What can you do with a Marketing degree?

First, some facts. Of the Marketing graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:

These are estimates based on AI analysis of 7282 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 59%, Marketing graduates have a lower likelihood (-8%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

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Also, after graduating, only 16% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Marketing graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

• What jobs can you get with a Marketing degree?
• What do Marketing graduates do 1, 5 or 10 years out?
• How hard is a Marketing degree? How long does it take?
• How much money can you make with a Marketing degree?
• What are the best colleges for Marketing?

View a random Marketing graduate and our analysis:

Relevance score: 83% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree. DEGREE INFO Graduated in 2015 from Adelphi University with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Marketing. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION Marketing Intern A Woman Alive May 2015 - Sep 2015 The Marketing Intern position at A Woman Alive directly utilizes marketing knowledge and skills acquired during the Bachelor of Science in Marketing, making it highly relevant. Integrated Marketing Assistant Twin America LLC Oct 2015 - Oct 2016 As an Integrated Marketing Assistant at Twin America LLC, this role directly applies marketing strategies and tactics learned in the Bachelor's program, ensuring strong relevance. Digital Marketing Associate The Powerline Group Dec 2016 - Apr 2022 The Digital Marketing Associate position at The Powerline Group employs digital marketing skills and knowledge pertinent to the degree, establishing its high relevance. Ambassador Pure Haven Aug 2019 - Present Although the Ambassador role at Pure Haven may involve some marketing components, it is more focused on brand representation and advocacy rather than core marketing functions, making it only partially relevant. Digital Marketing Specialist Port Jeff Bowl Jan 2021 - Present The Digital Marketing Specialist at Port Jeff Bowl requires the application of digital marketing strategies studied in the Bachelor's program, affirming its full relevance. ABOUT No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Marketing degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:

• Marketing Coordinator
• Marketing Intern
• Account Manager
• Account Executive
• Marketing Manager
• Project Manager
• Marketing Specialist
• Sales Associate
• Sales Representative
• Marketing Assistant

Analyzing the employment history of individuals with a marketing degree reveals a diverse range of job roles, but a clear pattern emerges regarding their relevance to the core principles of marketing. One of the most common job types seen across varied individuals is positions in sales or customer service related positions. Roles such as Sales Representatives and Account Managers effectively aligned with marketing degree skills focusing on client interactions, promotional strategies, and customer relationship management. Those holding such positions often leverage their marketing knowledge to better understand consumer needs, develop marketing strategies, and improve customer engagement.

However, while many individuals find themselves in sales-oriented roles, not all positions clearly translate to direct application of marketing principles. For instance, roles focused primarily on operational tasks, such as logistics or administrative positions, showcase how graduates sometimes find themselves in areas where their marketing skills are underutilized. Even jobs like Event Coordinators can sometimes lean more toward logistics and event management than marketing strategy, leading to only partial relevance to their degree. Moreover, there are several roles in unrelated fields such as education or technical jobs where the application of marketing knowledge is minimal, casting doubt on the effectiveness of their educational background in practical scenarios.

Ultimately, while there is a notable representation of individuals in sales roles capitalizing on their marketing acumen, the breadth of job types taken by marketing graduates also reveals that many are not in roles where their education is put to full use. This suggests a potential gap between the skills developed in academic settings and the requirements or realities of the job market that graduates navigate. It raises questions about the alignment of marketing curricula with current industry needs and the strategic fit of graduates within various sectors.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Marketing graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Marketing graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Looking at the diverse career trajectories of marketing graduates from various universities, we can glean some insights into the patterns and trends that characterize their professional paths. Initially, many of these graduates start in roles that are somewhat adjacent to traditional marketing positions. For example, first jobs often include roles in retail (like store managers or sales associates), customer service, or even internships that provide experience rather than a direct application of their marketing skills. This pattern suggests that while these individuals have a marketing education, they might initially find themselves in customer-facing or support roles, which can serve as valuable stepping stones to build foundational skills in customer relations and service.

As we look at career trajectories five to ten years post-graduation, a clearer picture emerges of individuals who have either remained in marketing or transitioned into related fields. Graduates who entered the marketing sector typically progress into more specialized roles such as marketing coordinators, managers, or brand strategists, indicating a recognition of the necessity for strategic thinking and specialized knowledge in the business landscape. Some also branch into data analytics or project management, demonstrating how marketing professionals are increasingly expected to leverage analytical skills in decision-making processes. However, a noticeable proportion of graduates drift away from marketing altogether. Many find success in fields like sales, customer relations, or project management, suggesting a broader definition of "successful careers" beyond strictly marketing roles. Overall, while many marketing graduates manage to carve out rewarding careers, not all stay strictly within the marketing discipline, which raises questions about the direct applicability of their education in a rapidly evolving job market.

