Everything You Need to Know About Career in Marketing

ByMarshall Thurlow
marketing career

So you want to work in marketing? That’s great!

The good news is that there are so many jobs in the marketing space. You can work for a marketing agency, go client-side and work in house, apply your marketing skills in a non-profit setting or start your own marketing business.

I initially started my career in marketing with Clean Up Australia running their Schools Clean Up Day event. I then offered to run my local chiropractor’s marketing campaigns to gain more experience. This led me to start my own marketing business, which was back in 2015. And we are still going strong today.

A career in marketing can offer a wide range of benefits, including opportunities for growth, creativity, and high earning potential. 

In this article, I discuss the benefits of a career in marketing, job statistics, pay rates, courses to study, and career prospects.

Benefits of a career in marketing

A career in marketing can provide numerous benefits, including:

Creative freedom: One of the most significant advantages of a marketing career is the ability to exercise creativity. As a marketer, you will have the opportunity to brainstorm, design, and execute marketing campaigns that resonate with target audiences. This creativity can be incredibly rewarding and stimulating, especially if you are passionate about creating innovative solutions.

Variety: Marketing is a dynamic field that offers a wide range of roles and responsibilities. From market research to advertising and branding, the field is full of diverse opportunities. This variety allows you to explore your interests and passions, and potentially specialise in an area of marketing that you enjoy the most.

Growth opportunities: Marketing is an ever-evolving field that requires individuals to stay current with new technologies, trends, and consumer behaviours. This continuous learning and development can provide you with exciting opportunities for growth and advancement within the industry.

High earning potential: Marketing can be a lucrative field, particularly for those who excel in their roles. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers in 2020 was $135,900, significantly higher than the median annual wage for all occupations, which was $41,950.

Job statistics

The job outlook for marketing careers is positive, with steady growth projected in the coming years. 

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

In Australia, a Marketing Specialist is a “Skill Shortage Occupation”, which means that there is a shortage of skilled workers in this area, leading to strong demand for marketing professionals.

According to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook website, here are some key statistics for marketing jobs in Australia:

  • The median weekly earnings for Advertising, Public Relations and Sales Managers in Australia is AUD $1,975, which is higher than the all-jobs median weekly earnings of AUD $1,244.
  • The number of people employed as Advertising and Marketing Professionals in Australia has grown strongly over the past five years and is expected to continue growing in the future.
  • The most common level of education for Advertising and Marketing Professionals in Australia is a Bachelor’s Degree, with 64% of workers in this field holding this qualification.
  • The top three industries for employment of Advertising and Marketing Professionals in Australia are Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, Wholesale Trade, and Manufacturing.

Pay rates

Marketing careers offer a wide range of pay rates, depending on the role, experience, and location. 

According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a marketing manager in the United States is $94,944 per year, with additional bonuses and commissions. 

Other marketing roles, such as market research analysts and advertising account executives, have average salaries ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 per year.

Courses to study

To pursue a career in marketing, it is essential to have a solid educational foundation. A variety of courses and degrees can prepare you for a successful career in marketing, including:

Marketing Degrees: Marketing courses cover topics such as consumer behaviour, advertising, brand management, and market research. These courses provide a broad understanding of the fundamentals of marketing and prepare you for entry-level roles.

You can enrol in a Marketing Degree or try something like a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Marketing and Communications.

Business Administration Courses: Business administration courses cover topics such as accounting, finance, management, and economics. These courses provide a solid foundation in business principles and prepare you for leadership roles within marketing organisations.

A degree may not be necessary, however should you want to progress to a more senior position, degrees are generally recommended.

Communications: Communications courses cover topics such as public relations, media relations, and social media marketing. These courses provide a strong foundation in communication strategies and prepare you for roles that require excellent communication skills.

You can start out with a lower level course such as Certificate IV in PR and if you like the field, upgrade into a Diploma or Degree.

Data Science: Data science courses cover topics such as statistics, data analysis, and machine learning. These courses provide a foundation in data analysis and prepare you for roles in market research and data-driven marketing.

Courses have been traditionally offered at universities, however you can now study data science from a wider variety of educational providers, either on campus or at home.

Career prospects

Marketing careers offer a wide range of career prospects, with opportunities for growth and advancement in various roles and industries. Some of the most common marketing roles include:

Here are my top ten job titles for a career in marketing:

  • Marketing Manager
  • Brand Manager
  • Digital Marketing Manager
  • Marketing Coordinator
  • Social Media Manager
  • Content Marketing Manager
  • Marketing Analyst
  • Product Marketing Manager
  • Advertising Manager
  • Public Relations Manager.

In conclusion, a career in marketing offers a wide range of benefits, including creative freedom, growth opportunities, and high earning potential. 

With a positive job outlook and steady growth projected in the coming years, pursuing a career in marketing can be a rewarding and fulfilling path for those interested in the field.

Marshall Thurlow is Director and Founder of Orion Marketing Pty Ltd. He is a digital marketer with expertise in SEO, website design, content marketing and project management. With over 15 years of experience spanning government, not-for-profit and the private sector, he is well equipped to lead teams to success. He is a big proponent of environmental sustainability, critical thinking and progressive issues.