Product Management: Brand Assistant / Assistant Brand Manager

Description: A typical entry level position in a consumer products company is Brand Assistant or Assistant Brand Manager. The Brand Assistant works at the direction of the Brand Manager. They are responsible for financial, performance and customer analysis and assisting in the development and management of customer fulfillment processes.

Skill Requirements: Many Brand Assistants are hired directly in as MBAs. This, however, doesn't mean you can be hired in as an undergraduate. (Many of the large consumer products companies have Marketing Management Training Programs (see Proctor & Gamble) open to both MBAs and undergrads). Successful Brand Assistants are results-oriented and creative; possess strong interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills; and have entrepreneurial leanings. Being a Brand Assistant requires a fundamental background in marketing's functional core: advertising, research, consumer behavior, and strategy. In addition, analytical skills are extremely important and students are encouraged to prepare by taking accounting and finance courses. Familiarity with Microsoft software packages is also required. In many cases, practical experience through internships is preferred.

Training: New hires participate in a training program that entails sales training in the field from one to four months and in-house classes and seminars. Most companies offer on-the-job training in the form of coaching and participation in on-boarding seminars.

Tasks: As part of a multifunctional team and under the direction of a Brand Manager, a Brand Assistant. analyzes sales, costs, revenues, profit margin, and customer data. He / she also analyzes/develops monthly product reports, monitors the budget and billing process, monitors product/service quality from assigned vendors, maintains product tracking database, implements direct mail campaign and analyzes responses, administers terms and conditions of approved and assigned contracts.

Education: MBA, BA, BS, BBA

Hours: 50+

Salary: $30 – 40K (BBA) / $55-65K (MBA)

Market Research: Asst. Market Research Analyst / Product Analyst

Description: Marketing research entry level positions are commonly found at the Assistant Market Analyst or Assistant Product Analyst level. Marketing Research is the job of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting marketing data. A Market Analyst collects and analyzes data to evaluate existing and potential product and service markets. These positions are highly analytical and individuals should be comfortable working with numbers and be able to communicate complicated findings clearly. Due to the technical nature, most entry-level jobs are targeted toward MBAs.

Skill Requirements: Strong analytical, methodological, and communications skills are important. Degrees in marketing and coursework in statistics, mathematics, survey design, advertising, and psychology are often required. The majority of entry-level market research analysts are drawn from degree disciplines that require strong communication or analytical skills, such as languages, English literature, mathematics, psychology, geography, history, politics, science and IT.

Training: Typically on-the-job and very limited. On the job training emphasizes research techniques like survey development, focus group planning, results modeling. While certification currently is not required for market and survey researchers, the Marketing Research Association (MRA) offers a certification program for professional researchers. Certification is based on education and experience requirements, as well as on continuing education.

Tasks: Market Analysts identify and monitor competitors and research market conditions or changes in the industry that may affect sales. The analyst will generally be involved with designing the research project, including the data collection method(s) to be used and the sample to be taken. Tasks include: Data tabulation, facilitation and creation of surveys, analysis, report preparation, and presentation of findings to management. Much time is spent designing and planning telephone interviews, one-on-one chats, group discussions / focus groups, observational studies, contacting people via the internet. (There is no such thing as a ‘typical day’ for a market researcher and this is reflected in the hours you will work. The daily routine depends on the type of research. Many researchers may be expected to work weekday evenings or during the weekend, when it is possible to make easier contact with respondents.

Education: MBA, BA, BS, BBA

Hours: 50+

Salary: $50 - $65K

Business to Business / Business to Consumer: Sales Representative / Sales Administrator

Description: Entry-level positions in B to B Marketing tend to be as Sales Reps or Sales Administrators. Marketing activities in this discipline involve maintaining a continuing relationship between supplier and customer. The selling relationship is not really selling as it is commonly thought of, but one of maintaining and enhancing an ongoing business relationship.

