What are the Qualifications for Becoming a Marketing Manager?

<p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/Marketing_Management_5_Steps_to_Becoming_a_Marketing_Manager.html">Marketing managers</a> are responsible for planning and executing programs that help sell a product or service. This could involve promotional campaigns such as contests or giveaways, or advertising campaigns in print, billboards, or televised media. Professionals in this field are also in charge of overseeing advertising contracts, and monitoring market trends to gather information on consumer demands and further marketing opportunities. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisOccupation">Important Facts About This Occupation</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>
<b>Work Environment</b>
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Many work in professional, scientific, and technical services, or enterprise management, manufacturing, or finance</td></tr> <tr><td>
<b>Key Skills</b>
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Analytical skills, creativity, effective communication, organizational skills</td></tr> <tr><td>
<b>Similar Occupations</b>
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Advertising sales agents, market research analysts</td></tr> <tr><td>
<b>Experience Requirements</b>
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Employers often want to see work-related experience or on-the-job training</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---MarketingManagerQualifications">Marketing Manager Qualifications</h3> <p>There are a variety of ways to become a marketing manager, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Sometimes, experience itself is enough, but some employers require a postsecondary education. Additionally, marketing managers who want to get ahead may consider professional certification. </p> <h3 id="section---MarketingManagerEducation">Marketing Manager Education</h3> <p>The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Education_is_Needed_for_a_Career_in_Marketing.html">marketing education</a> needed for this career is typically a bachelor's degree, or one in business with a concentration in marketing. Highly technical employers, such as electronics companies, may require that marketing managers have the appropriate technical education. Some, for example, may require a potential marketing manager to have an engineering degree. Business administration programs with a concentration in marketing have typical core business and marketing course requirements. Many of the following marketing topics make up the marketing concentration portion of a business administration degree: </p> <ul><li>Marketing principles </li><li>Product design and pricing strategy </li><li>International marketing </li><li>Marketing research </li><li>Sales management </li><li>Marketing of emerging technology </li><li>Consumer behavior </li><li>Internet-based marketing </li><li>Promotions </li></ul><h3 id="section---Certification">Certification</h3> <p>In addition to formal education, certification may be an important credential for some employers. Professional marketing, advertising and public relations societies and organizations offer certification programs. Examples include the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and Sales and Marketing Executives International (SMEI). While not often required, these programs may aid in employment opportunities and career advancement. </p> <h3 id="section---RequiredSkills">Required Skills</h3> <p>Marketing managers must have top-notch communication skills to successfully collaborate with other team members in the advertising or marketing process. These interpersonal skills will also prove valuable in persuading clients or the public about the quality of a product or service. Strong creative abilities can also help with this, and will be necessary in finding new ways of gaining consumer attention. As they will spend much of their time researching market and industry trends, marketing managers are also required to be analytical and detail-oriented. Additionally, they must demonstrate sharp decision-making and organization in order to plan and manage project times and budgets accordingly. </p> <h3 id="section---CareerOutlook">Career Outlook</h3> <p>Promotion and advancement to marketing manager positions often occurs within an organization. According to the BLS in May 2018, the average annual salary for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers was $132,620. The BLS projects that jobs for these workers will increase by 10% from 2016 to 2026.</p>