How Do I Become a Marketing Program Manager?

Professionals who work as marketing program managers are responsible for overseeing all operations that have to do with the way an organization spreads its message to the public. In most cases, marketing program managers oversee operations that have to do with one individual project, such as a single line of products or particular market location. To become a marketing program manager, it is essential that you earn a college degree in a field such as marketing. For some people, an education in a field such as advertising, sales, management, or graphic design might also be valuable.

To become a marketing program manager, it is important that you have a strong understanding of a number of different marketing techniques, especially those related to your field or industry. For instance, a person who would like to become a marketing program manager in the automobile industry should plan on having years upon years of experience marketing cars. He or she should understand how certain cars designed for specific demographics are marketed in venues such as the Internet, television, radio, and magazines. This kind of professional should have the skills and experience to direct all facets of a marketing initiative.

Any person who wants to become a marketing program manager must also be a proficient leader. This kind of professional often is responsible for conveying an organization's values, culture, and policies to workers in all marketing departments. For instance, this kind of manager might visit graphic design departments and instruct these creative professionals how to create an image for their company. He or she might then visit advertising and speak about demographics that an organization is trying to reach and put these professionals on the right track by guiding their actions.

Likewise, a person who wants to become a marketing program manager should be comfortable communicating with executives, high level managers, and shareholders. They might give presentations regarding their plans for marketing initiatives then give follow up presentations in which they discuss the successful and unsuccessful aspects of plans they put in place. It is important that this kind of marketing manager is able to sell his or her vision for the way products are sold.

A person who wants to become a marketing program manager should take an entry level marketing position after college. In more competitive job markets, it might be necessary to earn a graduate degree in a related field, since this can help you to get your foot in the door. Most people who become marketing program managers have at least five years of experience in the marketing profession.