11 answers
Katelyn
Student
Nevada City, California
5
Questions
Updated
1888 views
Advice on choosing Marketing as a career!
I need help.
I really want to major in Marketing for the ability to work remotely, but I’ve also heard that marketing is not the most stable job and so many people say that these kinds of jobs start off super low paying (Which is something I don’t want).
I feel super called to this career, I know I would have fun with it and I know there is potential in moving up in salary with more years of experience. I am currently in college getting my bachelors in marketing so far…
But I am having second thoughts being that the starting salary is super low, this has me feeling really unsure and uncertain and I feel like I’ve been in this Limbo space for a while now.
I have also been considering becoming an ultrasound tech as an alternative…
So I am really just looking for some help and reassurance from a professional who can give me some guidance on this career choice! I really just want to be certain and confident in choosing to work in Marketing if I’m going to continue to university for it.
Thanks so much!! 💖💖
Sincerely,
Katelyn
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11 answers
Dillon Deloge
Photographer
1
Answer
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Dillon’s Answer
Hey Katelyn,
If you feel called to a career in Marketing, then stick with it if you're passionate about it. Marketing is a wide world so my advice is find out what kind of companies you'd want to work for and what types of marketing positions you'd want to have. You can find positions in strategy, creative, social media, analytics, and many more roles. While you're in school, try to find local businesses you can shadow and learn from and roll that experience into applying into more specific internships that will teach you even more. It's a lot easier to get these kind of learning opportunities when you're a student.
As for remote work, it's true a lot of marketing positions have gone remote especially since the pandemic. However, the most common openings these days are hybrid remote/in-office and require you to live within commuting distance of the office. Full remote positions are out there, but they're more competitive since the potential applicant pool is nearly limitless. My recommendation would be especially for some experience while in school, apply for hybrid or fully in-person positions to show to potential employers you have experience collaborating in person. Then after graduation, apply at the company that's the best fit for you and don't limit yourself to only remote positions. As you gain more experience, you'll be able to be more choosy where you apply and understand how to make your resume stand out. Do the in-person roles now as I've found the older I get, the more I value the option to work remote more as I get busier with side hustles and family.
While it's true marketing does tend to pay a lower starting salary than other specialized fields like software development or medicine, there are plenty of higher paying roles in marketing out there. It really depends on the area you live in and the companies that are hiring. In a rural area, I'd expect to make $35k to $50k a year right out of school, in an urban area $40k to $60k per year. As you gain more experience you'll be able to also be more choosy about the salaries on offer. You can also boost your resume and experience by volunteering your knowledge and expertise to non-profits whose mission aligns with your personal beliefs and convictions.
Hopefully this answers your questions, but feel free to reach out if you have any others.
If you feel called to a career in Marketing, then stick with it if you're passionate about it. Marketing is a wide world so my advice is find out what kind of companies you'd want to work for and what types of marketing positions you'd want to have. You can find positions in strategy, creative, social media, analytics, and many more roles. While you're in school, try to find local businesses you can shadow and learn from and roll that experience into applying into more specific internships that will teach you even more. It's a lot easier to get these kind of learning opportunities when you're a student.
As for remote work, it's true a lot of marketing positions have gone remote especially since the pandemic. However, the most common openings these days are hybrid remote/in-office and require you to live within commuting distance of the office. Full remote positions are out there, but they're more competitive since the potential applicant pool is nearly limitless. My recommendation would be especially for some experience while in school, apply for hybrid or fully in-person positions to show to potential employers you have experience collaborating in person. Then after graduation, apply at the company that's the best fit for you and don't limit yourself to only remote positions. As you gain more experience, you'll be able to be more choosy where you apply and understand how to make your resume stand out. Do the in-person roles now as I've found the older I get, the more I value the option to work remote more as I get busier with side hustles and family.
While it's true marketing does tend to pay a lower starting salary than other specialized fields like software development or medicine, there are plenty of higher paying roles in marketing out there. It really depends on the area you live in and the companies that are hiring. In a rural area, I'd expect to make $35k to $50k a year right out of school, in an urban area $40k to $60k per year. As you gain more experience you'll be able to also be more choosy about the salaries on offer. You can also boost your resume and experience by volunteering your knowledge and expertise to non-profits whose mission aligns with your personal beliefs and convictions.
