Marketing

Marketing focuses on creating and managing customers. It deals with the strategies, tactics, and business processes involved in researching markets, deciding which markets and segments to pursue, identifying what unique value to provide, and then assembling the products, services, people, and partner firms needed to build, communicate, and deliver that value. Specializations in this area include sales, advertising, sales promotion, retail, brand management, distribution, and marketing research.

General Tasks (from O*Net):

  • Develop pricing strategies, balancing firm objectives and customer satisfaction.
  • Identify, develop, and evaluate marketing strategy, based on knowledge of establishment objectives, market characteristics, and cost and markup factors.
  • Evaluate the financial aspects of product development, such as budgets, expenditures, research and development appropriations, and return-on-investment and profit-loss projections.
  • Formulate, direct and coordinate marketing activities and policies to promote products and services, working with advertising and promotion managers.
  • Direct the hiring, training, and performance evaluations of marketing and sales staff and oversee their daily activities.
  • Negotiate contracts with vendors and distributors to manage product distribution, establishing distribution networks and developing distribution strategies.
  • Consult with product development personnel on product specifications such as design, color, and packaging.
  • Compile lists describing product or service offerings.
  • Use sales forecasting and strategic planning to ensure the sale and profitability of products, lines, or services, analyzing business developments and monitoring market trends.
  • Select products and accessories to be displayed at trade or special production shows.
  • ...search for more job descriptions on O*Net 

Sample Career Paths:

  • Account Representative
  • Advertising Account Executive
  • Advertising Manager
  • Brand Manager
  • Buyer
  • Customer Service Manager
  • Distribution Manager
  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Direct Sales Manager
  • Financial Planner
  • Government Administrator
  • Insurance Agent
  • International Marketer
  • Wholesale Salesperson
  • Internet Marketing Specialist
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Marketing Director
  • Media Buyer/Analyst
  • Merchandise Manager
  • Packaging Specialist/Designer
  • Pharmaceutical Sales
  • Product Analyst
  • Product Manager
  • Property Manager
  • Sales/Promotion Manager
  • Security Sales Agent
  • Sports/Special Events Coordinator
  • Sports Agent
  • Teacher

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Last Edited: 10/2/2007