How to Become a Marketing Manager - Career Girls

Career Clusters: Marketing

What you need to know

Overview

Marketing managers estimate the demand for products and services that an organization and its competitors offer. They identify potential markets for the organization’s products.

For example, a marketing manager may monitor trends that indicate the need for a new product or service. Then he or she may assist in the development of that product or service and to create a marketing plan for it.

What does a marketing manager do?

Marketing managers are often employed in corporate or regional managing offices. They often work with sales, public relations, and product development staff.

Some of the things marketing managers might do:

Initiate market research studies and analyze their findings to understand customer and market opportunities for businesses
Develop pricing strategies for products or services marketed to the target customers
Meet with clients to provide marketing or related advice
Direct the hiring, training, or performance evaluations of marketing or sales staff and oversee their daily activities
Consult with product development personnel on product specifications such as design, color, or packaging

Watch this video to learn about what our marketing manager role models do in their careers:

What skills are needed?

Analytical skills: Marketing managers must be able to analyze industry trends to determine the most promising strategies for their organization.
Communication skills: Managers must be able to communicate effectively with a broad-based team made up of other managers or staff members during the advertising, promotions, and marketing process. They must also be able to communicate persuasively with the public.
Creativity: Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers must be able to generate new and imaginative ideas.
Decision-Making skills: Managers often must choose between competing advertising and marketing strategies put forward by staff.
Interpersonal skills: Managers must deal with a range of people in different roles, both inside and outside the organization.
Organizational skills: Marketing managers must manage their time and budget efficiently while directing and motivating staff members.

Watch this video to learn more from our marketing manager role models:

What is the pay?

The average pay for marketing managers in the United States was $131,870 in May 2023 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A marketing manager’s pay depends on factors such as level of experience, education and training, geographic location, and specific industry.

What is the career outlook?

About 34,000 new job openings for advertising, promotions and marketing managers are projected each year, on average, over the next 10 years in the United States

Overall employment of marketing managers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

Marketing managers will continue to be in demand as organizations use marketing campaigns to maintain and expand their market share.

These managers will be sought after for their advice on crafting pricing strategies and finding new ways to reach customers.

What education is required to become a marketing manager?

Most marketing managers need a bachelor’s degree. Courses in business law, management, economics, finance, computer science, mathematics, and statistics are advantageous. In addition, completing an internship while in school can be useful.

Discover some of the courses you will take pursuing a degree in Marketing.

Watch this video to learn more from our marketing manager role models: