3 answers
Imani
Student
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
1
Question
Updated
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How can I become a Brand Manager in the future?
I am a rising junior in college majoring in marketing with a concentration in data analytics. I have heard professionals talk about brand management and it's something that interests me. What skills should I work on in college so that I would be able to do the work that a brand manager does? Also, what is the path people take when they graduate college to become a brand manager?
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3 answers
Deborah Chang
Business Development
24
Answers
San Carlos, California
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
Imani, what an insightful question! Choosing to focus on data analytics in marketing is a fantastic choice. Well done on making a wise decision!
I recommend seeking an internship within a marketing department. Any internship in various marketing specialties, such as data analytics, social media, brand partnerships, communications and PR, or editorial, will help you discover your interests. Companies manage brands differently, so consider if you'd like to build or manage a brand, as these tasks differ.
Identify brands you admire, such as well-known ones like Nike, Lululemon, and Tesla, or lesser-known but equally strong brands in health or business fields like Salesforce. Connect with marketing professionals from these brands on LinkedIn.
Additionally, explore marketing agencies, including PR and general ones, as they offer internships and mentorship opportunities.
Best of luck!
I recommend seeking an internship within a marketing department. Any internship in various marketing specialties, such as data analytics, social media, brand partnerships, communications and PR, or editorial, will help you discover your interests. Companies manage brands differently, so consider if you'd like to build or manage a brand, as these tasks differ.
Identify brands you admire, such as well-known ones like Nike, Lululemon, and Tesla, or lesser-known but equally strong brands in health or business fields like Salesforce. Connect with marketing professionals from these brands on LinkedIn.
Additionally, explore marketing agencies, including PR and general ones, as they offer internships and mentorship opportunities.
Best of luck!
Tara Cortez
Chaplin and Volunteer Resources Researcher
24
Answers
Autryville, North Carolina
Updated
Tara’s Answer
ACHIEVING SUCCESS AS A BRAND MANAGER IN AND BEYOND COLLEGE
WHAT DOES A BRAND MANAGER DO?
Brand management in marketing starts with evaluating the current perception of a brand in the market, moves on to strategizing how the brand should be viewed to reach its goals, and finally ensures that the brand is seen as intended and achieves its objectives.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR A BRAND MANAGER
- Comprehensive knowledge of marketing tactics and branding principles.
- Outstanding communication and writing abilities.
- Inventive thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
- Research and analytical expertise.
- Experience in project management.
- Proficiency in digital tools like Customer Relationship Management software.
- Familiarity with sales and budgeting concepts.
REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A BRAND MANAGER
- A bachelor's degree in marketing or a related field.
- Proficiency in marketing areas such as market research and brand strategy.
- An MBA with a marketing focus (not mandatory, but beneficial).
- At least three years of professional marketing-related experience.
- Brand manager and marketing certifications (not mandatory, but advantageous).
CRUCIAL HARD SKILLS FOR A BRAND MANAGER
- Expertise in marketing and branding.
- Research and analytical abilities.
- Knowledge of design elements like layout and color schemes.
- Mastery in written, verbal, and visual communication.
- Familiarity with the latest marketing technologies and tools.
- Understanding of sales and financial management.
IMPORTANT SOFT SKILLS FOR A BRAND MANAGER
- Imaginative thinking and storytelling prowess.
- Critical and analytical thinking.
- Comprehensive, strategic mindset.
- Excellent teamwork abilities.
- Time management and leadership skills.
- Adaptability and ease with multitasking.
TOOLS AND SOFTWARE USED BY BRAND MANAGERS
- CRM tools like Salesforce and HubSpot.
- Social media monitoring platforms like Sprout Social and Brand24.
- Data visualization software like Tableau and Google Charts.
- Design programs like Adobe Photoshop and Canva.
- Market research tools like SurveyMonkey and Make My Persona.
CERTIFICATIONS AND COURSES FOR BRAND MANAGERS
- Marketing courses focusing on areas like content marketing.
- Courses in product management and other marketing-related fields.
- Brand manager certifications, such as the Certified Brand Management credential.
- Marketing certifications, such as the digital marketing track.
PATH TO A BRAND MANAGER CAREER
Aspiring brand managers often begin their careers in entry-level roles like PR specialist, marketing assistant, or inside sales representative. After gaining three years of marketing-related experience, they can pursue a brand manager role. Those who excel in this position may advance to higher-level roles, such as senior brand manager or marketing director, which involve marketing and management responsibilities.