Hopefully this answers your questions, but feel free to reach out if you have any others.
Barry Long
Channel Strategy and Program Management
4
Answers
Los Gatos, California
Updated
Barry’s Answer
Katelyn,
A marketing career can be great, please be aware that most roles have the fun parts where you are truly marketing to drive a business result and the supporting detailed content creation work. Focus on those roles that most appeal to the passion that drives true creative marketing, good luck,
Barry
Have informational interviews with different marketing professionals to help you understand what is needed by role
A marketing career can be great, please be aware that most roles have the fun parts where you are truly marketing to drive a business result and the supporting detailed content creation work. Focus on those roles that most appeal to the passion that drives true creative marketing, good luck,
Barry
Barry recommends the following next steps:
Abigail Collins
Marketing and Communications
1
Answer
Exeter, New Hampshire
Updated
Abigail’s Answer
Hi Katelyn! It's completely normal to feel unsure about your career path in college, especially without any hands-on experience. I was in the same boat, starting undecided and exploring different courses to find my interests. I initially chose Advertising as my major and later interned with a Marketing and Communications team at a tech company during summer break. This experience led me to add Communication Studies as a second major.
To move forward, focus on what excites you and aim to secure a summer internship. This will help you discover if the work truly interests you. Stay committed, and the right opportunities and career growth will come your way. You can do it!
To move forward, focus on what excites you and aim to secure a summer internship. This will help you discover if the work truly interests you. Stay committed, and the right opportunities and career growth will come your way. You can do it!
Laura Morgan
Direct Mail Marketing
9
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Marketing is an amazing major! There's a world of possibilities to explore and so many exciting paths to take. I’ve had the chance to work in different roles like strategy, creative, and operations across various marketing channels. I’ve managed both Direct Mail and Digital marketing campaigns for different products and projects at my company. The best part? I never get bored! There are countless opportunities and career paths in marketing. While you might need to work your way up in terms of salary, this is common in many careers, so don’t let it get you down. If you’re passionate about what you do, you’ll succeed and climb the ladder quickly!
David Tan
Sales Management
2
Answers
Singapore
Updated
David’s Answer
It really depends on what you love to do. Some people make a lot of money in marketing, while others leave jobs like being a doctor to become comedians. Marketing can open doors to many different areas, and you aren't tied to just one industry.
Helen Grimmett
Product Manager
11
Answers
Slough, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Helen’s Answer
Starting your career in an office setting right after school can be a great choice. Being around your manager and colleagues provides valuable guidance and advice. While remote work offers flexibility, it can sometimes feel lonely if you're not careful. Staying focused and dedicated is key, even when working from home. Remember, the work hours and commitment should remain the same. Also, many companies are shifting back to office or hybrid models, so keeping your options open can lead to more job opportunities.
Marketing is an exciting field with lots of variety. You have the chance to explore different areas, like PR, communications, advertising, or channel marketing. You can start as a generalist and later dive deeper into a specialty, expanding your skills and knowledge as you go.
Most careers begin at entry-level positions, where you can learn and gain experience. But don't worry—there are plenty of opportunities to grow and increase your salary over time. While fields like law or medicine might offer higher pay, they also require significant investment in education and ongoing learning.
Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!
Marketing is an exciting field with lots of variety. You have the chance to explore different areas, like PR, communications, advertising, or channel marketing. You can start as a generalist and later dive deeper into a specialty, expanding your skills and knowledge as you go.
Most careers begin at entry-level positions, where you can learn and gain experience. But don't worry—there are plenty of opportunities to grow and increase your salary over time. While fields like law or medicine might offer higher pay, they also require significant investment in education and ongoing learning.
Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!
Jemma Card
Sales Enablement Lead
1
Answer
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Jemma’s Answer
After finishing my Marketing degree and working in the field for over 17 years, I can truly say it's an amazing career path if you're passionate about it! While most of my experience is on the client side rather than with agencies, I've had the chance to work on exciting and sometimes high-profile campaigns and sponsorships. The skills you gain are diverse and can be used in many other business areas too.
