High School
Recommended high school classes include English, speech, marketing, public relations, psychology, sociology, foreign language, business, finance, and computer science (especially web design). Courses in mathematics, science, and social studies should round out your college-preparatory curriculum.
Postsecondary Education
Most marketing specialists have a bachelor's degree in marketing or advertising. However, some have degrees in English, journalism, speech communications, economics, or business administration. The most qualified job candidates have master’s degrees in marketing or a related field and extensive experience in alternative investing (e.g., private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, etc.) or investment banking. The London School of Economics and Political Science offers a master’s degree in private equity.
US News & World Report publishes a list of colleges and universities that offer the best marketing programs in the United States. The top five schools are University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Pennsylvania, New York University, University of California-Berkeley, and University of Texas-Austin. Visit https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-marketing for more information.
Other Education or Training
The American Marketing Association, Emerging Markets Private Equity Association, Internet Marketing Association, and Insights Association offer webinars, workshops, and other continuing education opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.
Certification
In conjunction with the Digital Marketing Institute, the American Marketing Association offers the Digital Marketing Pro program, which provides dual certifications from both organizations (PCM Digital Marketing and Certified Digital Marketing Professional) upon completion. Visit https://www.ama.org/digital-marketing-certification to learn more.
The Insights Association offers the certificate in quantitative research principles and the certificate in qualitative research principles. Visit http://www.marketingresearch.org/advance-career/certificates for more information.
- Investment Underwriters
- Private Equity Accountants and Auditors
- Private Equity Business Development Directors
- Private Equity Chief Dealmakers
- Private Equity Compliance Professionals
- Private Equity Financial Managers
- Private Equity Investor Relations Specialists
- Private Equity Lawyers
- Private Equity Research Analysts and Associates
- Private Equity Risk Managers