When I chose marketing as my major years ago, I imagined myself creating big ad campaigns. I pictured working on flashy pitches, coming up with ideas in creative meetings, and seeing my work on TV or in magazines. It seemed exciting and full of possibilities.1
But after graduation, the jobs I found looked different than I expected. Instead of finding ad agencies seeking creative vision, many entry-level positions for people with a marketing degree were in sales. That’s still true today.
Marketing and sales often go hand in hand, and sales jobs are a common first step for marketing majors. If you’re wondering if a marketing degree is worth it, it’s important to know what the path may look like—especially if you don’t have much marketing experience yet.
Marketing has changed a lot over time. It’s not just about commercials or billboards anymore. Now, digital marketing tools and real-time interactions shape how people connect with brands. Social media marketing plays a big role, of course. Apps like Instagram®, TikTok®, LinkedIn®, and YouTube® are key parts of today’s marketing strategies.
If you’re thinking about earning a degree in marketing, it’s helpful to ask yourself the right questions. Afterall, a marketing career isn't for everyone. The nuances in this industry might be just what you're looking for, or they may not be. Either way, it's best to understand as much as you can.
What to consider before choosing a marketing degree
If you’re thinking about studying marketing, these questions can help you reflect on whether the field matches your skills, interests and career goals. Try answering each one honestly to get a clearer picture of whether a marketing degree is the right fit.
Do I enjoy solving problems creatively and thinking strategically?
Marketing is about more than catchy slogans or flashy ads. Today’s marketing professionals need strong marketing skills like critical thinking, strategy development and the ability to influence decisions.
If you are the kind of person who prefers full control of what you create, you might be frustrated in a marketing role, which often involves problem solving and strategic choices that many people are represented in.
If you enjoy coming up with creative ideas and figuring out how to make them work in the real world, you might enjoy building marketing strategies that help brands stand out and connect with their audience.
Am I comfortable communicating with diverse audiences?
Marketers need to know how to connect with many types of people. Whether you’re writing ad copy, crafting marketing messages or building a social media campaign, strong communication skills are essential. In a marketing career, you need to figure out how to reach audiences who are different from you, have different values and different preferences.
Public-facing roles like content marketing and public relations often involve shaping a brand’s voice and tone to match the audience it’s trying to reach. And even more behind-the-scenes roles like that of a market research analyst will require you to listen to and understand audiences.
Do I thrive in fast-paced environments?
Marketing is constantly evolving, especially in digital spaces. What works on one platform today might not work tomorrow. If you enjoy keeping up with changing tools, trends and strategies—especially in digital marketing—you may be well suited for the pace of this field.
Am I willing to learn new platforms, analyze data and adapt my strategies?
A lot of marketing success depends on reading the data. Roles often include using data analytics, reviewing market research, tracking search engine optimization results or working with marketing automation tools.
If you’re someone who’s willing to learn new platforms and adjust your work based on results, that’s a strong sign this path might suit you.
Do I feel confident working with both creative content and performance metrics?
Marketing today blends creativity and data. Whether you’re writing blog posts, designing social media content or building ad campaigns, you’ll need to focus on both content creation and the advertising results that come with it. Marketers are often asked to show financial results like increased leads, clicks or sales, so being comfortable with performance metrics is part of the job.
Can I handle being evaluated based on campaign or sales outcomes?
Because of the high visibility of many marketing efforts, success is often tied to measurable results.
Marketing managers and their teams are evaluated on key performance indicators like ROI, engagement and conversions. If you’re interested in growing your marketing expertise through project management and are comfortable being held accountable for results, that’s a good fit for this environment.
If you find yourself more drawn to how these evaluations work and how you might determine what outcomes to target, a management degree could also be a good fit.
Do I see myself working across industries?
Marketing is a flexible career path that shows up in various industries, from tech and fashion to healthcare and nonprofits.
The core skills you develop—research, messaging, analysis—can open the door to many different marketing jobs. If you like the idea of working in different sectors or exploring unique brands, you may find strong job prospects in this field.
Am I interested in roles that could lead to entrepreneurship or leadership?
Marketing can be a launching point for many paths. From managing teams to building your own business, the skills you gain can lead to leadership in branding, sales or digital strategy.
Some graduates become a brand manager or a sales manager, others build social media agencies or take on creative director roles. If you’re motivated by career growth and long-term flexibility, marketing offers a versatile career path.
What else should I consider before committing to a marketing degree?
Before starting a marketing program, it’s important to understand what the degree offers—and what it doesn’t. The reality of working in the field often looks different from expectations, especially early in your career.
Your dream job probably won't show up at entry level roles
A bachelor’s degree in marketing opens the door to a wide range of job options, but the first role you land might not look like your dream job just yet.
Many students graduate hoping to jump into high-level creative roles, but most entry level positions are in sales, customer service or support roles. These jobs still offer valuable marketing experience and can help you build the marketing skills you’ll need to move into more specialized roles over time. Take the job seriously and learn all you can.
