Advances in technology and online applications have diversified the ways in which marketers interact with their audience and those entering the profession must be ready to embrace these new methods.

According to Sally Hooton, editor of Direct Marketing International, the growth of mobile internet, social networking and video sharing websites presents both new opportunities and new challenges for graduates in the field.

She added that the key to success is knowing how to target the right audience at the right time using the right methods.

Marketers therefore need to work on developing strategies that are "individual but not invasive" in order to engage consumers and potential customers, she noted.

"Any way of receiving a warm welcome has to be considered by the modern marketer - via whatever channel," Ms Hooton commented.

Careers in marketing involve identifying potential markets and demand, then planning and delivering strategies to promote a particular brand or service, the Department of Labor said.

This can involve developing pricing strategies, monitoring consumer trends, working on advertising campaigns and estimating over demand for a certain product.

In 2006, there were 167,000 marketing manager jobs in the US. The occupation is expected to grow by 14% in the decade to 2016.