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Marketing

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The Marketing cluster is all about connecting businesses with customers by creating engaging campaigns, designing eye-catching displays, and finding innovative ways to communicate product and service information. This includes everything from the commercials you see on TV to the displays in store windows to the social media posts that make you want to buy something.

 

People in this field work in many different places. Some create advertisements for TV, radio, and the internet. Others design store displays that make products look amazing. Some plan events, such as product launches or trade shows. Others study what customers like and help companies create better products. Some work with famous people and athletes to promote brands on social media.

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Why This Field Is Growing:

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  • Social media has created entirely new ways to reach customers

  • Online shopping means companies need digital marketing experts

  • Customers want personalized experiences, not one-size-fits-all advertising

  • Small businesses need help competing with big companies

  • Data and analytics help marketers understand customers better than ever

  • Influencer marketing and content creation are booming industries

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Cool Technology in Marketing:

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  • Virtual reality experiences that let customers "try" products before buying

  • Artificial intelligence that creates personalized ads for each customer

  • Social media analytics that track which posts get the most likes and shares

  • Augmented reality apps that let you see how furniture looks in your room

  • Chatbots that answer customer questions 24/7

  • Drone photography and videography for amazing promotional content

  • 3D hologram displays that make products appear to float in mid-air

  • Smart billboards that change based on who's walking by

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In Virginia alone, this field employs over 180,000 people! Jobs for social media specialists, digital marketers, and market research analysts are expected to grow much faster than average in the coming years.

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Alumni Relations
Real Estate
Social Media Manager

 

What They Do: Social media managers are like digital storytellers who create content that gets people excited about brands and products. They manage company accounts on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter.

 

Daily Tasks:

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  • Create fun and engaging posts, videos, and stories for social media

  • Respond to comments and messages from followers

  • Plan social media campaigns around new products or events

  • Take photos and videos of products to share online

  • Work with influencers and content creators

  • Analyze which posts perform best and why

  • Stay up-to-date on social media trends and new features

  • Collaborate with other marketing team members on campaigns

 

What's Cool About This Job: You get to be creative every day and see your work reach thousands or even millions of people! Plus, you're always learning about the latest social media trends and might even help content go viral.

 

Event Marketing Coordinator 

 

What They Do: Event marketing coordinators are like party planners for businesses - they organize amazing events that help companies connect with customers and promote their products in exciting, memorable ways.

 

Daily Tasks:

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  • Plan and organize trade shows, product launches, and promotional events

  • Coordinate with vendors for catering, decorations, and entertainment

  • Create promotional materials like banners, flyers, and giveaways

  • Manage event budgets and timelines

  • Set up event spaces with attractive displays and activities

  • Work with media and influencers to promote events

  • Collect feedback from attendees to improve future events

  • Handle logistics like registration, parking, and security

 

What's Cool About This Job: You get to create experiences that people remember for years! Every event is different, and you get to work with creative teams to bring amazing ideas to life.

 

Market Research Analyst 

 

What They Do: Market research analysts are like customer detectives who study what people like, what they buy, and why they make certain choices. They help companies better understand their customers.

 

Daily Tasks:

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  • Design surveys and studies to learn what customers think

  • Analyze sales data and customer behavior patterns

  • Interview customers about their shopping habits and preferences

  • Create charts and reports that explain customer trends

  • Test new products with focus groups to see if people like them

  • Research what competitors are doing in the market

  • Present findings to marketing teams and company executives

  • Use computer programs to analyze large amounts of data

 

What's Cool About This Job: You get to be a customer mind reader! Your research helps companies create products people actually want and improves the shopping experience for everyone.

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Start in Middle School:

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  • Take art, business, and communication classes

  • Practice public speaking and presentation skills

  • Learn basic design and photography

  • Try the Virginia Education Wizard career assessment

  • Start your own social media accounts to practice content creation

  • Join the student government or help promote school events

 

Continue in High School:

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  • Join DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) or FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)

  • Take marketing, graphic design, or business CTE courses

  • Get part-time jobs in retail, customer service, or social media

  • Take dual enrollment classes in business or communications

  • Participate in marketing competitions and business plan contests

  • Learn to use design software like Adobe Photoshop or Canva

  • Volunteer to help market school events, sports teams, or clubs

  • Job shadow marketing professionals at local businesses

  • Create content for school social media accounts or websites

  • Visit Virginia's business programs at VCU, JMU, or Virginia Tech

  • Learn about digital marketing and analytics tools

 

Technical Training (1-2 years):

 

  • Jobs: Retail Sales Associates, Customer Service Representatives, Social Media Assistants

  • Average Salary: $30,000 - $40,000

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Community College (2 years):

 

  • Jobs: Marketing Assistants, Graphic Designers, Real Estate Agents, Sales Representatives

  • Average Salary: $40,000 - $60,000

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Four-Year College:

 

  • Jobs: Marketing Coordinators, Digital Marketing Specialists, Market Research Analysts, Public Relations Specialists

  • Average Salary: $50,000 - $80,000

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Advanced Degrees:

 

  • Jobs: Marketing Managers, Brand Directors, Marketing Research Directors, Chief Marketing Officers

  • Average Salary: $80,000 - $150,000+

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Try It Out!

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  • Create social media content for a school club or sports team

  • Help local businesses with their social media or marketing

  • Shadow marketing professionals at advertising agencies or businesses

  • Organize a fundraising event for a cause you care about

  • Design flyers or posters for school events

  • Start a blog or YouTube channel about something you're passionate about

  • Conduct surveys among friends and family about products they like

  • Help plan and promote school dances, plays, or other events

  • Learn basic photography and video editing skills

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Fun Fact: Did you know that Virginia is home to many major marketing and advertising agencies? Richmond has a thriving creative district, and Northern Virginia is home to companies that market a wide range of products, from government services to major corporations. Plus, Virginia Beach's tourism marketing campaigns have made it one of the most visited beach destinations in America!

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