Search nationwide for jobs
Where you live also plays a part in your early opportunities. Big cities tend to have more marketing jobs in areas like branding, digital strategy and agency work. In smaller cities or rural areas, those creative or specialized roles may be harder to find.
However, more companies now offer remote marketing internships and full-time roles in content, social media or SEO, giving students and grads more flexibility regardless of location. So, even if you aren't interested in relocating, looking at roles across the country might still be a good way to get a great role.
You may need to seek additional skills
While a business degree or associate degree may give you a solid foundation in marketing principles, you’ll likely need to pursue technical upskilling on your own.
For example, employers often expect you to know how to use design tools like Canva® or Adobe® Creative Suite®. You might also need some basic HTML knowledge, or hands-on practice with marketing strategies like search engine optimization or email automation. Certifications and online courses can help fill those gaps and build your confidence.
You probably can't ignore analytics
Marketing often appeals to creative minds. But no matter where you land, you will likely need to track the value of your creative efforts.
Marketing roles today come with high expectations for performance. You may be asked to track how well your campaigns perform using tools like Google® Analytics™ or HubSpot®. That means learning how to interpret marketing data and connect it to real results—whether it's website traffic, conversions or social media growth. This data-driven side of marketing is where your analytical thinking comes into play.
There's always something else to try
As you explore the field, you’ll find that marketing isn’t just one thing. There are many ways to specialize based on your interests and strengths. Some people love content creation—writing blogs, producing videos or running social media. Others focus on SEO, data analytics or campaign planning.
Many people decide to freelance or work contracts since marketing has many of these opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 21% of marketers (advertising, promotions and marketing managers) in 2024 were self-employed.2
Choosing a direction that matches your natural strengths can help you get more from your marketing degree and find a career path that’s both engaging and sustainable.
FAQs about getting a marketing degree
Understanding how a marketing degree connects to real-world opportunities can help you make a more informed decision. If you’re still exploring your options, the following questions may help clarify whether this path aligns with your goals.
What kinds of jobs can I get with a marketing degree?
A marketing degree can lead to many different roles. Some people start in sales, while others move into digital marketing, content creation, or social media. You might also find jobs in advertising, public relations or even data-focused areas like market research or SEO. Your first role may not be your dream job, but it can help you build the experience you need.
You can also choose to continue your education to pursue roles in business leadership with a master's degree.
Do I need strong math or tech skills to succeed in marketing?
Not always, but having some comfort with numbers and digital tools helps. Many marketing jobs involve data, analytics or working with platforms like Google® Analytics™ or social media ad managers. You don’t need to be a coder, but understanding how to read data or use marketing software can set you apart.
Can I work in marketing without a degree?
Yes, it’s possible. Some people break into the field through internships, certifications or freelance work. But having a degree in marketing or a related area like business or communications can make it easier to land that first full-time role and grow your career faster.
What’s the difference between a marketing degree and a business degree?
A business degree covers many areas—finance, operations, management—while a marketing degree focuses more on consumer behavior, branding and how to connect with audiences.
Some schools even offer marketing as a specialization within a business administration program, so it depends on the path you choose. At Rasmussen, we offer a bachelor's degree in marketing specifically to really focus in on the skills of the field. There's so much to cover in marketing!
Is a marketing degree worth it for you?
Choosing a major is a big decision, and it’s normal to wonder if a marketing degree is worth it. Like any field, marketing has its challenges—competition can be tough, the learning curve is steep, and expectations are high. But for many students, a marketing degree program offers a strong mix of creativity, strategy and flexibility that can lead to a wide range of careers.
If you enjoy solving problems, thinking strategically and adapting to new tools, marketing could be a great fit for your career goals. The skills you develop—communication, analysis, content creation and digital strategy—can apply to jobs in many industries.
In the end, your degree is worth as much as the effort you put into gaining experience, exploring your interests and continuing to learn. Whether you want to work in advertising, social media, data or branding, a marketing degree can give you the foundation to grow in a field that’s always evolving.
If you'd like to learn more about a career in marketing, check out our business blog for more articles like this one and What I Wish Someone Told Me Before Starting a Career in Marketing.
1This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice.
2Occupational Outlook Handbook, Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers (accessed 9/22/2025), https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm#tab-3
3YouTube® is a registered trademark of Google LLC.
4LinkedIn® is a registered trademark of LinkedIn Corporation.
5TikTok® is a registered trademark of TikTok Ltd.
6Instagram® is a registered trademark of Instagram, LLC.
7HubSpot® is a registered trademark of HubSpot, Inc.
8Google® Analytics™ is a trademark of Google LLC.
9Google® is a registered trademark of Google LLC
10Creative Suite® is a registered trademark of Adobe Inc.
11Adobe® is a registered trademark of Adobe Inc.
12Canva® is a registered trademark of Canva Pty. Ltd.
