As with many careers, many myths and misconceptions are floating around about the marketing field. If you have been considering a career in marketing, you will want to have a solid understanding of what the work entails before you dive into a program of study. We are breaking down eight of the most commonly held misconceptions about marketing careers so that you can better understand what to expect from this dynamic, competitive, and rewarding career.
1. Marketing Jobs Are Not Only for Creative Types
While it certainly does not hurt to be creative in the marketing field, the reality is that some of the most successful marketing professionals are far from being the “creative” or “artsy” types. In fact, much of the actual work in the marketing field is analytical in nature—meaning that problem-solving and critical thinking skills are often much more valuable than any background in art, visual design, or other creative outlets.
When you see an ad, the thoughtful design is the first thing you might notice about it. However, a lot goes into a compelling ad before its creation that you do not see. From audience/demographic research to A/B testing and everything in between, these are the practical and analytical skills marketers are expected to have.
2. Marketing Is More than Just Sales
Sure, sales are a big part of marketing. You could argue that the two go hand-in-hand (effective marketing is often reflected in better sales, after all). However, the reality is that sales and profits are not the only measures of success in marketing. There is so much more that goes into building a marketing strategy—and the ultimate success of a campaign often cannot be gauged by sales or profits alone.
Take the example of a content marketing campaign, where the goal is not to make sales directly but to educate and engage a target audience through quality blog posts, articles, social media posts, and other content. In this type of campaign, your measure for success may be more focused on the number of “shares” your posts receive on social media and the level of engagement your audience has with each new piece you publish.
3. Shifting from Traditional Media
When you think about working in marketing, your mind may immediately envision digital marketing. From social media and content marketing to SEO and even email campaigns. These roles work alongside the more “traditional” forms of marketing — television, radio, and print. There continue to be opportunities in both digital marketing and traditional media realm.
4. Digital Marketing Is Everywhere
If you are more interested in digital marketing, the good news is that there is also a huge demand for professionals in this realm. In fact, according to research from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for digital marketing research analysts and marketing specialists is expected to grow by 22% between 2020 and 2030.
This demand is expected to grow across all industries, as the need to build and maintain a solid digital marketing strategy remains the same regardless of industry or business type. Likewise, businesses of all sizes are beginning to understand the importance of hiring experienced marketing professionals to achieve the best return on investment for their marketing efforts.
5. Marketing Analytics Is Everywhere
Today, more tools and resources are available to measure marketing results than ever before. If you are the type of person who thrives on data and feedback, a career in marketing could be a great choice.
No matter what type of marketing career you pursue, you will have plenty of key performance indicators (KPIs) to rely on; this information can help you refine your marketing strategies and boost the success of your campaigns. Some examples of KPIs you may use to measure your marketing results include:
- Total conversions
- Reach and engagement levels
- Return on investment
- Cost per sale/acquisition
- Conversion rate
6. Sharpen Your Technical Skills
While a career in marketing tends to require more analytical and problem-solving skills than anything else, this is not to say technical skills are unnecessary. Depending on your specific role, there are several technical marketing skills you may rely on regularly. This includes experience with or knowledge of popular tools and platforms used in the marketing world, such as Google Analytics and SEO/keyword research tools. No matter what marketing role you may end up in, there is a good chance there will be at least some technical component involved.
7. All Agencies Are Not the Same
While a career in marketing is sometimes portrayed in movies and TV as stressful or demanding, how stressful a marketing job is depends on the role and the company you end up working for. Just like any job, juggling the responsibilities of a marketing role can be challenging and will involve some careful planning and time management. However, a marketing job does not have to be stressful when you are working for a company with core values that align with your own. Many marketing professionals enjoy an excellent work-life balance with minimal stress. In one survey, 88% of marketing professionals reported that their companies offered flexible work hours and remote work opportunities.
8. Marketing is a Highly Competitive Industry
No matter where your interests lie in marketing, there is sure to be an agency out there with a role for you. Contrary to what you may have been led to believe, not all agencies do the same thing or offer the same services. For example, some agencies focus more on traditional advertising, whereas others may specialize in niche services like branding, public relations, or even digital marketing. Some agencies may market themselves as a “Jack of all trades,” whereas others may specialize in just one or two specific services.
Interested in a Marketing Career?
As you can see, it is easy to fall for some of the most common marketing myths and misunderstandings. Now that you have a better feel for the realities behind these misconceptions, you can make a more confident choice about your own career path.
Still interested in marketing as your future profession? Post University is proud to offer an online BS in Marketing that can get you started with a solid knowledge base and strong skill set. Whether you are interested in digital marketing, market research and analytics, sales management, or any other aspect of this dynamic field—you will find courses to suit your needs. Our marketing program is offered both on-campus and online, so you can pursue a quality education that works with your busy schedule.
Learn more about our Bachelor of Science in Marketing or take the next step by filling out an application today!
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Please note jobs and/or career outcomes highlighted in this blog do not reflect jobs or career outcomes expected from any Post program. To learn more about Post’s program and their outcomes, please fill out a form to speak with an admissions advisor.