Most business communication is marketing communication. Marketing jobs represent nearly one in every four jobs in the U.S. economy. Marketing courses help you learn and experience how the marketing process seeks to establish and satisfy the needs and wants of individuals who buy goods, services and ideas.

Businesses of all types and sizes, including non-profit organizations, use marketing in their local, national and global operations to move products and services from their origin to the end-user.

This career cluster is organized into six career pathways:

• Buying and merchandising
• Distribution and logistics
• E-Marketing
• Management and entrepreneurship
• Marketing communications and promotion
• Marketing information management and research
• Professional sales and marketing

Careers

Students in marketing learn and practice skills that prepare them for diverse post-high school education and training opportunities, from apprenticeships and two-year college programs to four-year college and graduate programs.

CTE classes in this cluster will introduce you to a variety of interesting careers including:

Manager of sales or information Researcher Sales specialist Demonstrator or product promoter Wholesale or retail buyer Distributor Public relations manager or specialist	Marketing communications or promotions manager or specialist Community relations manager or specialist E-marketer Marketing consultant Fashion or interior designer Merchandise displayer and window trimmer
Note: Each school and school district has different CTE options. Not every district has classes in every cluster, nor does every district offer CTE dual credit and Advanced Placement options.

Career and Technical Student Organizations

Career and technical student organizations are much more than clubs. They provide opportunities for hands-on learning, and for applying career, leadership and personal skills in real-world environments. Participants build their skills by developing projects, attending events, and competing regionally and nationally.

The student organizations for marketing are:

• Washington Association of Marketing Educators (WAME)
• Washington DECA (An Association of Marketing Students)
• Washington Future Business Leaders of America

Education After High School

It is fact that young people who have at least one year of post-high school education earn thousands of dollars more a year. So, if you spend even one year at a two- or four-year college, in a certificate program at a technical school, or in an apprenticeship after you graduate from high school, you will very likely earn higher wages all your life. By furthering your education, you will be better-prepared to successfully navigate the world of work.

After taking CTE classes in marketing, you could pursue any number of opportunities including:

• A two-year college degree in sales and marketing, marketing management, marketing applied science or advertising
• A four-year college degree in marketing, business marketing, sales and marketing, advertising and marketing, or online marketing

Student Resources

Middle and High School

For information about your district’s CTE offerings and how to move forward with planning for your future, contact or visit:

• Preparing for your future: Why CTE?
• Your school career or guidance counselor
• Your principal or school district Career and Technical Education office
• Career and Technical Education - Washington
  (360) 725-6245
  careerandcollegeready@k12.wa.us
  www.careerandcollegeready.com
• Navigation 101: A life skills and planning program for students in grades 6 through 12 to help them make clear, creative plans for their education and training in high school and beyond

Apprenticeship and College

More than 1,000 jobs in Washington are connected to an active, registered apprenticeship program. For more information about apprenticeships and colleges, visit:

• How to become an apprentice: Five steps to getting started
• Apprenticeship Washington: The future is in your hands
• Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
• Checkoutacollege.com
• Higher Education Coordinating Board
• Washington Career Bridge
• Students.gov
— An official U.S. Department of Education web site designed for college students and their families. Provides easy access to educational information and resources.

Additional Resources

• American Marketing Association
• National DECA Career Search
• Washington State Skills Standards for Marketing — A collection of tools that explain what employers look for from marketing students, and resources to grow marketing skills
• Learning About Business — A business education gaming program that brings together young people for a week to develop, manage and grow a business in a computer simulated marketplace. Each team consists of a CEO, CFO, Marketing Director and Communications Director. You each make decisions as corporate executives of your own company.
• Washington Business Week — A teen summer camp offered on college campuses across Washington. Applicable to every teen regardless of career choice. Students stay on campus, live in the dorms and experience the college environment. Preview college and the career world at the same time.
• Constant Contact — Learn what email marketing looks like from this 21st century company
• Agriculture Marketing Resource Center — A comprehensive look at the marketing efforts of one organization in Washington.