Talking with people in marketing occupations

Talking with individuals who are successful in the career area in which you are interested is an informative way of learning more about marketing. If possible, this conversation (or interview) should take place at the workplace of the person you wish to consult. If you use this approach, be sure to arrange an appointment and prepare a list of questions that you would like to ask. By asking the right questions, you can find out the kinds of skills and training that are necessary for the job, how the person got his or her first job as well as the current position, and also the individual’s likes and dislikes about the work. Here is a suggested list of questions you may want to consider.

1. What education and training are necessary to reach a position such as yours?

2. What personal qualities and technical information does an individual need to be successful in a similar position?

3. What other types of work experience did you have prior to your present position?

4. What led you to your present position?

5. What do you like most about your current marketing job? What do you like least?

6. What are your general recommendations as to how to be successful in a marketing career?

An interview such as this serves several purposes: you get out into the business world, you learn about an occupation in which you are interested, you gain experience at interviewing, and you meet people you may contact when you start looking for a job.

Working part-time in marketing occupations

A third way of finding out more about marketing careers is to work part-time or during summers in entry-level jobs. Practical work experience is a good way to learn about careers and to find out firsthand what marketing is all about. Even though the entry-level jobs you obtain may not be in the field you desire, the knowledge and experience you gain will often be useful in other marketing jobs. Many schools have cooperative work programs that allow students to work part-time in jobs that are actually entry-level marketing positions.

Planning for your future marketing career

Before you make a commitment to a particular area in marketing, you should take a careful look both at yourself and at the requirements of your chosen career. It is well to give thought to a personal career plan; that is, a plan based on your career goal which includes information about your interests, personality, and abilities. A career plan will also include an analysis of the competencies (knowledge and skills) you will need in order to be successful and the education and training that are required to reach your goal.

After you have compiled this information and have identified the competencies required for specific marketing jobs, you can be more objective in matching your personal qualities and abilities with the requirements for entry into and future success in a marketing career.

Examining your interests, personality, and abilities

In examining various marketing job opportunities, you should look closely at your interests, personality, and abilities. Interests are those activities that you enjoy. For example, if you like activities that involve leading, managing, and persuading others, you may be drawn to a career in marketing. On the other hand, if you like activities that involve only a few persons ‑ playing bridge or other games requiring mental exercise ‑ you probably should seek employment in a structured setting where you will process information or work with numbers. In this case, a marketing career would not be attractive to you. Guidance counselors at your school should be able to help you determine your career interests. Most school counselors are trained to give vocational interest tests which will help you assess your potential career interests.

Personality is also important in your choice of a career. Your personality is the sum of all your personal traits, attitudes, and habits that make you different from others. If you like to work with people and are aggressive and outgoing, you may be suited for a career in one of the marketing fields.

In order to successfully complete a task you must have the ability to perform the task. To have the ability to be successful at a job means that you have the knowledge and skill ‑ you are competent ‑ to accomplish the tasks required for the job. Ability can be natural or acquired (learned) through experience on the job, or it can be gained through education and training. Different marketing positions require different levels of ability. A simple entry-level job, which involves performing routine duties such as bagging groceries, requires minimum ability. What you must do in this type of job can be learned easily through work experience. On the other hand, if you are attracted to a specialized position or a management position in marketing you will require additional education and training along with experience. Some positions have state licensing requirements for which formal education and training are necessary. For example, to sell real estate, insurance, or securities, you must pass a rigorous state examination in order to acquire a license.

To summarize, you should always be alert to any changes in your interests, personality, and abilities that can affect your career choice or alter your plans for higher education.