Skill Requirements: Entry-level Sales Reps should be energetic, self-motivated, and interested in the products and customers who buy the products. Thus, good basic work habits, the ability to acquire product and industry knowledge, and human relations skills are important. Many jobs in industrial and commercial marketing require broad knowledge rather than specific or narrow technical knowledge. A technical degree may be important or even required in high technology areas (ie. Computer Software / Engineering); however, most B to B marketing positions do not require it. A good foundation in marketing fundamentals is essential. A course in Industrial Marketing and a course in Marketing Strategy are also very helpful. Knowledge of accounting and strong written and oral communications is important.

Training: Training is typically on the job through a coaching or mentoring model, and is usually product or industry specific.

Tasks: Typically work in an independent environment, Sales Representatives spend much of their time calling on potential customers, conducting customer training and presentations about new equipment or products, as well as performing needs assessments, developing quotes and preparing contracts.

Education: BA, BS, BBA

Hours: 40+

Salary: $30 - 40K

Retail Management: Department Manager

Description: Typical entry level positions in retail are Management Trainees and Department Managers. Department stores contain several small departments such as clothing, accessories, home appliances, etc. Each of these departments is led by department managers who act as store managers on a department level. Department manager is a step to becoming a store manager or going into corporate management.

Skill Requirements: Leadership, communication skills, ability to work in a fast-paced environment, knowledge of and interest in retailing, and results-orientationl. Because of constant contact with customers, retailing is a people-oriented business. Sales skills are also very important since many retail jobs involve selling or buying from sellers. Internships or practical experience working in a branch or store is usually preferred.

Training: The larger chain and department stores have formal management training programs, some of which are among the best in the country. Smaller chains will often hire a college graduate directly as a Department Manager.

Tasks: New hires accepted into a store's management training program spend four to nine months learning merchandising, finance, marketing, operations, and personnel management. The negative impression about retailing is that retailers work long hours and for relatively low reward. Since retail stores are usually open nights and weekends, some work schedules may not be the typical 9 to 5, Monday through Friday schedule of other professions .

Education: BA, BS, BBA

Hours: 50+

Salary : $25-35K

Retail Management: Assistant Buyer

Description: Buyers are responsible for selecting the merchandise that a store carries and then physically buying the goods. The buyer is continually looking at a variety of products and deciding if they are right for a given store's clientele.

Skill Requirements: Asst Buyers need a good head for numbers and the ability to juggle multiple tasks. Sales skills are also very important since many retail jobs involve selling or buying from sellers.

Training: Position is typically learned by shadowing and working directly with the Buyer. Purchasing and pricing methods and techniques are learned on the job.

Tasks: Assistant buyers typically help in merchandise selection, deal with vendors, write orders, and learn how to operate within a budget. As an Assistant Buyer, you are involved with and responsible for planning sales, monitoring inventory, selecting the merchandise, and writing and pricing orders to vendors.

Education: BA, BS, BBA

Hours: 45+

Salary: $25 – 30K

Distribution Management: Distribution Planning Analyst / Supply Chain Analyst / Asst Inventory Control Manager

Description: Career opportunities exist in virtually all manufacturing, retail, and consumer products companies. Entry-level distribution employees interact with all other functional areas of the firm and with outside firms. Entry level positions dealing primarily with distribution logistics include: Assistant Inventory Control Manager, Distribution Planning Analyst, and Supply Chain Analyst.

Skill Requirements: Distribution management positions typically require the interpersonal leadership skills for effectively dealing with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Also useful are strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to take a broad systems viewpoint of management. Distribution management requires a broad background in the core functional areas of business, with particular emphasis in distribution-related topics such as logistics, transportation, purchasing, and negotiation . Coursework in supply chain management is a plus. Companies often to look to individuals with degrees in a technical, engineering, or scientific discipline.

