Marketing

Who helps form your first opinion of a business or other organization? First impressions count, so employees from cashiers to property managers serve as important marketers. Marketing also includes jobs that have a more obvious connection with marketing such as public relations specialists and merchandise displayers and window trimmers. The main goal of employees in this cluster is to help their organization reach its objectives. 

Among North Carolina's occupations in this cluster with expected above average growth are: market research analysts; marketing managers; and wholesale and retail buyers. Retail salespersons top the list of occupations with the highest projected total job openings. While many workers in the Marketing cluster need a high school education, careers that require an associate's or bachelor's degree tend to have higher wages. Workplaces that are most likely to offer marketing positions include grocery stores, warehouse clubs, gasoline stations with convenience stores, home centers, and wholesale goods businesses. 

The work environment for these occupations varies by job responsibilities. While some workers have desk jobs and regular weekday schedules, others will need to be on their feet most of the time. Work in marketing and advertising can involve long work hours with pressure to be creative within short time frames to meet deadlines. People who work in this industry need strong persuasive and customer service skills.