How hard is a Marketing degree?

A Bachelor's degree in Marketing is generally considered to be on the easier side compared to some other business-related fields like engineering or finance. Most of the coursework focuses on creativity, communication, and understanding consumer behavior, which can be pretty engaging if you have an interest in the subject. You’ll likely tackle projects, presentations, and some relatively straightforward math related to analytics, but it often feels more like an exploration of ideas rather than intense memorization or technical challenges. Of course, individual experiences may vary, but if you enjoy the content, you might find it easier than you initially expected!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Marketing.

Do Marketing graduates tend to make good money?

Alright, so looking through these profiles, it seems like they have a mixed bag in terms of financial success. Some graduates, especially those with more recent, high-level roles—like managers, analysts, or directors—are likely raking in a decent salary, which could be in the range of $70,000 to $120,000+ annually. Roles in financial management, marketing management, and business development usually come with a fat paycheck. On the other hand, some profiles show folks in retail or entry-level positions, where salaries tend to be lower, often in the $30,000 to $50,000 range. Also, a few of the more skilled workers have achieved ownership of businesses or high-level management roles, which could significantly boost their earnings if their businesses thrive.

In summary, while many of these marketing grads are doing well with their careers, particularly those moving up into senior positions, others are still working their way up or are in roles that likely don't pay as much. So, it's safe to say there's a spectrum of income here, and it really depends on the individual's career path and choices in their job journeys!

