Marketing MBA

Marketing is the art of displaying a company’s brand, culture, image, or slogan to the public. The best marketing departments embed advertisements in popular culture. Some of the most popular product images are a result of creative marketing. Coca Cola’s distinctive red pop cans, McDonald’s golden arches, or the Nike swoosh symbol are examples of outstanding marketing. Marketing can also save a company after a corporate mistake, or simply reinvent a company’s image after many years of existence. A marketing MBA can help marketing professionals develop their skills further and add luster to their resume.



Marketing programs usually are best for creative and imaginative people. Whether they prefer creating art, dance, music, or any other medium is not particularly important. Any medium they choose can be utilized by an advertising campaign in some way. What is important is the ability to create something that people find interesting. A moderate understanding of mathematics and statistics will be needed. This allows students to interpret data about their intended audience. Students should have decent interpersonal skills and be willing to work in teams. Most marketing projects will require a variety of professionals to complete. It will be difficult to combine everyone’s efforts without considerable communication. Some projects may have to be completed under a deadline. Being able to work under budget and time constraints is also helpful.



Specific marketing curriculum may vary moderately by program. Some institutions may focus more upon statistical analysis, others on the psychology behind buyers’ spending habits. Common course subjects usually include:



Business statistics

Consumer behavior

Marketing research methods

Marketing strategy

Sales technique



After graduating with a marketing MBA, some possible jobs for degree holders could be:



Marketing head or manager

Public relations head or manager

Sales head or manager



Job titles can differ depending upon the company. Because of the competitive field, even MBA degree holders may have to accept an entry-level position when moving to a new company. This is particularly true for large global advertising firms. Depending upon the employer and the job opening, different bachelor’s degrees may be required in addition to an MBA.



Salaries can be different for marketing professionals, but most averaged between $75,000 and $100,000 annually in 2008. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recorded an average salary of $89,430 for public relations managers. Sales managers received an average salary of $97,260 in the same year. Larger firms typically compensated employees with bonuses, health insurance, and time off. Professionals working for smaller companies and marketing consultants usually made less in salary and perks.