In order to be sure if a degree in marketing is the right choice, one must first understand what marketing is. The American Marketing Association had defined marketing as, “The performance of business activities that direct the flow of goods and services from producer to consumer or user.” That would have been marketing about forty years ago when its main focus was purely the efforts that went into selling a product.
In today’s world marketing like everything else, has evolved, marketers not only understand what is driving the product people are buying and selling, but are also epitomizing an organized behavior system that generates an output of value to consumers. Marketing is a crucial cornerstone to every business in the world. Marketing is not only a job but a function to every business.
A degree in marketing can create the tools needed to understand what drives the products we buy and sell; it combines the mathematical and statistical courses an accountant would have taken, and blends in the organizational focus of a business major, then splashes in the human behavioral studies of liberal arts major.
WHY CHOOSE MARKETING?
A degree in marketing will not only give you a job title but also an important function in any business around the world. A survey conducted in 2010 showed that 28% of the jobs in professional, technical, insurance, science, and finance fields were held by Marketing Managers. A degree in Marketing will give you the tools you will need to research customers needs and the development of the product.
Delivering the product to the customer will be easy with the new found communication strategies acquired. Not only will a degree in marketing give you the ability to determine who to market to and set the prices, you will also have the knowledge to respond to the international markets and cultures as necessary.
WHAT SCHOOL OR PROGRAM?
Picking the right marketing school is an important part of gaining your degree online. The first thing you should do in choosing a degree is to find online school’s that offer that degree. Marketing is an open field, every program and school will be different. Try to choose schools that offer the online degree program that is right for you. Envision your future and what job you would like to have and then lean towards the degree in that area. After you have narrowed down your search you should check the accreditation for that school.
Employers may look down if the school has not been independently reviewed, or the program of high quality. Once you have chosen, the next step is applying. Every school and program has different admission requirements. As you submit your online application the school will detail the requirements needed for that program. Also take into consideration the cost.
Earning your degree online can not only help by providing a flexible schedule, it can also save you thousands of dollars. You are allowed to use scholarships, grants, or other types of financial aid when taking online courses. If you already have a job and are looking to forward your education, many employers will also help with the costs associated with taking the classes.
THE RIGHT DEGREE
There are about 107 programs offered online for those interested in a degree in marketing. You must first choose between an Associate’s degree, a Bacherlor’s degree, or an MBA (Masters of Business Administration). The degree of choice should be dependent on the job and area of marketing you would like to be in, the amount of time you have available, and how long you would like the program to last. An Associate’s degree in marketing can be your first step in order to get a Bachelor’s.
Most individuals with an Associate’s degree in marketing deal in retail and customer service. Some graduates can land jobs in wholesale distribution, promotions, and advertising. A Bachelors Degree in marketing of course will take a little bit longer than an Associate’s degree. Most graduates with a Bachelors Degree have opportunities that include management-level positions. MBA graduates of course are highly sought out and earn more income. Many choose to earn their Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree first and then continue with an MBA at a later date.
Whatever degree you choose an online degree in Marketing is one of the most versatile and needed degrees; it is a great job opportunity and a chance to grown your income. Most jobs are either directly or indirectly associated with a marketing job. Of course as stated earlier the higher your degree in marketing the more selection you will have in the job market as well as the best possible growth for your income. An average graduate with an Associate’s degree will earn approximately $35- 40,000 a year. A Bachelors degree will grant you $80-90,000 and an MBA degree can earn around $110,000. Whatever your goal may be remember every company will use marketing.