What buzzwords do Marketing graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Marketing. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Marketing?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Marketing (ordered by the average relevance score of their Marketing graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College	Score	Count
Gonzaga University	84	10
University of Maryland - Robert H. Smith School of Business	81	13
Florida International University - College of Business	78	12
University of Wisconsin-Madison	76	17
University of Florida	75	18
University of Arizona	75	11
Portland State University	75	13
California State University, Long Beach	75	14
Bowling Green State University	74	13
LIM College	74	14
Michigan State University	73	11
Rider University	73	16
University of Colorado Boulder	72	15
Minnesota State University, Mankato	72	16
Bentley University	72	21
The Ohio State University	71	17
Fairfield University	71	11
John Carroll University	71	10
Florida State University	70	44
University of Kentucky	70	18
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse	70	16
Davenport University	70	17
The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business	70	29
Brigham Young University - Idaho	69	11
The University of Georgia	69	14
University of Delaware	69	17
Iowa State University - Ivy College of Business	69	10
Iowa State University	68	10
University of Louisiana at Lafayette	68	14
University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Management	68	15
Colorado State University	67	17
Grand Valley State University	67	30
Georgia State University	67	29
Kean University	67	15
Loyola Marymount University	67	19
Lindenwood University	67	11
California State University, Fullerton	66	26
University of Iowa	66	15
Old Dominion University	66	12
University of Nevada-Las Vegas	66	16
Indiana Wesleyan University	66	10
Loyola University Maryland	66	15
Arizona State University - W. P. Carey School of Business	66	14
Texas Tech University - Rawls College of Business	66	12
Georgia State University - J. Mack Robinson College of Business	66	14
Penn State University	65	50
Florida International University	65	24
Southern New Hampshire University	65	28
Auburn University	65	14
Oregon State University	65	12
The University of Texas at San Antonio	65	34
The University of Alabama	65	31
Virginia Tech	65	12
Utah Valley University	65	11
Eastern Michigan University	65	19
California State University, Chico	65	10
Seton Hall University	65	10
University of Houston	64	13
San Diego State University	64	32
Virginia Commonwealth University	64	15
University of North Carolina at Greensboro	64	16
Florida Gulf Coast University	64	10
University of Central Missouri	64	12
University of Utah - David Eccles School of Business	64	12
East Carolina University	63	17
California State University, Northridge	63	27
University of Arkansas	63	33
Appalachian State University	63	14
College of Charleston	63	15
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire	63	16
University of Dayton	63	15
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania	63	15
University of Cincinnati College of Business	63	11
University of South Florida	62	62
University of Nebraska-Lincoln	62	20
Boise State University	62	16
North Dakota State University	62	14
University of Nevada, Reno	62	13
The University of Southern Mississippi	62	14
Providence College	62	13
University of Central Florida	61	67
Texas A&M University	61	40
Louisiana State University	61	29
Miami University	61	28
University of Illinois at Chicago	61	11
San Diego State University-California State University	61	18
University of Louisville	61	23
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay	61	14
Western Governors University	60	38
Kent State University	60	21
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona	60	23
Central Michigan University	60	14
Florida Atlantic University	60	25
Ball State University	60	17
Montclair State University	60	13
California State University-Fullerton	60	12
University of North Carolina at Wilmington	60	10
Wichita State University	60	11
Salisbury University	60	11
Monmouth University	60	12
Columbus State University	60	10
Siena College	60	17
James Madison University	59	24
University of Pittsburgh	59	16
University of North Carolina at Charlotte	59	24
Kennesaw State University	59	22
Georgia Southern University	59	20
DePaul University	59	17
Northern Illinois University	59	23
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee	59	46
Columbia College Chicago	59	12
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga	59	21
Quinnipiac University	59	16
Southeastern Louisiana University	59	10
University of Montana	59	11
University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business	59	14
Texas State University	58	33
Illinois State University	58	19
West Virginia University	58	23
Rowan University	58	16
West Chester University of Pennsylvania	58	19
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater	58	15
Eastern Illinois University	58	13
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi	58	15
University of Houston, C.T. Bauer College of Business	58	11
University of North Texas	57	44
The University of Texas at Arlington	57	12
University of Oklahoma	57	12
Baylor University	57	12
University of Tennessee, Knoxville	57	11
California State University, Fresno	57	16
The University of Akron	57	17
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania	57	10
Cleveland State University	57	14
Hofstra University	57	15
University of San Diego	57	12
University of Georgia - Terry College of Business	57	26
Roger Williams University	57	11
Pace University - Lubin School of Business	57	10
University of Missouri-Columbia	56	28
Missouri State University	56	16
Baruch College	56	25
University of San Francisco	56	11
University of St. Thomas	56	16
Sacred Heart University	56	15
Jacksonville State University	56	10
University of Phoenix	55	29
San Jose State University	55	30
Towson University	55	25
Western Washington University	55	15
Stephen F. Austin State University	55	12
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh	55	10
Temple University - Fox School of Business and Management	55	12
Liberty University	54	10
San Francisco State University	54	33
Texas Tech University	54	17
Wright State University	54	14
Indiana University - Kelley School of Business	54	17
Bryant University	54	16
University of Washington	53	10
Indiana University Bloomington	53	16
Grand Canyon University	53	18
University of Cincinnati	53	23
Clemson University	53	29
University of North Florida	53	17
California State University San Marcos	53	13
University of Central Oklahoma	53	10
State University of New York College at Oswego	53	10
Ohio University	52	15
Kansas State University	52	28
Mississippi State University	52	21
Loyola University Chicago	52	10
Coastal Carolina University	52	25
Sonoma State University	52	11
Temple University	51	20
Oklahoma State University	51	40
Western Michigan University	51	11
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale	51	17
Northern Kentucky University	51	16
The College of New Jersey	51	17
University of North Georgia	51	11
Northwood University	51	14
Florida State University - College of Business	51	16
California State University-Long Beach	50	12
Johnson & Wales University	50	11
University of West Georgia	50	16
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth	50	21
Kennesaw State University - Michael J. Coles College of Business	50	12
California State University-Northridge	49	19
University of Alabama	49	15
University of Tampa	49	15
University of Northern Colorado	49	11
University of Denver	49	10
Georgia Gwinnett College	48	11
Washington State University	47	15
The University of Texas at Dallas	47	17
Sam Houston State University	47	13
Oakland University	47	20
Radford University	47	13
Saint Joseph's University	47	14
Louisiana Tech University	46	12
Indiana University of Pennsylvania	45	17
Suffolk University	45	12
Fox School of Business at Temple University	45	14
University of Mississippi	44	18
East Tennessee State University	44	17
California State University-San Bernardino	43	10
California State University-Los Angeles	43	11
St. Cloud State University	43	12
The University of Memphis	42	10
Tarleton State University	41	13
University of South Alabama	38	10
Metropolitan State University of Denver	37	12
New Mexico State University	33	11
Abilene Christian University	29	11