Marketing Jobs

Let's say you're sitting at your computer preparing to type in a search term that will find you the marketing job you so richly deserve. If you type in "marketing jobs" you'll get 100,000 hits and you'll be ready for retirement by the time you plow through them all. You'll need to be a little more specific. Marketing jobs crossover into sales, into advertising, into public relations and communications, all terms that are too general to produce meaningful results.

Typing in "agency" might narrow the field a bit - agency account coordinator, agency account executive, agency account supervisor, agency client services manager - if it's agency work you're seeking. Agencies tend to require agency experience and if you don't have that they're likely to start you at the front desk performing clerical duties.

An advertising or public relations agency can be both the business end and the creative part of an advertising campaign, developing strategies and producing everything from graphic design and copywriting to event planning and press releases. These sorts of marketing jobs tend to involve some combination of artistic abilities, writing talent, and organizational and analytical skills.

"Media" might produce a useful search, as in media planner, media buyer, media coordinator, media research analyst or media supervisor. This could translate into either agency work or an in-house position developing media plans, analyzing target audiences, negotiating advertising rates and tracking results. You will need to understand all the ins and outs of print ads, TV, radio, brochures, direct mail and Internet exposure.

Maybe you'd like to work the website and e-mail circuit, in which case you'll be seeking marketing job titles such as online marketing director, online promotions manager, online/interactive media planner and search engine specialist. You're likely to need some technical skills requiring knowledge of pop-ups, banners and SEO.

How to Find Marketing Jobs

It is possible to find marketing jobs in a variety of places. Here are some to begin your search.

1. While still working on your marketing degree in college, apply for any internships you hear about. Internships often work into full time jobs after graduation.
2. Search online job sites, including those like Monster and CareerBuilder, and those specifically targeted to marketing majors.
3. Network with other students, coworkers, and professors. They may know of an opening before it is posted on a job board.
4. Join a professional organization. You can even join many during your college years for a reduced membership rate. Your membership often includes job search tips and access to job boards.
5. Hire a recruiter. Looking for a job can be a time-consuming experience. Recruiters can reduce the time needed to find the right job for you.