Training: Training program consists of partnering with other managers to learn about products, the company, and industry dynamics. Entry-level hires typically attend a 1-week training that increases product knowledge, company knowledge, and leadership skills, as well as fosters positive, proactive working relationships within the company.

Tasks: Supply chain analysts analyze inventory levels and customer forecasts, manage reorder and inventory levels to ensure product availability at minimum inventory costs, enter and track purchase orders. Assistant Distribution Managers do much of the same, but also spend additional time managing warehouse staff and interacting with suppliers.

Education: BA, BS, BBA

Hours: 45+

Salary: $45-55K

New Product Planning: New Product Assistant

Description: Career opportunities exist in consumer industries, advertising agencies, consulting firms, public agencies, medical agencies, retailing management, and many more. Undergraduates are usually hired as "New Product Assistants." New product development is ever changing and requires a person with a high degree of tolerance for uncertainty.

Skill Requirements: New product work demands a unique combination of creative and analytical talents. Anyone desiring this career path should take course work in product planning, marketing research, consumer behavior and advertising. Courses in capital budgeting, entrepreneurship, and sales forecasting would likewise be valuable.

Training: Typically on-the-job and very limited.

Tasks: New Product Assistants help conceptualize new ideas, research the new ideas, and evaluate them objectively for a market and financial standpoint. Tasks are very similar to those of a Market Research Analyst. New Product Assistants spend a lot of time participating in brainstorming sessions, recording ideas, and researching.

Education: BA, BS, BBA

Hours: 45+

Salary: $30 - 40K

Price Marketing / Revenue Management: Pricing Analyst

Description: Career opportunities exist in consumer industries, management consulting firms, and finanial services providers. Entry-level positions typically exist as Business or Pricing Analysts.

Skill Requirements: Typically requires a Bachelor degree in Business, Economics, Finance or Math. A strong mathematical aptitude, computer proficiency with experience in MS Office applications, specifically Excel and Access.   Demonstrated ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Experience in interpreting a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or graphical form. An understanding of costing concepts, as well as familiarity with consumer behavior and marketing fundamentals.

Training: Training usually involves 1 week on pricing / revenue management software.

Tasks: Tasks are highly analytical and a routine day is spent heads-down on analysis working in Excel and specific pricing software (ie. Pros, Manugistics). Tasks include establishing and maintain pricing for products and services, calculating price quotations, maintaining pricing in price lists and in billing systems, performing analysis of cost information, historical pricing, competitive pricing. Calculates gross margins, operating profits and price change ratios.

Education: BA, BS, BBA

Hours: 50+

Salary: $50 - 65K

Direct Marketing: Direct Marketing Analyst

Description: Direct response marketing career opportunities are found in a broad range of marketing oriented firms, including those offering consumer goods, industrial products, financial institutions, and other types of service establishments. Entry-level Direct Marketing hires are hired as either Direct Marketing Analysts or Direct Marketing Coordinators.

Skill Requirements: Direct Marketing Analysts are highly analytical require an ability to communicate effectively with executive management, marketers and analytic team members. Knowledge of financial, descriptive, and predictive modeling techniques (including statistical modeling). Marketing Coordinators are comfortable working in a team environment, have a fundamental understanding of direct marketing list segmentation techniques and theories, and are detail oriented, well organized, and self-motivated.

Training: New hires can expect 1 week of training on Direct Marketing methods and techniques specifc to the strategies of the firm. Some firms offer limited training on statistical modeling techniques, but in many cases this is often an anticipated skill-set of the new hires.

Tasks: Direct Marketing analyst tasks include performing data mining, modeling, and segmentation as input into overall direct market strategy. Assisting with marketing ROI optimization, testing, and modeling. Developing marketing mix models that define the right spending mix across marketing mix elements (TV & Print Advertising, Coupons, In-Store Promotions, Price Discounts, etc). Marketing Coordinators work with various vendors and department members to insure creative, print production, copy writing, and mail house services are executed in a timely and accurate manner.

