What Can I Do With an Associate’s in Marketing?

Skip to >>Our Ranking of the 10 Best Online Associates in Marketing Degree Programs

There may never have been a better time to get an education in marketing. The entire industry has been upended by social media, smart phones and other rapid developments in the digital era. This has negated or devalued the knowledge and experience of countless professionals, but it presents a special opportunity for people looking to break into the field, especially if they’re willing to get an education that includes in-depth practical and theoretical knowledge of new techniques, platforms and technology. In a marketing Associates program, you’ll learn how to identify markets, build audiences, speak to them and meet their needs. If you want to earn an Associates in Marketing, check out our rankingof the 10 Best Online Associates in Marketing Degree Programs as well as our ranking of the most affordable associates in marketing degree programs.

Career Prospects for Marketing Associates Degree-Holders

As an Associates in Marketing degree holder, you’ve taken an important first step. But in order to qualify for most marketing positions, you’ll likely need to add to that experience. One way you can do so is by continuing your education. The next logical step is a Bachelor’s in Marketing, which you might consider earning online because it costs less and it’ll more likely fit your current responsibilities and lifestyle. Make sure to review our 20 Best Online Bachelors Degrees in Marketing 2017-2018. After that, the next step would be to earn a Master’s, and perhaps even an MBA. If you’re somewhere along this path, here’s our rankings for online Marketing Masters programs, and online Marketing MBA programs.

Let’s say you don’t have time or money to get another degree after earning your Marketing Associates, or you want to enter the marketing workforce immediately. If so, you’ll find there’s some promising trends. For one, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers will see a 9% employment increase between now and 2026. While you probably won’t qualify for that position with an Associates, you’re on your way. And if the problem is investing a lot of money in your education, consider our rankings of online Bachelors and Masters degrees in marketing that were specifically chosen for their affordability. Social media professionals are especially in demand, so consider targeting a degree program that focuses or specializes in it. Another way to work towards a managerial position is to work as a marketing assistant. According to Payscale, a marketing assistant can make between $25,700 and $45,370, which doesn’t sound like much, but depending on where you live, how much you paid to earn your degree and how long it took you to earn it, could be a decent wage. Marketing coordinators make between $29,790 and $52,930 annually. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that in 2010 the average salary for marketing managers, promotions, and advertising, was $108,260 per year. Obviously, continuing your education will open up new opportunities, but there’s many ways to improve your knowledge of marketing. One BestMarketingDegrees we have a wealth of features that give you relevant, comprehensive information in the field. Check out this feature on going viral, and make sure to read some of the other features (there’s a lot to choose from).

Jobs You Can Do with a Marketing Associates Degree

Social Media Specialist
Post on social media with the goal of attracting, developing, and catering to an audience. Tailor your posts towards brand-related topics, customer interaction, and offering your audience relevant opportunities that are mutually beneficial for them and your organizational goals
Median Salary: $46,000
Digital Marketer
A similar position to Social Media Specialists, but can involve any sort of digital marketing, from native campaigns to mobile development, search engine marketing, web analytics and more.
Median Salary: $47,704
Public Relations Specialist
Also known as a communication or media specialist, in this role you’ll liase with the media and public through speeches, press releases, and more.
Median Salary: $46,095
Junior Account Executive
In this role, you’ll work to satisfy your organization, and the clients they service, promote or advertise for. You’ll build relationships, get new accounts and take care of existing ones.
Median Salary: $50,593
Communications Planner
Plan, create and execute an organization’s internal and external communication strategy, making sure to remain on message depending on the audience you’re contacting.
Median Salary: $47,000

Cities Associated with Higher Pay in Marketing

Where you live matters less when you’re a marketer (much of your marketing will be done remotely), but it can definitely influence how much you’re paid. Payscale found the following cities were associated with higher pay in this field:

San Francisco (by 37%)
New York (by 14%)
Philadelphia (by 14%)
Minneapolis (by 13%)

In conclusion, there’s infinite options of what you can do with an Associates in Marketing. Whether you’re looking to continue your education, get a career kickstarting internship, or just learn about the latest in the field like neuromarketing, we’ve got you covered.