Is marketing a good major?

Thinking about exploring the world of marketing in college? That's fantastic! It's a dynamic and evolving field that touches nearly every aspect of business. It also offers a ton of exciting opportunities.

You might be wondering, "Is marketing a good major?" and "Is a marketing degree worth it?" Let's unpack all of that and more, giving you an idea of what it's like to study marketing and the career paths that await.

Is marketing a good major for you?

That's the million-dollar question, right? The short answer is: it absolutely can be! Marketing is a versatile discipline that blends creativity with analytical thinking. You'll learn to understand consumer behavior, develop compelling messages and how to connect with audiences.

If you enjoy problem-solving and staying on top of trends, marketing could be right up your alley.

Think about it – every company and organization needs marketing to thrive. They need people who can understand their target market and build their brand. It’s also a critical part of driving sales. This fundamental need is why marketing graduates are in demand

Different types of marketing

The beauty of a marketing major is that it's not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. You'll likely encounter different specializations that can further hone your interests and career goals. Let's look at a couple:

Business marketing: the B2B world

Business-to-business (B2B) marketing focuses on selling products or services to other businesses. This often involves building long-term relationships and understanding complex organizational needs. If you're fascinated by how businesses interact and strategize with each other, specializing in business marketing could be a great fit.

Digital marketing: the online frontier

Digital marketing is booming. It encompasses everything from search engine optimization (SEO) and social media marketing to email campaigns and content creation. This field is constantly evolving with new technologies and platforms, making it an exciting and dynamic area of study. If you're tech-savvy and are interested in data-driven strategies, digital marketing offers a wealth of opportunities. 

Double the fun: finance and marketing

Is finance and marketing a good double major? Absolutely! These two fields complement each other surprisingly well. A strong understanding of finance can help you analyze marketing budgets and measure return on investment while making make data-driven financial decisions for marketing campaigns.

Also, marketing skills can be invaluable in the financial services industry for branding, gaining clients, and communication. This combination can make you a highly versatile and sought-after candidate.

How useful is a marketing degree, really?

The answer is: very useful! A marketing degree equips you with a diverse set of skills that you can use across various roles and industries. You'll develop:

• Communication Skills: Learning to craft clear, persuasive messages is central to marketing. 
• Analytical Skills: Marketing relies heavily on data to understand trends, measure performance and make informed decisions. 
• Creative Thinking: Developing innovative campaigns and solutions is a key aspect of marketing. 
• Problem-Solving Skills: Marketers constantly face challenges in reaching their target audience and achieving their goals. 
• Strategic Thinking: Understanding the big picture and developing long-term marketing strategies is crucial. 
• Technical Skills: Marketers need to be proficient in various digital tools and platforms. 

These skills aren't just valuable in marketing roles; they're highly sought after in many other fields as well.

Careers and salaries with a marketing degree

One of the most exciting aspects of a marketing degree is the sheer variety of careers available. Jobs site Indeed.com outlines many of these options. You could find yourself in roles like:

• Marketing Manager: Overseeing marketing campaigns and strategies. 
• Digital Marketing Specialist: Focusing on online marketing efforts. 
• Social Media Manager: Managing a company's presence on social media platforms. 
• Market Research Analyst: Studying consumer behavior and market trends. 
• Advertising Executive: Developing and executing advertising campaigns. 
• Public Relations Specialist: Managing a company's public image. 
• Brand Manager: Developing and maintaining a brand's identity. 
• Content Marketing Specialist: Creating valuable and engaging content to attract and retain customers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics found a positive career outlook for all marketing majors including those who become advertising, promotions, and marketing managers. They project employment will grow in these fields by 8% from 2023 to 2033. That’s faster than the average for all occupations.

The median salaries you might expect in a marketing role include:

• Marketing Manager: $83,000 to $116,000 
• Digital Marketing Specialist: $55,000 to $75,000 
• Social Media Manager: $65,000 to $112,000 
• Market Research Analyst: $60,000 to $80,000 
• Advertising Executive: $40,000 to $60,000 
• Public Relations Specialist: $60,000 to $85,000 
• Brand Manager: $80,000 to $120,000 
• Content Marketing Specialist: $55,000 and $80,000

Keep in mind that these are average ranges in the U.S. and can vary based on experience, location, company size and specific skills.

Is a marketing degree worth it?

For many, the answer is a resounding yes! Students who choose to study marketing in Central Michigan University’s College of Business Administration are encouraged to use creative thinking as they earn a degree.

CMU’s marketing major blends creativity and business skills. Students learn how to make campaigns, manage brands and work with clients. They find out how to create, sell and deliver valuable solutions to help customers solve problems.

CMU marketing majors work with a dedicated academic advisor to ensure their classes, internships and networking opportunities are tailored to their goals and will help them successfully find a great job after graduation.