If you want to combine your flair for creativity with your interest in
business, check out a marketing program.
Marketing includes every aspect of operating a business successfully. Many
people enter the field with the clear ambition to run their own company.
Marketing professor Ulrike de Brentani agrees. "People sometimes view marketing
in a very narrow light," she says. "In fact, marketing is a tool we use every
day. If you go out to find a job, the first thing you will be doing is marketing
yourself."
Before you choose a school, decide what area of marketing attracts you.
You may be interested in a specific industry, such as the auto industry or
tourism, or in a certain aspect of marketing, such as graphic design or advertising.
Most colleges and universities offer undergraduate commerce degrees
with an option to specialize in marketing. Many also offer master's and
PhD degrees in this specialty.
Two-year community colleges also offer programs in marketing. A two-year
diploma or associate's degree will give you credit towards a four-year degree
or provide you with the training needed for entry-level positions.
Many schools also have co-op programs, which combine on-the-job
training with classroom education.
Numerous colleges and universities are beginning to offer degree programs
online. Jim Dunkin is a former coordinator for curriculum development
at a community college. He says the school has been offering some marketing
courses online for the past few years.
"I've noticed that even some of our on-campus students are taking advantage
of this virtual medium," he says. "The sad truth is that many students have
to work and this allows them to study on a more flexible schedule."
You can start learning about marketing right now. Throughout the United
States, there are high school chapters of the Distributive Education Clubs
of America (DECA), an international association of marketing students.
Participation in DECA will teach you about marketing, management and
entrepreneurship. It will also prepare you for the competition and leadership
development you will need.
The American Marketing Association also has collegiate chapters throughout
North America. "It's a good idea to become involved with something like
the AMA or any other marketing club at your school," says Joe Giglierano.
He is a marketing professor at San Jose State University in California.
"It gives you a chance to learn more about marketing, it gives you a chance
to meet people already in marketing and it gives you a chance to pick their
brains."
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Advertising,
Promotions, and Marketing Managers
Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA)
An association for marketing students
Target Marketing
Includes many links to direct marketing sites
Internet Marketing Glossary
Get familiar with industry terms