Marketing jobs begin with an idea. The idea then becomes feasible through the development of a marketing strategy. Before the strategy is written, qualitative and quantitative research is undertaken. The strategy identifies the market for the product: who the competitors are, the consumers, what they need, what is lacking currently, what they use, how they use it; and so on.
The strategy also identifies how the product will fill the consumer need by identifying the product, pricing, promotion and distribution policies. Once the product is on the market, continued research is undertaken to derive customer satisfaction and competitor reactions to the product.
The product and marketing strategy for the product is then continually evolving to keep up with competitors and to strive to be the market leader. So, who can you work for? Most businesses have a marketing department and people with marketing skills can be employed as strategic planners or account managers in ad agencies.
Marketing manager jobs strategically develops and manages the branding and marketing tools for a product or service. She or he manages the budget and is the director behind the strategy or marketing plan.
A marketing manager will quite often manage and co-ordinate the various departments and ensure that the brand is sustained across all areas of the business including the pricing, promotion, product development and distribution.
A degree in marketing or business is usually required for most marketing manager jobs. An acute eye for maximising opportunities and the ability to sustain a uniform vision and goal for the company are important. Business skills such as negotiation, creativity and competitiveness are essential.
A market researcher gathers information through qualitative and quantitative techniques to help identify markets, needs as well as prospect and actual customers. A researcher plans the methodology and finds people to carry out the research, he also analyses the findings and produce the reports.
To succeed in market research jobs, you must be analytical and possess statistical skills. An ability to write comprehensive reports is also important. A market researcher is methodical in approach and like other disciplines in marketing; it is beneficial to have a degree.
This position is best suited for a first jobber or graduate who is keen to get into marketing. Marketing assistant jobs comprise administrative tasks and duties and does not carry much responsibility.
Generalised duties could include compiling information, preparing direct marketing leaflets or promotional media for send-out or even preparing the Powerpoint show for a presentation. A degree facilitates the job prospects for this role, however is not required. To get ahead quickly in marketing assistant jobs, you need ambition and a voice to make your ideas heard.
A few pointers to help you along:
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