How Fast Can I Become a Marketing Manager?

If you're interested in becoming a marketing manager, you may wonder how long it'll take to get there. You don't want to waste time, so you want to know how you can quickly become a marketing manager and what you can do to reach your career goals in this shortened timeframe.

Most marketing managers hold at least a bachelor's degree in marketing, which usually takes four years to complete. If you want to earn this title sooner, you can enroll in an accelerated degree program, use transfer credits, test out of some college courses, and follow other tips for quickly earning the required credentials and skill set.

Keep reading for more information on the steps to becoming a marketing manager.

Tips for Quickly Becoming a Marketing Manager

There are many ways you can gain experience and follow a marketing career path more quickly. Follow the tips outlined below as you work toward securing your first marketing manager job.

1. Find an Online Accelerated Degree Program

Bachelor's and master's degrees can both make it easier for you to get started as a marketing manager. These programs teach marketing skills like copywriting, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO) to help you learn about how to reach your target audience. Let's look at some top accelerated bachelor's degree programs in marketing you can complete online:

Southern New Hampshire University � Accelerated Online BS in Marketing

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school known for its many flexible online degree programs. Students who pursue an online BS in marketing can earn concentrations in social media marketing and digital marketing. Flexible eight-week courses allow them to progress through their degree program more quickly if desired.

Colorado State University Global Campus � Online BS in Marketing

Colorado State University's Global Campus is a public school offering career-focused degrees in various disciplines, including an online bachelor's degree in marketing. The program features accelerated eight-week coursework sessions and affordable tuition, helping students quickly develop the analytical skills necessary to succeed in any marketing department.

Colorado Technical University � Online BSBA in Marketing

Colorado Technical University is a private school offering various online degree and certificate programs, including a BS in business administration with a concentration in marketing. This program takes a more business-focused approach to marketing, helping students learn to develop marketing plans and succeed in product marketing. Highly flexible, accelerated courses are offered in five-week sessions.

2. Utilize Transfer Credits

If you already have some college experience, you may be able to apply your previous college credits toward your marketing degree program. This means you won't have to take as many courses as you work toward your degree, which will help you graduate sooner.

Each school has a different transfer policy. Many colleges and universities allow students to transfer up to three-fourths of their degree requirements from another school; if you have this many transfer credits to apply, you could graduate with your marketing bachelor's degree in as little as one year.

3. Test Out of Courses with CLEP Exams

CLEP exams provide college credit for taking tests. Essentially, they allow you to test out of certain general education and elective college classes. Completing CLEP exams provides an alternative way to earn college credits that you can apply to your degree.

Many schools have a limit on how many CLEP exam credits you can use for your degree program, and you won't be able to test out of any major-specific marketing courses. That said, completing CLEP exams can help you finish college sooner by cutting down on the overall number of courses you'll have to take.

4. Get an Online Marketing Certificate

There are various online courses in the marketing field. They can help you pursue many careers, including marketing manager roles. Let's look at some top online marketing certificates to consider.

HubSpot Academy's Content Marketing Certification

HubSpot Academy offers this marketing certification course to help students learn to succeed with content marketing. It's a well-rounded introductory program for aspiring marketers, small business owners, and anyone who could benefit from having strong marketing skills.

Google's Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Certificate

Google offers a digital marketing and e-commerce course leading to certification. The self-paced course is completed entirely online through Coursera. Students typically complete the course and earn the certificate in about six months.

eCornell's Marketing Strategy Certificate

Cornell University offers an introductory online course in marketing strategy that helps students learn how to succeed in marketing in the 21st century. Flexible coursework is typically completed in three and a half months.

5. Build a Strong Portfolio

If you work in an entry-level marketing position, know how to use social media for promotion, or have experience conducting market research, you may be able to land a job as a marketing manager. Keep track of these experiences in a portfolio.

A strong portfolio contains samples of your work. These may include promotional materials from marketing campaigns you have worked on, certifications you hold, and jobs or internships you've completed that relate to marketing. Remember, your portfolio is your best chance to make a good first impression with potential employers, so only include your best samples.

6. Network With Marketing Professionals

Another way to quickly become a marketing manager is to meet others in the field. Your professional network should include various marketing specialists, as these individuals can be invaluable.

Not only can other marketers provide you with advice or resources, but they can also give you leads to potential jobs. They may even be willing to put in a good word for you with the company, increasing your chances of quickly landing coveted marketing manager positions.

7. Seek Internship Opportunities

One of the best ways to learn hard and soft skills relative to marketing is to gain hands-on work experience. You can do this by working an internship.

Some degree programs may include internships as part of their graduation requirements. Whether yours does or not, you can seek out internship opportunities on your own by approaching businesses and organizations in your area and asking if they offer internships.

FAQs About Quickly Becoming a Marketing Manager

If you still have questions about how to become a marketing manager fast, keep reading. Below, you'll find answers to some commonly asked questions you may be wondering about.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Marketing Manager?

If you complete a traditional marketing degree and study full-time, you can expect to graduate within four years � this means it takes at least four years to become a marketing manager in most cases. However, you can speed up the process by following the tips in this article; it's possible to graduate and begin working as a marketing manager in as little as one or two years.

Is It Hard to Become a Marketing Manager?

To be a marketing manager, you must have a strong understanding of consumer behavior, brand management, public relations, and more. You must also display strong leadership and communication skills. Some students may find these topics and skills harder to learn than others; however, many students do not consider these skills hard to learn. Whether you consider this process easy or hard will depend on your strengths and weaknesses.

Do You Need a Degree to Be a Marketing Manager?

Yes, in most cases, you'll need to earn at least a bachelor's degree to become a marketing manager. Pursuing a degree in marketing is the most straightforward choice, but broader degrees in related fields, such as communications and business management, can also help you break into the field.