Education: BA, BS, BBA

Hours: 45+

Salary: $40-50K

Advertising: Media Assistant / Account Coordinators

Description: Most people start at the junior or assistant level and move up the ranks. The greatest numbers of entry-level positions exist in account management and media as either account coordinators or media assistants. Both positions tend to be highly clerical in the beginning, but they both expose you the ongoing management of ad production and planning.

Skill Requirements: Most advertising agencies prefer candidates with bachelor's degrees and a liberal arts background—preferably in advertising, journalism, public relations, literature, sociology, philosophy, or psychology. Obtaining an internship and taking courses in marketing, statistics, economics, accounting, mathematics, and creative design will give you an advantage when you enter the job market. Skills in interactive technology—such as HTML—may also make you a more marketable candidate.

Training: Usually account specific. Based on the specific task expectations within the account or campaign.

Tasks: At the entry level, an account coordinator, ensures that ads move smoothly through the execution process. They coordinate all the jobs in progress and monitor their status to ensure that production remains on schedules and deadlines are met. Occasionally, these jobs include some competitive analysis and assistance in client meetings or on ad shoots. More often though, the tasks of account coordinators is clerical. If you work in a larger agency, you're more likely to specialize than in a small agency, where you're more likely to wear multiple hats. Media Assistants apply basic statistical models to audience, circulation, and cost figures to minimize media cost and maximize media effectiveness.

Education: BA, BS, BBA

Hours: 45+

Salary: $20K – 40K

Customer Relationship Management: CRM Business Analyst

Description: Entry-level CRM jobs are typically found with management consulting firms, marketing consulting firms, or CRM solution providers. Although CRM is a business process driven by marketing methods and techniques, technology (CRM systems) is what drives the methods and techniques.

Skill Requirements: Understanding of core marketing functions and processes. Degree in a business or technical discipline. Good oral and written communication skills. An aptitude for technology.

Training: Since the technology drives the business processes, entry-level hires will typically be trained in a specific CRM system (ie. Oracle, PeopleSoft, Siebel, SalesForce.com). In addition, new hires should anticipate additional training in a specific marketing discipline (ie. Campaign management, contact management, sales)

Tasks: Tasks will include quality assurance testing of the CRM system, developing test scenarios, writing test scripts.

Education: BA, BS, BBA

Hours: 50+

Salary: $45 – 55K

Public Relations (PR): Communcation Administrator / PR Assistant

Description: Many of today's senior public relations professionals began their careers as journalists. For the majority with this background, public relations work represented a change of career objectives. A number of graduates still seek out journalism jobs, but as a specific stepping stone to public relations. Entry-level PR positions exist as PR Assistants or Communications Administrators.

Skill Requirements: Individuals interested in public relations should be able to speak and write clearly and persuasively and should preferably have a background in business, journalism, communications, or the liberal arts. The tasks and challenges of this job are highly people-oriented - most jobs in the PR field require assertiveness and an outgoing personality. Graduates with one or more related internship have an edge in the entry-level job market. The most valuable internships are those involving assignments that involve: writing, layout, and editing for external or internal publications, promotional material, and brochures; news gathering; news release and feature writing; research and report writing; preparing local media lists.

Training: Some organizations, particularly those with large public relations staffs, have formal training programs for new employees. In smaller organizations, new employees work under the guidance of experienced staff members.

Tasks: Beginners often maintain files of material about company activities, scan newspapers and magazines for appropriate articles to clip, and assemble information for speeches and pamphlets. They also may answer calls from the press and the public, work on invitation lists and details for press conferences, or escort visitors and client. They may also help with research, write brochures, deliver releases to editorial offices, and compile media distribution lists.

Education: BA, BS, BBA

Hours: 40+

Salary: $20 – 25K

Operations: Event Planning Coordinator

Description: Most people start off working for an event productions company as a Planning Assistant. The move to Event Planner is typically within 1-2 years.

