Marketing

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Marketing

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AREAS

EMPLOYERS

STRATEGIES

SALES
Industrial Sales
Consumer Product Sales
Financial Services Sales
Services Sales
Advertising Sales

Profit and nonprofit organizations
Product and service organizations
Manufacturers
Financial companies
Insurance companies
Print and electronic media
Consulting firms

Obtain experience through internships or sales jobs.
Must be highly motivated and well organized.
Proven leadership abilities are desirable.
Develop a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
Must work well under pressure and be comfortable in a
competitive environment.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS
Customer Service

Businesses providing products or services to the public or to other organizations

Obtain part-time or summer experience.
Develop problem solving skills, self-confidence,
assertiveness, empathy, and stamina.
Develop strong leadership and public speaking skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are
required.

PURCHASING/PROCUREMENT

Government organizations
Large companies
Educational institutions
Hospitals

Obtain excellent written and oral communication skills.
Strong computer skills are necessary.
Supplement program with courses in logistics and
purchasing.

RETAIL
Buying
Store Management

Department stores
Specialty stores
Discount stores
Super retailers

Obtain retail experience through summer, part-time,
or internship positions.
Present a consistent, pleasant, and service-oriented image to customers.
Develop leadership ability and customer service skills.
Demonstrate ability to work well under stressful conditions and as part of a team.
Gain knowledge of the process of merchandise flow, an overview of signing, pricing, and presentation,
and the ability to plan, organize, and lead.
Develop ability to communicate in a concise manner.
Be prepared to start as a trainee before advancing to
other positions.

BANKING
Buying
Store Management
Department stores
Specialty stores
Discount stores
Super retailers
Commercial Lending
Branch Management
Operations

Commercial banks
Credit unions
Savings and loan associations
Savings banks

Develop sales skills and good analytical skills.
Take courses in accounting and finance.
Obtain part-time employment or an internship position in a bank.
Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills in order to work well with a diverse clientele.
MBA required for most positions related to investment banking.

BRAND MANAGEMENT

Consumer goods
Some service providers
Some industrial goods

Results orientation and creativity are desired
attributes.
Develop strong interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills.
Obtain a broad background in advertising, research,
consumer behavior, and strategy.
Plan on pursuing an MBA for most brand management, consulting, and research
opportunities.

MARKET RESEARCH

Large corporations
Marketing research firms
Public institutions concerning health, education, and
transportation
Management consulting firms

Develop good interpersonal skills and effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
Good analytical and problem solving skills are critical.
Preparation in statistics, mathematics, and
behavioral science is required.
Plan on obtaining an advanced degree in business or statistics.

GENERAL INFORMATION
• Most entry-level positions for marketing majors reside in sales.
• Many marketing majors seek positions in advertising, public relations, sport management, and entertainment. Such positions are difficult to obtain and require
breaking in at the bottom level. Seek internships in these fields even if unpaid.
• Gain as much relevant experience as possible through internships or summer and part-time positions.
• Join the American Marketing Association student chapter and seek leadership roles.
• Develop excellent communication skills and the ability to work well with others.
• Engage in personal networking to increase job possibilities.
• Marketing is good preparation for graduate study in business. An MBA can open greater opportunities, particularly in areas of brand management and market
research.

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