The information provided above should not only guide you on how to start your journey but also help you gain the experience needed to thrive and grow in this career. You have chosen a fulfilling and promising field with ample room for growth. However, it is also highly competitive. So, strive to excel and stay ahead of your competition by going beyond the required courses. Best of luck on your journey!
Course
Certifications
Experience
Stay ahead of your competition
Grow as you go
WHAT DOES A BRAND MANAGER DO?
Brand management in marketing starts with evaluating the current perception of a brand in the market, moves on to strategizing how the brand should be viewed to reach its goals, and finally ensures that the brand is seen as intended and achieves its objectives.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR A BRAND MANAGER
- Comprehensive knowledge of marketing tactics and branding principles.
- Outstanding communication and writing abilities.
- Inventive thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
- Research and analytical expertise.
- Experience in project management.
- Proficiency in digital tools like Customer Relationship Management software.
- Familiarity with sales and budgeting concepts.
REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A BRAND MANAGER
- A bachelor's degree in marketing or a related field.
- Proficiency in marketing areas such as market research and brand strategy.
- An MBA with a marketing focus (not mandatory, but beneficial).
- At least three years of professional marketing-related experience.
- Brand manager and marketing certifications (not mandatory, but advantageous).
CRUCIAL HARD SKILLS FOR A BRAND MANAGER
- Expertise in marketing and branding.
- Research and analytical abilities.
- Knowledge of design elements like layout and color schemes.
- Mastery in written, verbal, and visual communication.
- Familiarity with the latest marketing technologies and tools.
- Understanding of sales and financial management.
IMPORTANT SOFT SKILLS FOR A BRAND MANAGER
- Imaginative thinking and storytelling prowess.
- Critical and analytical thinking.
- Comprehensive, strategic mindset.
- Excellent teamwork abilities.
- Time management and leadership skills.
- Adaptability and ease with multitasking.
TOOLS AND SOFTWARE USED BY BRAND MANAGERS
- CRM tools like Salesforce and HubSpot.
- Social media monitoring platforms like Sprout Social and Brand24.
- Data visualization software like Tableau and Google Charts.
- Design programs like Adobe Photoshop and Canva.
- Market research tools like SurveyMonkey and Make My Persona.
CERTIFICATIONS AND COURSES FOR BRAND MANAGERS
- Marketing courses focusing on areas like content marketing.
- Courses in product management and other marketing-related fields.
- Brand manager certifications, such as the Certified Brand Management credential.
- Marketing certifications, such as the digital marketing track.
PATH TO A BRAND MANAGER CAREER
Aspiring brand managers often begin their careers in entry-level roles like PR specialist, marketing assistant, or inside sales representative. After gaining three years of marketing-related experience, they can pursue a brand manager role. Those who excel in this position may advance to higher-level roles, such as senior brand manager or marketing director, which involve marketing and management responsibilities.
The information provided above should not only guide you on how to start your journey but also help you gain the experience needed to thrive and grow in this career. You have chosen a fulfilling and promising field with ample room for growth. However, it is also highly competitive. So, strive to excel and stay ahead of your competition by going beyond the required courses. Best of luck on your journey!
Tara recommends the following next steps:
Dan Abend
Consultant
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Dan’s Answer
Hey there! I agree with the information in the answers above. Specifically in terms of path, I would say look for entry level jobs at organizations with existing brand management positions. You can either:
Look for an associate or junior brand manager position at a smaller company that generally doesn't require an MBA for those positions
or
Look for a broader marketing position at a company (e.g., marketing coordinator, junior marketing strategist) and then plan to get that experience for a few years before making the move to the brand management path. You'll be able to tell the story about what you learned in your application process at that point, and prove that you have relevant experience
As mentioned above, the best way to start is ultimately with an internship. Cast a wide net to organizations that seem like good fits, and reach out to anyone on linkedin who has an entry level or manager position at the companies you're interested in to see if you can learn more from them. You'd be surprised how many people - even strangers - are willing to help!
Look for an associate or junior brand manager position at a smaller company that generally doesn't require an MBA for those positions
or
Look for a broader marketing position at a company (e.g., marketing coordinator, junior marketing strategist) and then plan to get that experience for a few years before making the move to the brand management path. You'll be able to tell the story about what you learned in your application process at that point, and prove that you have relevant experience
As mentioned above, the best way to start is ultimately with an internship. Cast a wide net to organizations that seem like good fits, and reach out to anyone on linkedin who has an entry level or manager position at the companies you're interested in to see if you can learn more from them. You'd be surprised how many people - even strangers - are willing to help!