Associate degree programs in marketing

Marketing is a competitive field by nature, and as such it is constantly evolving, as aggressive companies seek an edge. Innovative techniques are applied to breathe new life into traditional channels, such as print, radio, and television, while new channels like the Internet, social media, and mobile devices are changing the fundamental landscape of marketing.

All of that change makes for an interesting career--and for ample opportunity. Online associate degree programs in marketing can be a great first step towar a career in marketing. An associate degree in marketing can help you land an entry-level job in the field, or prepare you to earn a bachelor degree in business marketing.

Business marketing degrees: What to expect

A career in marketing requires a well-rounded education. Online associate degree programs in marketing can give you a useful start toward acquiring the skills necessary for such an education. In time, you will need to understand all three sides of the triangle that make up the marketing process: organizational objectives, consumer behavior, and communication media.

To give you an understanding of the different components of the marketing process, business marketing degrees might include coursework in the following areas:

• Advertising
• Communication
• Consumer behavior
• Corporate finance
• Graphic design
• Marketing case studies
• Marketing theory
• Market research
• Technical writing
• Sales

While marketing jobs typically require a bachelor's degree--and to compete for management positions, you might be better off with a master's degree--an associate degree could give you the opportunity to get started in the field. From there, you can decide whether to pursue advancement from within the workplace, or build on your associate degree to earn additional credentials.

Careers in marketing

Marketing is a broad field comprising a wide variety of different functions, and thus there are several different types of marketing careers. The following are some examples, along with Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) information on the number of jobs and average salaries as of May 2009:

• Advertising and promotions managers determine the message an organization should communicate, and what channels and tactics to use in communicating it. The BLS reports 35,760 jobs, earning an average annual income of $97,670.
• Marketing managers determine marketing strategy, administer marketing budgets, and oversee marketing personnel. The BLS reports 169,330 of these jobs, earning an average annual income of $120,070.
• Market research analysts determine tactics to assess consumer behavior and opinions, oversee the execution of those tactics, and analyze the results. The BLS reports 226,410 of these jobs, earning an average annual income of $67,500.
• Telemarketers contact consumers by telephone to convey information about products and services, or to collect information from them for marketing purposes. The BLS reports 307,730 of these jobs, earning an average annual income of $24,760.

Marketing jobs exist in virtually every type of business you can think of, and academic institutions, not-for-profit agencies, government organizations, and politicians all apply some elements of marketing in pursuing their goals.

To take the next step towards a career in marketing, use the WorldWideLearn.com Guide to College Majors in Marketing to research on-campus and online associate degree programs in marketing. That step could eventually lead you to a career with employment flexibility, good income potential, and fast-paced changes.

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