Skill Requirements: Skills are needed in accounting, marketing, selling, negotiation, and public relations.  Other preferred skills include excellent organizational ability, the ability to think creatively, the ability to plan and follow through with projects and events, and capable of working well with diverse groups of people. Verbal and written communication skills are also essential. An internship is almost imperative.  Not only does it give you the starting experience that you need, but it also helps you to network.

Education: BA, BS, BBA

Product Management: Career Path

Brand Manager: After serving 3-4 years as a Brand Assistant. Market Research Analyst, Pricing Analyst, New Product Planning Analyst, or working your way through a Consumer Products Management Training Program (see Proctor & Gamble), you can be promoted to Brand Manager. Brand Managers have ultimate responsibility for the marketing of a particular product. Brand Managers' work strongly resembles that of general managers. They have profit-and-loss responsibility for the product they manage. In the case of a high-revenue product, brand managers lead a large team dedicated to that product.

Group Manager: After contributing positively to the growth of a particular brand a Brand Manager can move on to various other positions, such as Group Manager, in which he or she manages a group of related products.

Division Vice President: Ultimate product responsibility rests here along with corporate goal setting and strategy implementation

Public Relations (PR): Career Path

Public Relations Manager: After serving 3-4 years, PR assistants are often promoted to PR Managers. These individuals develop and implement the PR program at the corporate level for clients. PR Managers are responsible for coordinating the activities of the PR Assistants with those of other departments.

PR Specialist: Public Relations Specialists handle organizational functions such as media, community, consumer, industry, and governmental relations; political campaigns; interest-group representation; conflict mediation; and employee and investor relations. Public Relations Specialists draft press releases and contact people in the media who might print or broadcast their material.

PR Executive / Vice President: In large organizations, the key public relations executive, who often is a vice president, may develop overall plans and policies with other executives. In addition, public relations departments employ public relations specialists to write, research, prepare materials, maintain contacts, and respond to inquiries.

Advertising: Career Path

Account Executive: After serving several years, Account Representatives can be promoted to Account Executives. They handles all aspects of an account—from planning to implementation. Account Executives work with Account Managers to determine a client’s needs and coordinate with other departments to ensure they are met.

Account Managers (AMs): Account Managers act as the liaison between a company and its clients. AMs work closely with clients to determine the clients' needs. Then they make sure their company develops products or services to meet those needs. In addition, the AM oversees the execution of ads by coordinating the agency’s resources to get ads produced on time, on budget, and in line with the overall campaign strategy.

From Account Manager you can move on to become an account supervisor, management supervisor, vice president, and eventually, director.

Retail Management: Career Path

Buyer: After serving as an Assistant Buyer for 2-3 years, you can be promoted to Buyer. These individuals are responsible for the purchases of a specific department or merchadise segment. They also oversee activities of Assistant Buyers.

Store Manager: After serving successfully as a Department Manager or Buyer, retail professionls can be promoted to Store Manager. They handle operations for all departments and merchandise lines at a given location. The also coordinate purchase and performance activities between Buyers and Managers and are responsible for profitability of the branch.

Vice President: Typically based at the corporate headquarters. They oversee all function-related or regional activities (eg., Purchasing, Finance).

Sales Management: Career Path

Sales Manager: After proving yourself as a top-performing Sales Representative, you may choose between continuing to grow professionally in a sales position such as Senior Sales Specialist, an Sales Manager, or follow a non-sales career path. Sales Managers direct the activities of the sales force across departments such as marketing and advertising, monitor sales performance, and forecasts sales figures.

Sales Director / Senior Sales Specialist: Oversees the sales activities of several groups or Sales Managers and is often responsible for their profitability. They ensure the cooperation of departments with the sales effort, as well as support of promotional activities. Vice President of Sales and Marketing is often the next step up the ladder after serving as a Sales Director. Many sales professionals meet a glass ceiling when they reach this level because of the dearth of positions and the excess of sales professionals.