Marketing graduates can look forward to higher figures in their paychecks, according to new data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). The latest statistics reveal that candidates entering the job market with a marketing degree can expect an average salary of $43,318, which is a 4.9 per cent rise on average entry-level earnings from Spring 2007. Most of the employment offers made to marketing graduates were for sales positions, which commanded an average salary of $44,005. People who are considering a career in marketing should be creative, have excellent verbal and written communication skills, enjoy problem-solving and have an aptitude for numbers and figures. A bachelor's or master's degree in business administration, advertising or marketing can help a candidate's job prospects, according to the Department of Labor (DOL). Such programs will likely be made up of courses including marketing, consumer behavior, market research, sales and communication methods. The DOL predicts that jobs for market researchers will increase by about 20 per cent in the ten-year period to 2016, which is faster than the average. People with higher qualifications or who have completed work experience in the industry will have an edge in this competitive sector.  |