Jesus Pimp

It's one of the many possible majors I'm interested for grad school. Is it a good field to get into or is as bad as tech jobs are today?

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Mephisto2

Hey J-Pimp,

I would imagine that marketing is probably not the best area to get into at present, when the world economy is in the doldrums. Having said that, the economy is likely to take off again so if you time this correctly you could be in a good position. Hard one to call.

Do you have a good ability to communicate? Are you an outgoing, personable person? Are you well read and well written? Do you have good interpersonal d excellent written communication skills?

These are all the kinds of skills that I believe are essential (or at least useful) for a successful career in marketing.

Is this the only industry in which you have an interest?


Mr Mephisto

onetime2

Marketing involves a lot of politics. If you don't like "spin", networking on a constant basis, lots of questions around competitive products, market trends, production, distribution, and sales issues then it's probably not for you.

If you enjoy long hours and strategic analysis of markets/products/customers then it may be the right track.

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Averett

I have a BA in Marketing. I have no idea what I'm doing. Or what I want to do. Currently I'm a secretary and I sure as hell don't want to do this!

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absorbentishe

My friend has a marketing degree, and he works for a sports equiptment company, as a glorified salesman, but he's doing quite well. Me, my degree is management, and sure enough, that's what I'm doing.

irseg

Marketing ability has far more to do with your personality than getting a piece of paper from college. I know a few sales/marketing types.. They are all very talented at the things onetime2 listed, and they were always the ones beating everyone else at those door to door fundraisers in elementary school. So make sure it's something you'd like to do, don't look at it as just being a convenient major.

Tinker

I work in marketing (entertainment) I love my job! But it is very stressful....
I think you should go for it, the people you will encounter are worth it. I would much rather work in a creative environment to anything else. I feel blessed to be in this field!!

numist

Given the current economy with the do not call lists and such, I do not think that marketing is a good field to jump into right now. It seems that there will be a lot of people in that field without jobs, and that will make that area very tight. For the momeny, I would look elsewhere.

Jesus Pimp

Umm not telemarketing...

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asudevil83

right now i'm studying marketing, and have about a year and a half left before i get my degree. i was looking for a career where i could let loose my creative side and just have fun with work. but right now i'm not seeing it. it seems as though this field is in a bit of a rut with the economy where its at right now. but hopefully withing the next two years we'll see a good turnaround, and then this field will once again be something that makes the money.

personally i'm looking into getting into either video game, sports, or music marketing. that seems to be where all the creativity and fun is at.

burntmonkey

Marketing is a glorified version of sales. Sorry to have to be the one who breaks it to you.

onetime2

Well yes, but sales and marketing are almost ALWAYS at odds. Marketers tend to look at the market in the broadest terms while salespeople break it down to individual tastes. Salespeople go after that last personal objection that keeps people from buying. Marketers look to position the product so that it appeals to the broadest audience within the group being targeted.

clavus

I totally disagree with those of you who assert that because the economy sucks, marketing is a lousy thing to study; sales even more so. Good times or bad, sales and marketing are needed.

Close your factory and move it to China. Pay Indians pennies to run your customer service department from Nanjangud. Outsource your payroll, accounting and HR to Pakistan. You still need someone to sell your stuff right here in the USA.

Sales/marketing is stressful. The income is good, but can fluctuate wildly.

Last year I made six figures. This year, I will make roughly half of what I made in 2002. Our manufacturing is now in China, Canada and Italy. Our sales force remains employed here.

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onetime2

Agreed, they are both excellent fields with lots of potential so long as you have the right personality/interests for them.

As far as those who say it isn't so good in a bad economy, I say that's when sales and marketing are the most necessary. If you're skilled you will have a job no matter the economy (and that goes for all professions).