How to choose a bachelors in marketing

Interested in pursuing a career in marketing? If so, your next step is selecting the right bachelor's in marketing program. Read on to learn what to consider when choosing a school.

Guide to choosing a bachelor's degree in marketing

Several important factors must be weighed when choosing the right marketing bachelor's program, including:

Available specializations and concentrations

Different degree programs may offer you the opportunity to concentrate your studies in areas like digital marketing, content marketing, brand management, public relations, data analysis, conversion optimization, or event management. Specialties can prepare you for unique career paths and help you position yourself as a stronger candidate for job opportunities. Be sure to check which concentrations are available at your school of choice to make sure they align with your career goals.

Location

The location of the school you choose may be important if you're interested in working in a particular industry or for a particular company. For example, if you're interested in working in the marketing department at a theme park, a program in the Orlando, Florida area might be ideal.

You can research these location-based opportunities in three ways. Look at what major industries and companies surround the school you're interested in, ask the school if it has any special partnerships that may be applicable, or contact the recruiting department of the company you're interested in.

Alumni network

Schools with strong alumni networks often help students to find internships during school or jobs after graduation. Look for prominent alumni who work in business, marketing, sales, and other relevant fields.

Program culture and composition

Marketing is a field that is best learned in a hands-on, interactive environment. When students can study and experience real-world examples of the concepts they're learning, it creates a productive and effective learning environment. Look for a school with a curriculum that blends traditional learning with opportunities like corporate partnerships, marketing plan competitions, relevant speaker series, and interactive workshops.

University resources and career services

When picking out a school, look for ones that have job placement programs. Ask about past marketing roles your college has filled or companies that regularly hire from their graduate pool. Additionally, look for schools that offer other helpful resources like résumé workshops, portfolio-building opportunities, and career counseling.