Marketing is regarded as the most important element in the growth of any company. Therefore, a career in marketing can be very challenging and rewarding at the same time. While some companies offer the job of marketing after graduation in any stream, with an MBA , B.Com or M.Com, it becomes much easier for getting a job in marketing. Some of the most common corporate positions in the field are- brand manager, marketing manager, market research analyst, new product manager etc. Therefore, it is not difficult to find institutes that offer marketing courses in India.
Skills required for a Career in Marketing
Graduation from any stream is the basic qualification for getting enrolled in the MBA in marketing. Candidates should be fluent in communication skills and in the art of convincing someone. MBA in marketing is a two-year degree program. Apart from the regular courses, MBA in marketing through distance-learning mode is also available. Admission to this course is generally given after the candidate has cleared an aptitude exam as well personal interview taken by the particular college or institute.
However, apart from the marketing management courses, one can also pursue courses in marketing.
Scope for Career in Marketing in India
As India is fast growing as a corporate hub of the world, a career in marketing becomes very exciting. With the emergence of more and more multinational and domestic companies joining the tide, opportunities for marketing professional are abounding. From joining as a marketing executive, one can go on becoming a marketing manager or product manager within a very short span of time. Thus, those with a vision and passion for climbing up the ladder with hard work can choose a marketing career.
Prominent Industries offering Career in Marketing
All the industries require qualified marketing executives who can lead their company to the pinnacle of success. However, some of the leading industries in India are Reliance, Tata, Bajaj, Hero Honda, ICICI, ABN Amro, Bank of Baroda, Birla Sun Life and so many.
Marketing Careers
There are an enormous amount of career opportunities and options for people with marketing MBAs. The most common are corporate positions such as marketing manager, brand manager, market research analyst, and new product manager. Persons with strong financial skills could seek a career in strategic or market related planning. Additional corporate positions such as sales manager, advertising manager, PR (public relations) director, and marketing communications manager are also common.
In marketing or advertising agencies, numerous opportunities exist in advertising, direct marketing, and communications specialization. Consulting firms also hire marketing MBAs as new market developers, strategists, and customer segmentation specialists.
Product management careers as well as brand management careers typically require that a candidate have an MBA, even at the entry level. However, some companies that focus intensively on sales promote these positions internally from highly successful sales representatives.
Product and Brand Managers
The product manager is entirely responsible for the profitability and market growth of a product line. The product manager could be considered the CEO of a particular product. They typically coordinate and oversee a number of diverse divisions of a corporation to ensure the efficient and timely flow of a product to market. While some product managers have international responsibilities, most product management positions focus on product and market development domestically. Product managers often will see promotion to director or manager of a group of products or even to the position of VP of marketing.
New Product Development Specialists
Some companies have a position specifically targeted to managing new or developing product lines. The new product specialist is skilled at launching and marketing initial implementations of a product or marketing plan before giving the project to a product manager for ongoing maintenance.
Marketing Managers
The marketing manager’s responsibilities are similar to those of the product manager, but are focused on servicing and managing an ongoing relationship with existing customers. The marketing manager utilizes skills in international marketing, customer satisfaction and retention, market strategy, and emerging technologies. This position can be highly demanding and require intensive knowledge of market research and customer management.
Account Management Specialists
While it is not often required, having an MBA can be very beneficial in obtaining a position in account management roles. The account manager is responsible for a large number of the functions of a product manager, but on the advertising agency side of things.
Scope of MBA Marketing Courses
Candidates with an MBA degree in marketing are sure to enjoy excellent career growth in this highly competitive world. Marketing manager, market research analyst, brand manager and new product manager are some of the job profiles available for MBA marketing professionals. Candidates with profound knowledge in finance can also look for the job opportunities available as strategic or market planning executives. One can also come across other specialized corporate positions like advertising manager, marketing communications manager, sales manager and PR director. Most of the advertising agencies also offer ample job scope for marketing professionals in specialized areas like direct marketing, advertisement and jobs related to communications. MBA Marketing programs are also ideal for those who wish to make a career as a brand manager. This profession generally attracts youngsters as the job involves lot of responsibilities, glamour and lot of traveling.