3 Common Misconceptions About Careers in Marketing

A broad and ever-growing field, marketing is often misunderstood by those without marketing degrees. To some, it's a purely creative field where print and television still reign supreme, while to others, it's a field driven only by sales and profits. Before pursuing a degree or professional certificate in marketing from the Tulane School of Professional Advancement, take a look at the reality behind these common career misconceptions.

Traditional Media Still Rules the Field

Print media, television, and radio still have important roles in marketing, especially given the rise of new media such as streaming services and podcasts. However, some of the most in-demand and fastest-growing careers in marketing can be found in digital marketing, where professionals use online tools to reach a global audience. Digital marketing specialists use innovative websites, blogs, e-newsletters, and social media to boost their clients' online presence and improve brand awareness.

Marketing Jobs Are Only for Creative Types

Creatives with visual design or writing skills can certainly find a place within the industry, but many marketing roles are available to newcomers with quantitative and analytical skills. For example, marketing research analysts use technical programs to study trends, consumer behaviors, and the numbers behind market conditions. Technical skills are also useful in marketing careers that focus on Search Engine Optimization (SEO), where analyzing data and working with code are important day-to-day responsibilities.

Marketing Only Focuses on Sales

Generating revenue from sales and attracting new consumers are essential marketing goals, but marketing efforts don't always take such a purely sales-based approach. Many marketing firms and departments also aim to inform and inspire their target audiences, often through engaging content such as blogs, articles, videos, and interactive features. Useful and relevant content helps to build brand awareness and turn curious consumers into loyal customers.

Develop the knowledge and skills you'll need for a rewarding career in marketing with Tulane School of Professional Advancement. We offer both a bachelor's degree and a professional certificate in Digital Media and Marketing Communications, and our programs are designed with working professionals in mind. Learn more about these and other SoPA degree and certificate programs today.