With so many brands fighting for eyeballs and attention in the digital age, the next generation of marketers must understand consumer behavior and the technological tools they can use to reach customers. The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Specialization in Marketing program from Youngstown State University (YSU) prepares students to excel in a rapidly changing profession and take on a range of marketing roles. From developing marketing plans as a strategist to aligning all marketing efforts with a brand’s image as a brand manager, graduates gain the skills to take their careers to new heights.
What Is an MBA?
An MBA is a graduate degree that provides advanced knowledge and skills in business management, according to Indeed. YSU’s online MBA in Marketing program is a particularly valuable option for individuals looking to advance in the marketing field.
For example, students learn how the internet has shaped customer decision-making in the Consumers in a Digital World course. Throughout the course, marketing professionals gain technological skills to develop actionable plans that address consumers’ demands and guide future preferences. MBA students also dig into interactive strategies and tactics in the Digital Marketing course, preparing them to take on exciting roles in the marketing world.
Popular Careers for Marketing MBA Graduates
Graduates of YSU’s online MBA in Marketing program have many career options available to them. The following are just a few examples of promising roles they can pursue, with salary numbers current as of September 2024:
Marketing Strategist
As a marketing strategist, professionals develop comprehensive marketing plans that align with a company’s overall business objectives. This involves market research, competitor analysis and strategies to reach target audiences effectively, according to Investopedia.
Marketing strategists often work closely with other departments, including sales, product development and digital teams, to ensure a cohesive approach to marketing efforts. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that the job outlook for marketing managers, which includes strategists, is expected to grow by 8% over the next decade, reflecting the continued importance of marketing in business success.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers play a pivotal role in overseeing the execution of marketing strategies. They coordinate marketing campaigns, manage budgets and analyze performance metrics to deliver a strong return on investment, according to Indeed. This role requires strong leadership skills, as marketing managers often lead teams of other professionals and work closely with senior executives to align marketing activities with business goals.
BLS reports that the median annual wage for marketing managers was $157,620 in 2023, making it a lucrative career path for those with a marketing MBA. With the increasing importance of digital marketing, marketing managers should have a strong understanding of digital channels, data analytics and emerging marketing technologies.
Product Manager
Product management is another exciting career path for graduates of the YSU online MBA in Marketing program. Indeed notes that product managers are often responsible for the product’s entire lifecycle, from conception to launch and beyond.
Product managers need to understand the technical aspects of product development and the market trends that motivate consumer behavior. Salaries for product managers vary widely, but Indeed data puts the national average base salary at $87,747 per year.
Brand Manager
Whether they work for internationally recognized companies like Nike or are helping to launch a new business, brand managers maintain and enhance the brand’s reputation. This involves developing brand strategies, tracking rising trends in the industry and ensuring all marketing efforts are consistent with the brand’s image.
Brand managers can expect to earn over $84,000 per year on average, according to recent ZipRecruiter data. As companies continue to recognize the importance of brand loyalty and consumer trust, the demand for skilled brand managers will likely grow.
Digital Content Specialist
In today’s digital age, the role of a digital content specialist has become increasingly important. Sometimes given the title of SEO specialist, these professionals are responsible for creating and managing content across various digital platforms, including blog posts, social media and email campaigns, per ZipRecruiter.
Digital content specialists must understand SEO, content marketing and social media trends to effectively engage online audiences. ZipRecruiter reports that the average annual salary for digital content specialists is around $57,705.
Unlocking Career Potential With an MBA in Marketing From Youngstown State University
Pursuing an online MBA in Marketing from YSU allows rising professionals to explore a variety of opportunities, from shaping a company’s overall marketing strategy to launching a new product line. Using the digital tools and business expertise they learn at YSU, graduates are ready to tackle new challenges and transform them into innovative approaches to the marketing space.
Learn more about Youngstown State University’s online MBA with a Specialization in Marketing program.
