Marketer: what they do, how to become one, and where to study

When you hear the term "marketer," what comes to mind? Maybe you picture someone in a suit, sitting behind a desk, talking about the latest marketing trends. Or perhaps you think of someone who spends their days creating ads and promoting products. While both of these are accurate, they only scratch the surface of what it means to be a marketer. A marketer is someone who works to promote and sell products or services. They analyze consumer behavior and create strategies to target specific audiences. In today's digital age, marketers have more tools at their disposal than ever before, from social media and email marketing to data analysis and search engine optimization. By the way, recently the ProfGuide career guidance center has developed a precise career orientation test, which will tell you which professions are suitable for you, provide a conclusion about your personality type and intelligence.

Specializations

Marketers can specialize in a variety of areas, depending on their interests and skills. Some common specializations include:

• Digital Marketing: This involves using digital channels like social media, email, and online advertising to reach customers.
• Content Marketing: This focuses on creating valuable content, such as blog posts, videos, and infographics, to attract and retain customers.
• Brand Marketing: This involves creating and promoting a brand's image, values, and personality to appeal to customers.
• Product Marketing: This focuses on launching and promoting new products to the market.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The day-to-day tasks of a marketer can vary widely depending on their specialization and the company they work for. However, some common responsibilities include:

• Conducting market research to understand consumer behavior and preferences.
• Creating and implementing marketing campaigns across various channels.
• Analyzing data to measure the success of campaigns and adjust strategies as needed.
• Collaborating with other departments, such as sales, product development, and customer service, to ensure consistent messaging and customer experience.

Pros and Cons

Like any profession, being a marketer has its pros and cons. Here are some of the main ones:

Pros:

• Creative freedom: Marketers often have a lot of room to be creative and come up with innovative ideas.
• Fast-paced: The marketing industry moves quickly, which can make for an exciting and dynamic work environment.
• High demand: As companies increasingly rely on marketing to grow their businesses, the demand for skilled marketers continues to rise.

Cons:

• High pressure: The fast-paced nature of the industry can also lead to high levels of stress and pressure to meet deadlines and achieve targets.
• Constant change: The marketing landscape is constantly evolving, which means marketers need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies to remain relevant.
• Subjectivity: The success of marketing campaigns can be subjective and difficult to measure, which can make it challenging to justify budgets and demonstrate ROI.

Demand

The demand for marketers varies depending on the location and industry. However, in general, the field is experiencing strong growth across the world. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of marketing managers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Salary Ranges

Marketers can earn a wide range of salaries depending on their experience, specialization, and location. Here are some average salaries for different marketing roles in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Australia:

United States:

• Marketing Manager: $135,900
• Digital Marketing Manager: $98,250
• Content Marketing Manager: $92,500

Canada:

• Marketing Manager: C$81,600
• Digital Marketing Manager: C$70,000
• Brand Manager: C$70,500

Great Britain:

• Marketing Manager: £42,000
• Digital Marketing Manager: £37,500
• Brand Manager: £36,000

Australia:

• Marketing Manager: AU$100,000
• Digital Marketing Manager: AU$89,000
• Product Marketing Manager: AU$106,000

Where do Marketers work?

Marketers can work in a variety of settings, including corporations, non-profit organizations, advertising agencies, and consulting firms. Some may work in-house for a specific company, while others may work as freelancers or consultants. The need for marketers is widespread, as businesses of all sizes and types require marketing strategies to attract and retain customers.

Important qualities of a successful Marketer

To be a successful marketer, there are several important qualities you should possess:

• Creativity: A successful marketer must be able to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas to reach their target audience.
• Analytical skills: Marketers must be able to analyze data and metrics to measure the success of their campaigns and make data-driven decisions.
• Communication skills: Effective communication is critical for marketers, as they need to be able to convey their message to different audiences through various channels.
• Flexibility: The marketing landscape is constantly changing, so marketers need to be adaptable and open to new ideas and strategies.

Step-by-step career path

If you're interested in pursuing a career in marketing, here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Earn a Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
2. Gain relevant experience through internships or entry-level positions in marketing or related fields.
3. Develop a portfolio of your work to showcase your skills and experience.
4. Consider pursuing a specialized certification, such as a Google Ads certification or a HubSpot Inbound Marketing certification.
5. Seek out mentorship and networking opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and make connections in the industry.
6. Consider pursuing an advanced degree, such as an MBA, to advance your career and increase your earning potential.

How to become a Marketer

To become a marketer, you generally need at least a Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field. Some employers may require additional education or specialized certifications, depending on the role and industry. In the United States, a Bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete, although some programs may be shorter or longer.

Where to become a Marketer

There are many universities and colleges around the world that offer marketing programs. Here are five examples of schools in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Australia:

United States:

1. University of Pennsylvania - Wharton School of Business
2. Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management
3. University of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business
4. New York University - Stern School of Business
5. University of Michigan - Ross School of Business

Canada:

1. University of Toronto - Rotman School of Management
2. McGill University - Desautels Faculty of Management
3. University of British Columbia - Sauder School of Business
4. York University - Schulich School of Business
5. HEC Montréal

Great Britain:

1. University of Cambridge - Judge Business School
2. University of Oxford - Saïd Business School
3. Imperial College Business School
4. London Business School
5. University of Edinburgh Business School

Australia:

1. University of Melbourne - Melbourne Business School
2. University of New South Wales - UNSW Business School
3. Monash University - Monash Business School
4. University of Sydney Business School
5. Queensland University of Technology - QUT Business School

Can you enter the profession with a different degree?

While a degree in marketing or a related field is preferred, it is possible to enter the profession with a different degree. Many marketers have backgrounds in fields like psychology, sociology, or business. However, you will likely need to gain additional education or experience in marketing to qualify for certain roles. It's also important to note that having a strong portfolio and relevant certifications can help make up for a lack of formal education in marketing.

Conclusion

The field of marketing is dynamic and ever-changing, with new technologies and strategies emerging all the time. As a marketer, you'll need to be adaptable, creative, and data-driven to succeed. While the profession comes with its challenges, it also offers many rewards, including the ability to make a significant impact on a company's success. With the right education, skills, and experience, you can build a fulfilling and lucrative career in marketing.