Combine Business and Communications with a Career in Marketing
Meeting at the intersection of business and communications, marketing is an increasingly valuable field in the modern economy. Marketing is the process of developing materials and ideas that spread awareness of your product or service. It involves identifying target audiences, identifying and responding to trends, and using new techniques and technologies to promote your company or organization.
A degree in marketing opens numerous doors in the business and nonprofit worlds: organizations in both sectors compete to grow their audiences and market their products or services. With a degree in marketing, you’ll be well-positioned for numerous roles because of the knowledge you’ll gain in business operations and the role of sales and marketing within them. Over time, this awareness and experience can be also leveraged into a career in management or administration.
A marketing degree can prepare you for many positions. Some marketing-related fields include:
- Market Research: This field involves empirically studying markets in order to inform business decisions. Researchers use proven methods to gauge consumer interests, needs, and behaviors.
- Technical Writing: Businesses always need capable technical writers to develop copy for their websites, social media, and other forms of marketing collateral.
- Advertising: Whether through traditional methods or emerging digital media, organizations need advertisers to develop ideas that will help to grow their audience and promote their products.
Whatever your interest, students who plan to pursue careers in these fields will need to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in marketing. Such programs include a wide range of related subjects. Courses may include:
- Advertising and promotion
- Merchandising
- Statistical analysis
- Business writing
- Graphic design
- Business to business (B2B) marketing
- Marketing research
- Retail and sales management
- Marketing strategy and management
- Corporations and financing
Careers in Marketing
Marketing is a flexible field, so you’ll be able to enter numerous in-demand areas of business. Some positions include:
- Market research analyst or data scientist
- Public relations specialist
- Sales manager
- Social media manager or digital marketer
- Fundraiser
- Brand manager
- Media planner
- Copywriter
- Event planner
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How to Prepare for Success
A successful career in marketing will require foundational skills in business, communications, economics, and management. Supplemental skills in psychology, accounting, or finance will also go a long way toward a successful career. Although it may not seem immediately obvious, strong abilities in math and English are important as well.
UNCF Schools to Consider
Many UNCF-member HBCUs offer programs for students wishing to study marketing. Some of the top-ranked schools include:
- Tuskegee University
- Claflin University
- Virginia Union University
- Florida Memorial University
- Oakwood University
- Benedict College
- Wilberforce University
Professional Organizations
There are many professional organizations dedicated to the field of marketing. A sample list includes:
- American Association of Advertising Agencies (4As)
- Academy of Marketing Science (AMS)
- African-American Marketing Association (AMAA)
- American Advertising Federation (AAF)
- American Marketing Association (AMA)
- Asian American Advertising Federation (3AF)
- Association of National Advertisers (ANA)
- Black Marketers Association of America (BMAA)
Scholarships Available
There’s no better way to start on your path toward a successful career in marketing than with a solid financial foundation. Fortunately, many scholarships are available through UNCF, including some specifically for marketing majors. Keep an eye on the UNCF website for current scholarship opportunities and announcements.
Search for specific scholarships and view those that are currently accepting applications! Students should also check with each college or university to see if there are additional scholarships available to study marketing.
As you explore your options, be sure to use our guide to applying for scholarships and grants. You can also receive guidance by submitting a major interest form if you are interested in a career in marketing. Submit the form on our website to get started. And follow us on UNCF social media channels to receive notifications about our scholarships and member HBCUs. Reach out today!