How to become a marketing manager
Are you thinking of a career as a marketing manager? Managers have a challenging and rewarding role. They're vital to the success of organizations and use their unique skills to build brands and drive business growth. Read on to learn more about what a marketing manager does and discover some steps that might help you in your journey to becoming one.
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What does a marketing manager do?
Marketing managers have strong leadership, strategy, and critical thinking skills. These professionals help plan and coordinate marketing strategies to maximize profits and market share. They often collaborate across departments and manage other marketing staff.
Steps to become a marketing manager
Step 1: Earn a bachelor's degree in marketing
A bachelor's degree in marketing is the usual first step for those planning a career as a marketing manager. Marketing programs typically offer a wide variety of subjects and electives that give marketing managers a good foundation in general business knowledge and also more specific marketing knowledge.
Step 2: Get experience in marketing
Once you've earned your degree, it's time to gain industry experience. An internship can be a great place to start and can open doors to marketing jobs.
Step 3: Consider a marketing master's degree or MBA
Marketing managers often interact with and make decisions at the highest levels in a company. Some companies might prefer their marketing managers to have a master's degree in marketing or even an MBA with a concentration in marketing. There are also many online courses you choose from that allow you to keep working on your marketing career while you study further,
Step 4: Put in the hours
Once you have your degree(s), you'll need to put in the hours — and the years — as you climb the marketing ladder. Speaking to more senior colleagues or finding a mentor may help you on this path. They might be able to provide guidance about specific ways to build your résumé, or even help you identify skills that could help you rise to the role of marketing manager.
Get started on edX
Ready to get going on your journey to marketing manager? Start by exploring some online edX marketing courses that you can add to your résumé. These extra skills might help you stand out as you build your marketing career.