by Sharon Cullars

Created on: June 21, 2008   Last Updated: December 01, 2008

Marketing is a combination of many disciplines that include business, finance, economics, statistics and communications. Add into that mix a dose of psychology, sociology, even philosophy and literature to get a full range of the complexity of marketing and advertising. In other words, many roads lead to a successful marketing career, depending on the particular job you want.

Basically, marketing connects a product or service with willing consumers and requires an understanding of consumer behaviors, social trends, as well as economics. You get this understanding through targeted marketing research and analysis, while statistics help break down integral factors even further to let you study certain market demographics. A Liberal arts background stimulates creativity and opens your mind to the varied ways to gauge emotions and expectations. All of these marketing basics will help determine the college curricula you should choose.

Here are just a few of the positions that comprise the marketing field: marketing managers; sales representatives; buyers; purchasing agents; product managers; and advertising, promotions or public relations specialists. As Marketing is a very competitive and lucrative area, you must be well-tooled in order to be considered even for entry level positions, let alone management.

If you're looking toward a marketing or sales position, understand that most employers expect you to have at least a bachelors in business administration with an emphasis on marketing. Also think about pursuing courses in statistics, business finance and economics to make you more marketable (pun intended) to potential employers. For advertising positions, consider, of course, a class in advertising as well as journalism. Supplement those courses with classes in consumer behavior, market research and communications. Again, this will make you a more rounded candidate.

Public relations is also part of marketing, and many employers expect you to have a bachelors, while some require a masters degree. In addition to marketing and advertising classes, you should consider courses in public and political affairs; creative and technical writing; as well as public speaking. These skills make you media savvy, which is vital to successful public relations career.

In today's highly technological society, computer courses are a must. Basic familiarity with word processing, database management, and web design will certainly bolster your skills. Taking a second language will open other markets to you, as well.

To get a competitive edge, also consider internships and management training programs offered by companies. Internships give you a foot in the door as well as prepare you for the marketing workplace. Also, look at associations that offer certification; certification lets employers know that you have shown a high level of competence in your field, and pushes you ahead of your competitors.

In the end, anyone pursuing a marketing career should be flexible, have strong written and oral communication skills, as well as be mature enough to handle the stress that comes along with the job. These, even more than the courses you will take, will determine your future success in marketing and advertising.

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