One may think that at the heart of any businesses success story is through a collaboration of smart minds and good management skills; however, this is a small portion of what drives a company to progress. Instead it is the experience and overall execution of a well-equipped marketing team. According to Forbes magazine, market researchers and marketing specialists are one of the top 10 growing jobs this year, with a 10% growth increase since 2010, . Today, more people than ever before are getting their MBA in marketing. In this article we will cover all the prerequisites to getting an MBA in marketing, as well as the career opportunities and annual salaries one can earn with the degree.
What it Takes to Get an MBA in Marketing
If you desire to analyze market trends, excel in business management, or creative thinking is what drives you, then an MBA in marketing may be right up your alley. When applying to any school with this respected field of study one must first have completed your undergrad degree in marketing, general business or communications. A high GPA between a 3.6-4.0 is often necessary. If for whatever reason you were unable to achieve this during your undergrad, there is always the option to raise that GPA through taking a couple extra courses through your local city college before applying to an MBA program. Furthermore, you will have to take the GMAT and get anywhere between a 600-680 on the test.
Next, you will also need at least 4 years of work experience under your belt to be able to be considered for any program. The reason for this requirement is to ensure that the student in question has not only a working knowledge of everything that encompasses a marketing career today, but also that the person has strong business ethic with plenty of professional experience. These enriching experiences will also come in handy during the essay portion of the application where you will tell a story of how your professional and personal experiences have led you to desire an MBA in marketing. If your business life isn’t as impressive as your peers’, the essay could give you that opportunity to shine.
If you are looking to go to a top MBA school, then always try to get your application in before the deadline. This will not only put you at the front of your competitors, but the earlier you get your application in, the more spots are available. You will also need at least 1 recommendation from a past employer. Finally, once your application is through you will be invited by the admissions committee for an interview. This could push you into a top seat of the school you choose so dress professionally, bring good energy to the table and do a couple practice questions with friends or family.
Career Opportunities and Salary
When all is said and done what will receiving an MBA in marketing do for your future employment opportunities? A couple possible job roles are listed below.
- Marketing Assistant or Manager
- Head of Market Research
- Public Relations Officer
- Manager of Media Planning
Starting salaries can range between $45,000-$65,000 a year and go all the way up to $130,000 for Managers and CMOs. However, do not let the salary be the main basis for wanting the degree. Marketing is a highly competitive professional field and only those who have passion and logic will succeed.
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