Stacey Fischer
Program Manager
1
Answer
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Stacey’s Answer
The best advice I can offer is to follow your passion and pursue what you truly love. What excites you the most? Is it sales, social media, or event coordination? I have a degree in Marketing, and though I wasn't sure where it would lead me, I found my path in Market Research with a tech company. My starting salary was modest, but over the past 23 years, I've grown, switched companies, and increased both my experience and earnings.
While remote work is more common now, I recommend not focusing solely on finding a remote job right after college. Working in an office and building relationships with colleagues was essential for my career growth. With many companies returning to the office, a hybrid role might give you the best of both worlds.
Consider finding a co-op or internship to gain experience and start building your portfolio. Although it can be tough to admit, switching companies every few years can help boost your salary if it's not meeting your expectations.
Good luck!
While remote work is more common now, I recommend not focusing solely on finding a remote job right after college. Working in an office and building relationships with colleagues was essential for my career growth. With many companies returning to the office, a hybrid role might give you the best of both worlds.
Consider finding a co-op or internship to gain experience and start building your portfolio. Although it can be tough to admit, switching companies every few years can help boost your salary if it's not meeting your expectations.
Good luck!
Thank you!
Katelyn
Sabrina DuVall
Marketing
4
Answers
Vancouver, Washington
Updated
Sabrina’s Answer
Hi Katelyn,
Marketing professional here with 17 years experience working in a wide variety of related roles across finance, retail/apparel, and technology. I say that to highlight the range of industries a marketing degree allows you to work in. There are also sub-specialties to marketing that aren't always apparent like database marketing, choosing digital/retail/social media/CRM marketing paths, and so on. The point I'm trying to make is marketing allows for a lot of flexibility and many different career paths. It is a very practical, agile degree in my experience. Every company needs a marketer.
As for the pay, that all depends - where are you willing to relocate to for a higher paying salary, are you willing to start on the agency side, big company or small/start up, how open are you to up-skilling within the role you land, allowing you to fill gaps and move up faster (in my experience this is what allowed me to make more money faster - the up-skilling piece).
Also, if you feel called to this, DO IT. Being happy in your job and in your career is not always a given. If you think this career path would be fulfilling, dive in and don't look back.
Best wishes!
Sabrina
Marketing professional here with 17 years experience working in a wide variety of related roles across finance, retail/apparel, and technology. I say that to highlight the range of industries a marketing degree allows you to work in. There are also sub-specialties to marketing that aren't always apparent like database marketing, choosing digital/retail/social media/CRM marketing paths, and so on. The point I'm trying to make is marketing allows for a lot of flexibility and many different career paths. It is a very practical, agile degree in my experience. Every company needs a marketer.
As for the pay, that all depends - where are you willing to relocate to for a higher paying salary, are you willing to start on the agency side, big company or small/start up, how open are you to up-skilling within the role you land, allowing you to fill gaps and move up faster (in my experience this is what allowed me to make more money faster - the up-skilling piece).
Also, if you feel called to this, DO IT. Being happy in your job and in your career is not always a given. If you think this career path would be fulfilling, dive in and don't look back.
Best wishes!
Sabrina
Bárbara Ortega Calleros
Marketing
3
Answers
Guadalajara
Updated
Bárbara’s Answer
First of all, it’s totally normal to feel uncertain when you're making big life and career decisions. I’ve been working in marketing for over 10 years now, and I can tell you it’s been quite a ride! I’ve done everything from old-school billboard and in-store design to digital marketing, web content, video production, and even running my own social media marketing business.
Marketing is a field that constantly evolves, and that can feel both exciting and overwhelming at times. But that’s also what makes it so fun.. you’re always learning, always adapting, and there’s a lot of room to make it your own. Yes, early-career salaries can start lower in some areas, but that changes as you build experience, niche down, and prove your value. I've seen the growth that comes with time and consistency.
