Career: Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations Managers
Northwestern University Library
There’s a game plan behind every product that is sold -- even if that product is a person. Advertising, marketing, and public relations managers are the brains behind those strategies.
Marketing managers draw on market research to target the right audience; advertising managers are in charge of creating and placing ads; and public relations managers use subtler methods to get the word out. Of course, the roles of these professionals overlap, and their goal is the same: to earn bigger profits. With tools such as advertisements, brochures, and websites, they can make the difference between a success and a flop.
Advertising, marketing, and public relations managers use market research and employ various strategies to develop, promote, and sell their clients' products and services.
“Know your audience.”
Michael, Public Relations Expert
Are You Ready To...?
- Brainstorm new ideas
- Decide if new products and services will sell well
- Plan campaigns
- Put company goals before creative freedom
- Use a variety of communication tools
It Helps to Be...
An idea person. New concepts are the name of the game, so the more creative you are, the better. Being a strong communicator is also essential, as is the ability to lead a team.
Make High School Count
- Take psychology. It will help you to understand what motivates people, which is useful in any job where the goal is to grab your audience's attention.
- Design a publicity campaign for a school event. You’ll get a practical education in advertising and promotion.
- Beef up your computer skills. They’re important in this line of work.
- Build your communication skills in English and speech classes.
Did You Know?
- Building an image for your client or company is part of the job.
Outlook
Government economists expect job growth for marketing and public relations managers to be faster than the average for all careers through 2016. However, jobs for advertising managers should grow more slowly than average.
Those with strong computer skills will have an edge in this competitive field, since using the Internet for advertising, marketing, and PR is a growing trend.
Compensation
According to the U.S. Labor Department, managers earned the following average yearly salaries in 2008:
- Advertising managers: $94,720
- Marketing managers: $118,160
- Public relations managers: $101,220
