5 Tips for Those Considering Careers in Marketing
- 1. With the economy in its present position, many people are considering a career change, and careers in marketing can be very attractive. There are a number of reasons for this, ranging from the notion of working for yourself, through the ability to sell products that you truly believe in, to the potential for large earnings, even in these tricky economic conditions. However, to break into this field and become a success, there are a number of things you need to know.
- 2. 1. Marketers are in demand
- 3. In many fields, there are simply not enough jobs to go around - but in marketing, the situation is quite different. There are opportunities for careers in marketing in many areas of the United States, in particular in the larger cities. Exactly which locations will have the most openings will depend on what you are selling - for example, the presence of tech giants such as Microsoft makes the Pacific Northwest a magnet for technology firms.
- 4. 2. Expect to work hard
- 5. Although careers in marketing can lead to very high earnings in the longer term, don't expect this field to be a "get rich quick" scheme. Many marketers start out with salaries of no more than $20,000 a year, and it's rare to begin with more than $25,000. However, this is most definitely an industry where success can be rewarded quickly - if you know your market, and are willing to work very hard, you could be pulling in $100,000 or more within a few years.
- 6. 3. Demonstrate your skills at the interview
- 7. If you've been called for interview by an employer, you should see this as if you'd had an expression of interest in a product from a prospective customer - but, in this case, the product you will be selling will be yourself! If you were selling a new soft drink, you'd need to convince buyers that it was worth switching from the established brands on the market. Similarly, in the interview, you'll need to convince the employer that taking you on will boost their business.
- 8. 4. Spend time on research and networking
- 9. Most successful careers in marketing are built on a network of contacts. Ask around the people you know, and see whether any of them are already working in the business, and can give you some handy tips. These can save you a lot, in both time and money. Also, have a look at the extensive resources offered by organizations such as the American Marketing Association. Finally, think about successful brands you admire. Take a look at their own advertising, and see how they market themselves.
- 10. 5. Remember, consumers are savvy
- 11. There's nothing more guaranteed to hurt a marketer than a poor public image, and one of the quickest ways to get one is to insult your customers. Always maintain respect and understanding, even if you believe that they are in the wrong. Careers in marketing require a people-centered approach, and if you lose sight of that, you will lose your edge in the marketplace.