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For those who aspire to become a marketing director (also referred to as CMO), you must first understand what the job entails. A marketing director is the person who is responsible for all marketing within a business organization. The duties for this position may depend on the company’s size and the industry focus. The areas of responsibility can encompass sales management, marketing budget, product line development, marketing research, writing proposals, customer service and communications to maintain a marketing database. To be a successful marketing director you must be able to show a history of successful business projects that have allowed a company to advance their marketing strategy.
Education Required for a Marketing Director’s Position
Most positions for Director of Marketing require a minimum of at least a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in marketing, business administration/communications or a related field of study. The expected job growth by 2022 is twelve percent, with an anticipated 25,400 new jobs being created, according to the U.S. Bureau of labor and Statistics.
Many employers will also require a Master’s level degree in Marketing or a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a marketing emphasis to succeed in seeking employment and hit the top salaries in the business world as a Marketing Director. Having a Master’s Degree will give you the edge above other job applicants seeking a position as Marketing Manager. The median annual wage for marketing managers was $119,480 in May 2012. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $62,650, and the top 10 percent earned more than $187,200.
Apply for internships while still in school
Many Bachelor and Master’s level programs encourage their students to apply for an internship while still in school. In today’s business environment many small and large companies have a policy of hiring previous interns for full time positions in marketing. These students have already demonstrated their ability to be creative and work with others through marketing strategies, managing projects, good communication skills and public relations. Shadowing a marketing manager is a great opportunity to fully understand the full scope of the job and what responsibilities and strengths this position will entail. Taking full advantage of the hands on experience the internship can provide will demonstrate to the future employer your ability and eagerness to learn all aspects of the position.
What position should I apply for to begin my career in Marketing?
Often those who are pursuing a career as a Marketing Director will first require some job experience in the field of marketing. Entry-level positions might include assistant in marketing, marketing associate or a marketing coordinator. Gaining experience in any area of marketing may be the stepping-stone to a higher level position in the future. By working in an entry-level job you will also develop a network of contacts in the field of marketing which may prove to be essential in the future while pursuing employment.
Those individuals who possess the education and experience in Marketing will successfully meet the challenges of entering the business world to become a marketing director.
