Thanks to the digital revolution, marketing has gained undeniable prominence in our highly interconnected world. It has become an essential part of growing an organization and competing in a very rigorous market. Marketing is a diverse profession, which means it has several different avenues. This can include social media marketing, content marketing, product marketing, and more. While each of these marketing avenues has a different purpose, the end goal of a marketing professional is to understand the needs of their client, develop effective marketing strategies, and build strong customer relationships.
High School Subject Requirements
While there is no specific high school subject requirement for a career in marketing, the following subjects can help set a good foundation to pursue marketing:
Mathematics: Strong mathematical skills are essential for analyzing data and interpreting market research. Hence it is recommended that you take mathematics courses throughout high school!
English: Good communication skills are a natural prerequisite for a career in marketing, as marketing is all about compelling the audience through words! A strong grasp of English and other local languages would go a long way!
Computer Science/ Information Technology: While not necessary, a basic understanding of computer science can go a long way in this digital age as the marketing profession increasingly intertwines with technology.
Undergraduate Academic Programs
There are several undergraduate programs you can choose from when it comes to marketing. In India, choosing a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a Marketing Specialization can allow you to learn the fundamentals of business management and marketing. A Bachelor of Mass Media or Journalism and Mass Communication is another great option that focuses mainly on communication and marketing in different fields.
In the U.S., opting for a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing is recommended, as these programs focus on educating students on consumer behavior, market research, digital marketing, and advertising.
Once you have acquired a relevant undergraduate degree, it is time to step into the real world and apply what you have learned! Gaining work experience is recommended as this will not only solidify the education you have received but will also help you figure out which area of marketing interests you the most! Furthermore, getting your hands dirty is the best way to learn about any profession, and this is more true for marketing professionals!
Jobs To Target
Here are a list of jobs you can target after you receive your undergraduate degree in marketing:
Digital Marketing Specialist
Brand Manager
Market Research Analyst
Social Media Marketing Manager
Content Marketing Manager
Sales Manager
Graduate Academic Programs
A master's degree is an excellent idea once you have gotten some work experience and are ready to enhance your knowledge and skillset in the field! An MBA with a marketing specialization, a Master of Marketing Management or MMM, and a Master of Science with a marketing concentration are all good options if you want to pursue further education in the field.
Alternatively, you can choose to opt for a specialized program based on your specific interest in marketing, such as a social media marketing course. It is not necessary for these courses to be a complete one-year or two-year program. Six-month courses, such as a certification course from a prestigious organization, can have equal merit!
It is a good idea for you to conduct research on the options available to you based on your interests, availability, and financial limitations.
Sources:
https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-usa/ms-in-marketing-in-usa/
https://www.bestcolleges.com/business/bachelors/marketing/program-guide/
https://carlsonschool.umn.edu/graduate/mba/specializations/product-brand-marketing-management
https://poetsandquants.com/2024/04/19/how-to-choose-the-right-analytics-masters-degree-program/