High School
The educational background of marketing managers varies as widely as the nature of their diverse responsibilities. If you are interested in a managerial career, you should start preparing in high school by taking college preparatory classes. Because strong communication skills are important, take as many English classes as possible. Speech classes are another way to improve your communication skills. Courses in mathematics, business, economics, and computer science are also excellent choices to help you prepare for this career. Art and graphic design classes can also be helpful in understanding the creative aspects of marketing.
Postsecondary Training
Most marketing managers have a bachelor's degree in marketing or business administration. However, degrees in advertising, English, journalism, speech communications, economics, or the fine arts are also applicable. Useful college classes include those in psychology, sociology, business, economics, finance, computer science, mathematics and statistics, and any art medium. Graduate and professional degrees are common at the managerial level.
Digital media positions are increasingly requiring a college degree in communications, e-commerce, or a technology-related area. Media directors with a master’s degree have a distinct advantage over those with only an undergraduate degree. Some research department heads even have doctorates. Most marketing managers have years of previous marketing work experience, having started their careers in lower level advertising and marketing jobs. Candidates for managerial positions who have extensive experience and developed portfolios have a competitive edge.
Other Education or Training
Marketing managers continue their education throughout their careers. Professional associations that offer continuing-education seminars, webinars, workshops, and other education opportunities in marketing include the American Marketing Association, Association of National Advertisers, Digital Analytics Association, and the Internet Marketing Association, among others.
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