Sales and Marketing
While both sectors might do slightly different lines of work, sales and marketing go hand-and-hand. This is because when both forces are combined they create a power team that helps drive every single product and service that one sees on their drive to school, work or while shopping at the grocery store. They play an extremely crucial role in the business world since they are responsible for helping a variety of businesses and corporations around the globe achieve success. Thus it's no surprise that those who pursue a career in sales and marketing will experience many job opportunities in the years to come, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Common Career Paths:
Advertising Sales Agents
Advertising sales agents, sometimes referred to as advertising sales representatives, are responsible for selling and soliciting advertisement space in media outlets such as newspapers, magazines, television and the internet. These media outlets heavily depend on the revenue made through selling advertisement space and thus in-turn heavily rely on good sales agents. It's this reliance and dependence that can make this job somewhat stressful for most agents. This is because sales agents must meet a specific sales quota not only so the media outlet has enough money to publish its work or go on air for example, but also so he or she can get paid as well–most sales agents get paid on commission. Typically, sales agents solicit via phone or in person but some travelling may be required to get wealthy clients who don't leave in the immediate vicinity. And like with any sales job, some persuasive tactics and techniques can be learned through formal education, but often times one needs to be naturally charming, have great communication skills, and have a strong personality to win a client over and seal the deal. This career industry is definitely not a good career choice for the shy and timid. With that said, generally employers will hire applicants who possess a bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, business, advertising or some other closely related field. Salaries vary tremendously, especially because many sales agents earn performance-base pay and commission. But according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, sales agents earn on average $30,750 to $64,320 a year. Those pursuing this industry will experience a 7 percent increase in demand throughout the next decade, according to the Bureau.
Market Researcher
Like the job title suggests, a market researcher is responsible for researching and analyzing a particular market or industry to determine the demand for new and existing products and services. This research is completed by analyzing competitor activity and determining how the new product will be better. It also includes gathering statistics and data on customers' demographics and interests and well as their buying habits. For example, a market researcher is in charge of figuring on not only what kind of products one may purchase but at what price This particular kind of information is typically acquired by formulating questionnaires, surveys and generating opinion polls. In a nutshell a market researcher's main job description is forecasting consumer and industry trends in order to successfully sell a product and or service. After the product or services are introduced into the market however, researchers must still carefully pay close attention to the way that the product is perceived and accepted by its audience. Thus market researchers must do additional investigation to determine what tactics worked and what didn't. Market researchers will then use their findings to prepare for the next product they endorse. The demand for market researchers is expected to grow a whopping 28 percent through 2018, adding 77,200 new jobs in the workforce, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those who pursue this field should expect to earn middle to high end salaries. According to the Bureau, on average market researchers earn anywhere from $ 43,990 to $85,510. Employers tend to favor applicants who possess a bachelor's degree in marketing, business or psychology. A master degree may be required from more technical positions the Bureau warns.
Public Relations Manager
A public relations manager is responsible for ensuring that their employer or client is always viewed in the best light imaginable. In other words, a public relations manager acts as their client's image consultant. They are the ones who make sure their client's actions and behavior (as well as their business plans) is always viewed as favorable in the public eye. This is either completed by only highlighting the company's or a client's positive attributes/contributions or spinning the negative ones entirely. Typically a public relations manager chooses to write press releases or host events in order to showcase or even improve their client's image, but other techniques can be used. In addition, public relations mangers are also in charge of solidifying their client or employer's purpose to its main audience and helps get messages and new endeavors across to the public. In order to become a public relations manager one must hold a bachelor degree in public relations, journalism or marketing. Taking courses in public speaking, technical writing, advertising and business administration will also be highly beneficial. In addition, often public relation managers will specialize in a specific field such as crisis management in order to show they are effective in doing damage control or in a specific industry, like healthcare for those who want to be a public relations manager of a hospital for example. The demand for public relations managers will increase by 12 percent, adding 7,300 new jobs into the market the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states. Salaries are relatively high. According to the Bureau's latest statistics, public relation managers earned a medium income of $89,430 in 2008.
