Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP, Dean, College of Business and IT
Marketing coordinators play a vital role in an organization’s success. But what do marketing coordinators do exactly? In a nutshell, they work closely with the rest of the marketing team to develop strategies for launching campaigns, conducting market research and executing projects such as advertising or event planning. They are also responsible for tracking consumer data and regularly reporting key takeaways to their superiors.
Aside from technical and creative skills needed to succeed in this job, marketing coordinators must have excellent organization, communication and problem-solving skills. In addition, they should be detail-oriented, able to prioritize tasks and stay up to date on industry trends. They must also be comfortable using digital media tools like analytics software and social media outlets.
To become a marketing coordinator, one must understand the business landscape, market research principles and consumer behavior. Therefore, a business degree, marketing degree or certificate can be an asset in this field.
There are many types of marketing coordinators. Some coordinate content while others manage campaigns and events. Here are some of the most common roles of marketing coordinators:
Those are only a few types of marketing coordinators; others may specialize in such areas as retail, public relations or digital media.
Marketing is an everchanging landscape, but the path to becoming a coordinator is relatively straightforward. Here’s a quick guide on how to get started.
Earning a degree in marketing or another business-related field is a first step to becoming a marketing coordinator. This allows you to understand marketing fundamentals and build skills to succeed in this role. Taking marketing courses online can also be beneficial.
In whichever program you choose, you should learn about marketing basics, such as market research, branding and product management. You should also gain an understanding of digital marketing tactics like SEO and social media advertising.
Gaining professional experience is the next step while or after earning your degree. You can do this through:
Additionally, attending conferences, trade shows, educational seminars and other events related to marketing can help you network with professionals in the field, sharpen your skills and gain valuable insight.
Though it is not required, earning industry certifications in digital marketing or social media may help your resumé standout. Certification is different from University of Phoenix certificates. Certifications, and their required exams, demonstrate that you have a comprehensive understanding of the evolving digital world and are equipped with the necessary skills for staying current and using trends to your organization’s advantage.
Popular certifications include:
These are just some of the certifications available in the industry, and the right one for you will depend on your goals and research.
Though it is not required, earning industry certifications in digital marketing or social media may help your resumé standout. Certification is different from University of Phoenix certificates. Certifications, and their required exams, demonstrate that you have a comprehensive understanding of the evolving digital world and are equipped with the necessary skills for staying current and using trends to your organization’s advantage.
Popular certifications include:
These are just some of the certifications available in the industry, and the right one for you will depend on your goals and research.
Once you have the necessary skills, experience and certification, it’s time to find a job. There are plenty of resources out there for this as well, such as:
Venturing into a new career can be intimidating. That’s why it’s important to take the necessary steps to prepare for a given role; doing so can lessen job search and interview anxiety.
If you’re still on the fence about becoming a marketing coordinator, ask yourself these questions:
If you answered yes to the questions above, then becoming a marketing coordinator may be right for you. However, even if you can’t say yes to them all right now, remember that you can always learn the skills you need for the role. With patience, commitment and a strong work ethic, you can better prepare for a role as a marketing coordinator.
University of Phoenix offers several online business programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Business with a Marketing Certificate. In this program you’ll learn how to differentiate products and win consumers’ hearts and minds. You will also develop skills such as communication, leadership, management, operations, marketing analysis and marketing management.
The degree program prepares students for jobs such as advertising manager, marketing manager and brand manager.
Marketing is a fast-paced, exciting field with diverse roles and opportunities. And, at the heart of it all, are marketing coordinators. If you’re curious, collaborative and interested in constantly learning new things, this profession could be a great fit for your career.
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at University of Phoenix where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology, Kathryn Uhles has served University of Phoenix in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining University of Phoenix, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in Phoenix.
This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.
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