Marketing Experts With Social Science Knowledge Benefit In L.A.
Because most industries depend on studies to help companies understand present-day and future purchasing trends, the number of market research analysts is projected to grow by leaps and bounds in the coming years. By 2022, the government projects that more than 131,000 new specialists nationwide will have already secured stable employment. In Los Angeles, analysts earn an average annual salary of around $60,000, according to current data.
Those holding a bachelor's degree in market research and who have taken courses in business administration, economics, communications and other social-science disciplines maintain a competitive edge. As the field of marketing continues to adapt to the digital age, corporations expect both analysts and marketing managers to also come to the table with concrete backgrounds in computer science, mathematics and statistics.
"I am constantly educating myself on new technologies, consumer behavior and marketing strategies," said Scott Spiro, CEO at Computer Solutions Group, Inc., a 2015 winner of Microsoft Corporation's 'Digital Marketing Excellence' award. "You never really conclude the training, because everything is constantly changing and evolving. My continuing education helps me to understand the market, initiate research studies and analyze their findings to better construct powerful marketing messages for my business and the clients we serve."
What is driving the demand for astute marketing managers?
"The buying public is pushing retail establishments to be more consistent with quality content that is being delivered to the marketplace. Shoppers no longer want to be 'sold to.' They expect to be educated about the products and services in which they are investing."
How will the digital era affect major marketing campaigns by 2022?
"Buyers will continue to become more refined and selective in their buying habits, and they will also continue to have shorter attention spans. Therefore, campaigns will need to be succinct, catchy and to the point."
How should digital marketing managers prepare for sustainable careers?
"In addition to the technical skill set that must be learned, digital marketing managers will need to understand what makes their customers tick. Moreover, they'll need to leverage the digital and social tools at their disposal to make this happen."
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.