market research, sales and communications. Those more interested in the creative side of things could use their degree to secure a job as a writer or designer.

Education in marketing is important if you wish to pursue a career in this industry because it will teach you how to visualise concepts and carry them through into actual campaigns. You’ll learn different marketing techniques and find out how to gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Many roles within an organisation are linked to marketing, whether directly or indirectly, and the demand for industry experts continues to grow. You will have a good chance of reaching a managerial position if you’re willing to put in the required amount of time and effort.

Types of marketing degrees

A marketing degree will teach you everything you need to know this industry, from understanding how to target your audience to developing in depth, creative campaigns that attract national (or international) attention. As well as studying a generic marketing degree, you can also specialise in subjects such as marketing management and advertising.

Undergraduate

As an undergraduate student of marketing, you will either receive a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree. This broadens your career prospects, allowing you to apply for a wide range of jobs providing you have relevant experience. People with undergraduate marketing degrees often go into sales, and product management or advertising, among many others.

Postgraduate

A master's degree programme provides graduates with the knowledge and skills they need to pursue management level positions in many different areas, while also being given the opportunity to specialise in a specific subject area. This means that postgraduates are able to add a clearer direction to their studies in order to end up in a role they enjoy. A postgraduate degree may be offered as a Master of Arts (MA) in Marketing, Master of Science (MSc) or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in marketing.

• MSc Marketing Management

Ideal for those who haven’t studied a marketing course at undergraduate level, the MSc in Marketing Management provides you with an understanding of key marketing areas at the same time as teaching you the fundamentals of management. This course arms you with plenty of transferable skills and covers marketing from every possible angle, including digital and strategic avenues.

• Dual MSc and MA in Strategic Marketing

Helping you develop skills which are vital to the operation of every modern business, the Dual MSc and MA in Strategic Marketing degree teaches you how to successfully design and implement intricate marketing strategies. An internationally respected degree, you will become an expert in your chosen field, as there are a wide range of specialisations to choose from.

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)

With marketing being such a broad field to work in, it is likely that you’ll adopt a specialisation either before you start working, or during your first couple of years at work.

• Marketing communications

These roles are centred on the messages you convey across a variety of different channels. If you work in marketing communications, your role will likely be varied. You could be responsible for generating positive press coverage, or producing promotional materials such as leaflets and posters.

• Digital marketing

Digital marketing involves using internet tools to generate more interest from your product or service’s target audience. Elements of digital marketing include search engine optimisation, email marketing and online advertising.

• Social media

Social media marketing involves engaging with your target audience across a variety of different social media channels, including LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, as well as keeping an eye on any up-and-coming platforms which may be worth utilising.

• Market research

Market research enables companies to pinpoint problems, measure performance and identify arising opportunities. Market researchers are responsible for providing information relating to consumers, products and services in order to assist marketers in making informed decisions.

• Brand management

Brand management involves the in depth planning of a marketing strategy, as well as the actual implementation of the plan. Brand managers work closely with a lot of different company departments to ensure that targets are met. They also monitor market trends.

• Advertising

Those who work in advertising generate campaigns and identify target audiences for them. Advertising sometimes involves working with external clients, with the objective of converting their proposals into final products.

• Public relations (PR)

PR revolves around the protection and enhancement of a company’s reputation. People in PR positions often have to deal with media coverage at the same time as implementing strategies to boost a client's reputation. Roles can involve event organisation and production of press releases.