Regarding remote work: yes, there are lots of opportunities to work from home, especially in digital marketing, content strategy, SEO, and social media. But depending on the area you focus on, you might also find yourself moving around, networking, meeting clients, or attending events. It can be a great mix of flexibility and stimulation if that’s your style.
At the end of the day, I truly believe you should do what makes you feel like you're not working. If marketing excites you and feels aligned with who you are, that’s worth listening to. There will always be more stable or higher-paying alternatives out there, but fulfillment and passion go a long way, especially in a creative, dynamic field like marketing.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Marketing is a field that constantly evolves, and that can feel both exciting and overwhelming at times. But that’s also what makes it so fun.. you’re always learning, always adapting, and there’s a lot of room to make it your own. Yes, early-career salaries can start lower in some areas, but that changes as you build experience, niche down, and prove your value. I've seen the growth that comes with time and consistency.
Regarding remote work: yes, there are lots of opportunities to work from home, especially in digital marketing, content strategy, SEO, and social media. But depending on the area you focus on, you might also find yourself moving around, networking, meeting clients, or attending events. It can be a great mix of flexibility and stimulation if that’s your style.
At the end of the day, I truly believe you should do what makes you feel like you're not working. If marketing excites you and feels aligned with who you are, that’s worth listening to. There will always be more stable or higher-paying alternatives out there, but fulfillment and passion go a long way, especially in a creative, dynamic field like marketing.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
151
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi Katelyn,
Choosing a career can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re passionate about marketing but also worried about the starting salary and job stability. It’s totally normal to have second thoughts, but here’s the good news: marketing can be a fantastic career choice if you approach it strategically. Yes, entry-level marketing roles, like social media coordinators or digital marketers, can start with salaries around $40k to $55k, but the field has a lot of growth potential. As you gain experience and specialize—whether in digital marketing, brand management, or SEO—your salary can increase significantly. Mid-level marketing managers often make $70k to $100k, and senior roles like marketing directors can earn six figures.
One of the biggest advantages of marketing is its flexibility. It’s one of the most remote-friendly careers, allowing you to work from anywhere, which is a huge plus if you value location independence. Marketing also gives you the chance to be creative, build campaigns, and use storytelling to engage audiences, which can make the work genuinely enjoyable. Plus, marketing skills are highly transferable, so even if one role isn’t perfect, you can pivot to other areas like content strategy or digital analytics.
If stability and a higher starting salary are your top priorities, ultrasound tech could be a great alternative. It offers reliable pay and a structured work environment, but it’s also less flexible and creative compared to marketing. Ultimately, if you feel called to marketing and can see yourself enjoying the work long-term, don’t let the starting salary scare you off. Investing in your passion now can lead to a fulfilling and financially rewarding career later. Let me know if you want more advice on building your marketing skills! 💪
Choosing a career can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re passionate about marketing but also worried about the starting salary and job stability. It’s totally normal to have second thoughts, but here’s the good news: marketing can be a fantastic career choice if you approach it strategically. Yes, entry-level marketing roles, like social media coordinators or digital marketers, can start with salaries around $40k to $55k, but the field has a lot of growth potential. As you gain experience and specialize—whether in digital marketing, brand management, or SEO—your salary can increase significantly. Mid-level marketing managers often make $70k to $100k, and senior roles like marketing directors can earn six figures.
One of the biggest advantages of marketing is its flexibility. It’s one of the most remote-friendly careers, allowing you to work from anywhere, which is a huge plus if you value location independence. Marketing also gives you the chance to be creative, build campaigns, and use storytelling to engage audiences, which can make the work genuinely enjoyable. Plus, marketing skills are highly transferable, so even if one role isn’t perfect, you can pivot to other areas like content strategy or digital analytics.
If stability and a higher starting salary are your top priorities, ultrasound tech could be a great alternative. It offers reliable pay and a structured work environment, but it’s also less flexible and creative compared to marketing. Ultimately, if you feel called to marketing and can see yourself enjoying the work long-term, don’t let the starting salary scare you off. Investing in your passion now can lead to a fulfilling and financially rewarding career later. Let me know if you want more advice on building your marketing skills! 💪
Yeah… having location freedom would be super nice
Katelyn