Entry-Level Marketing Jobs for New College Grads

After finishing a bachelor's degree in a business or marketing program, college graduates need to seek out entry-level marketing jobs to begin their careers.

These positions allow your to use what you studied in school and build your professional network while learning valuable, on-the-job skills. Unlike traditional internships that many students do while in college, these positions also provide an income.

Best Entry Level Jobs for Marketing Graduates

There are many entry-level positions available to college graduates who majored in marketing and related fields, such as international marketing, market research, actuarial or management science, business statistics, or commerce.

1. Marketing Assistant

Under the supervision of a marketing executive or marketing manager, marketing assistants are often involved in administrative tasks that support ongoing marketing campaigns, as well as helping create materials needed for clients' for marketing strategies. The responsibilities of a marketing assistant can include:

• Preparing sales conference materials.
• Compiling marketing reports.
• Writing web content and press releases.
• Planning promotional events.
• Tracking marketing campaign tasks through flowcharts or project-management software.
• Creating and sending invoices to clients.

Working as a marketing assistant requires a degree in a marketing-related field and an understanding of marketing basics. Proofreading, graphic design, and copywriting skills are all valuable, as well as familiarity with digital marketing strategies.

2. Marketing Analyst

Marketing analysts research and report information that helps a company increase its profits. This is done through surveys that measure customer satisfaction, product testing, and observing the company's competition. Surveys are conducted through the web, mail, focus groups, and phone call sessions.

Some of a marketing analyst's duties include:

• Communicating with clients.
• Developing a research proposal.
• Researching customers' perceptions and needs.
• Measuring and reporting on the performance of marketing campaigns and how they impact ongoing business decisions.

Analysts need a background in both marketing and research. They should be familiar with how to political, social, economic and technological factors can impact a company's profitability. Computer skills, familiarity with project management software, a background in statistics, and business writing are all valuable skills when applying for a job as a marketing analyst.

3. Business Development Representative

A job as a business development representative position is ideal for recent graduates who want an entry level marketing job with some independence and entrepreneurial elements. Business representatives take charge of increasing revenue and cross-selling products to new and existing customers. They help to generate leads for products or services through:

• Email initiatives.
• Outbound call sessions.
• Digital marketing campaigns.
• Direct contact with clients.
• Informational webinars.
• trade show appearances and presentations.

Business development representatives handle inquiries that come in as a result of a marketing campaign, so applicants for these positions should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and experience in sales or retail. Since many of these marketing campaigns are conducted online, a familiarity in marketing software, digital marketing, and web applications is necessary.

4. Sales Representative

Marketing sales representatives work closely with customers to help them make sound decisions in purchasing products or services. Sales representatives must be able to find out what customers want and need, then sell them a product or service that will meet that need.

The responsibilities of a sales representative can include:

• Preparing contracts, proposals, and marketing presentations.
• Attending seminars, customer appreciation events, trade shows, and other marketing events.
• Interacting with clients and managing ongoing client accounts.
• Organizing schedules for shipping products and delivering services.
• Evaluating customer satisfaction and providing customer support.

Graduates interested in a sales representative position should demonstrate interpersonal skills, experience with selling, strong organization skills, and the ability to communicate clearly and efficiently. In job postings, marketing sales positions may also be called manufacturer’s agents, sales engineers, and retail salespersons.

5. Market Research Assistant

Market research assistants may work for the marketing department at an individual company or for a larger firm that specializes in market research. These entry-level marketing jobs assist businesses with research that informs their marketing, branding, customer communications, and public relations strategies.

Duties of a market research assistant can include:

• Scheduling and managing ongoing research projects.
• Assisting with quantitative and qualitative data collection.
• Running statistical analyses.
• Developing reports, graphs, presentations, and written analysis of the data collected.
• Providing general administrative support during research projects.
• Communicating with clients.

Research assistants should have a background in either business or marketing, as well as experience with practical research and analysis. They should be able to demonstrate interpersonal skills for interacting with clients. Experience with database management software, survey collection, and written communication skills are all necessary in these positions.

How to Find an Entry-Level Marketing Job

Entry-level marketing positions can be found through through job boards and websites. You can also find these positions through networking opportunities, job fairs, or connections that you develop in your marketing degree or internships.

For most applications, you will need a cover letter, resume, and letters of recommendation. Your resume should highlight both your applicable skills and how you have used them, especially any significant results you have achieved either in school-related programs, internships, or previous jobs.

Landing an entry-level marketing job can be a long process, but you can speed it up by continuing to learn and develop your skills. Sales jobs in retail or call centers, research you have done in school or independently, and any software you have taught yourself can all make you a more appealing candidate in the job application process.