Go-to-Market Managers

High School

In high school, take marketing, advertising, computer science (especially data analytics, artificial intelligence, and database management), psychology, and social studies to build your knowledge and prepare for college. GTM managers must be excellent communicators, so English, writing, speech, and foreign language courses will be useful. Join your school’s marketing or advertising club to obtain hands-on experience in these fields.

Postsecondary Education

There is no set degree path for GTM managers, although they need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to work in the field. Common degree paths include marketing, advertising, and business management. Students also complete internships as part of their training.

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in marketing, advertising, brand management, project management, and related fields. For example, the Division of Continuing Education at Harvard University offers a marketing management and digital strategy graduate certificate and an artificial intelligence in marketing microcertificate. Certificate programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

The American Marketing Association offers a variety of certificate programs, including marketing foundations, digital marketing, marketing channels and technology, creativity and innovation, leadership, management skills, leadership for women in business, and data analytics. Visit https://www.ama.org/certificates for more information.

Other Education or Training

Participating in continuing education (CE) classes is a great way to keep your skills up to date, and CE credits may also be required to renew one’s certification. These opportunities are provided by professional associations, colleges and universities, and for-profit online learning platforms (OLP). For example, the American Marketing Association offers Corporate Training: Product and Go-to-Market Strategy and other marketing-related courses. The OLP Udemy offers Product Marketing: Go-to-Market Strategy; Product Marketing: Advanced Go-to-Market Strategy; and other classes.