Marketing is a vast and somewhat overwhelming aspect of the business world. You can literally count the number of its practitioners in the millions. As can be expected, when something becomes that huge and institutionalized, it can be broken down into a number of specialties, one of which is Marketing Communications.
Marketing Communications is an interdisciplinary occupation that focuses on making targeted markets aware of a product or any message. It's a highly creative aspect of the field that primarily concentrates on applying sales principles and theories with media applications. While its major employers are advertising and public relations firms, just about every business, agency or institution employs their share of these media experts.
Those interested in pursuing this field should have strong written and oral communications skills. They should also be good in math, media savvy (including the latest information tech applications) and, quite frankly, not afraid of being the center of attention. People skills are a definite plus.
When it comes to advanced education, a marketing communications major devotes his or her first two years on the basics of business; such as accounting, economics, business law and finance. They should also take their share of courses in statistics, psychology, English and some related liberal arts. Once they start their junior year, that's when they start to specialize in advanced classes such as basic market research, media theory and marketing management.
Another important thing a student should consider is some kind of internship or work-study program. This will give them some grounding in the practical application of what they are learning at their on campus or online college. Even if it's only working in the mail room, a student will start picking up pointers and special techniques that generally aren't taught in case studies.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, growth in this occupation is above average, at somewhere between 12-15% by the end of this decade. Competition for these positions, particularly entry level, is also considered exceedingly keen. It should also be noted that this is an exceedingly results-oriented occupation. The more successful a marketing communications experts track record, the better his or her odds to getting that corner office or penthouse suite.
Salaries can also rise dramatically with success. The average salary for these people ranges from $80,000 to over $120,000, depending on experience and industry. It should also be noted that one key way to advance is to continue education after getting a bachelors degree. They do this through setting up online subscription accounts or going full bore for a masters degree. Many also go on to start their own agencies and media outlets, such as those now forming their own Internet and social network media firms.
No matter what, it is undeniable that marketing communications is a high pressure field, but it's also a highly creative and constantly evolving occupation. Those who can find the right mix of media, creative way to package their pitches and get the desired results will find incredible job satisfaction.
Even if you're looking to get a degree in business administration, don't overlook how marketing can help you achieve goals. If you're running a business, you're selling a product or a service. Communications, in part, is getting your brand into public awareness. Working your way up, start with a free course online and find out what e-learning, also known as online education, can do for you.
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