As a result of technological capabilities and lifestyle market opportunities, interactive marketing has enjoyed substantial expansion. Although precise figures are difficult to pinpoint, interactive marketing has grown at a rate of at least 10% annually in recent years.

The marketing positions in interactive marketing generally involve three facets: planning marketing activities, marketing research, and market analysis. Underlying most interactive marketing programs is the use of a computerized database containing data related to customer/prospect information, transaction records, and media tracking information. Graduating students with skills and interest in both marketing and data processing are likely to find excellent career opportunities in interactive marketing.

• Catalog Circulation Manager
  
• Catalog Marketing Director/B-to-B
  
• Catalog Marketing Director/Consumer
  
• Art Director-Catalog
  
• Database Manager
  
• Catalog Marketing Manager-Consumer
  
• Catalog Marketing Manager-B-to-B

NIU's Department of Marketing offers an area of study in interactive marketing supported by the Chicago Association of Direct Marketing Education Foundation. learn more...

Market researchers figure out what drives people to buy Cheerios, Chevrolets and Chimichangas. Market researchers are applied consumer behaviouralists, combining quantitative data with their understanding of how markets work to better promote a product. Market researchers use tools such as statistical analysis packages, surveys, focus groups and new product tests to help achieve success for a product. Work as a market researcher in both interesting and potentially lucrative. The field is booming and with ever-improving data from places such as supermarket scanners and the web, there is no doubt that this field has a bright future.

Marketing research requires knowledge of statistics, data processing and analysis, psychology, and communication. A large supplier firm such as A.C. Nielsen will hire entry level people in two primary areas: statistical analysis and client services. A postgraduate degree (M.B.A., MS) is a prerequisite for most corporate researchers at major companies (and, yes, grades are important!).

• Marketing Research Analyst
  
• Market Analyst
  
• Project Director
  
• Market Research Director

Product (brand) managers coordinate all activities required to market a product. Thus, they need a general knowledge of all the aspects of marketing. The range of a product (brand) manager's function varies from company to company according to the profit importance of the individual brand and size of the company. Product managers are responsible for the successes and failures of a product and are compensated well for this responsibility.

Product management professionals are excited about their ability to manage and strengthen brands. They are at the vortex of company life because their decisions directly affect the success of a business.

The level of experience needed for a brand manager is usually three to five years as a marketing assistant and/or assistant product manager. The most common route to a "starting" position in a brand group is via a sales or communications/advertising background. Most product (brand) manager positions will also require a postgraduate degree (M.B.A., MS).

• Product Manager-Web
  
• Assistant Product Manager
  
• Product/Brand Manager
  
• Product Catalog Manager
  
• Project Director

Retail is one of the fastest growing, most dynamic parts of the world economy. Careers in retail are people-oriented, fast-paced and exciting. Retailing is worth taking a good look at, particularly if you are looking for service-oriented, entrepreneurial profession. Retail careers require many skills. Retail personnel may manage the sales force and other personnel, select and order merchandise, and are responsible for promotional activities, inventory control, store security, and accounting. Large retail stores have a variety of positions, including store or department manager, buyer, display designer, and catalog manager.

• Regional Sales Mgr
• Mgmt Trainee
  
• Senior Buyer
  
• Assistant Manager
  
• Store Manager
  
• District Manager

There are more opportunities in sales than in any other area of marketing. Sales positions vary greatly among companies. Some selling positions focus more on providing information; others emphasize locating potential customers, closing the sale, and maintaining ongoing customer satisfaction. Compensation, often salary plus commission, sets few limits on the amount of money a person can make and therefore offers great potential.

Professional selling requires training and experience. You must know yourself, your product(s), your customer(s), and your market(s). If you have a good understanding of people and enjoy working independently, sales will offer you many options. While many plan a career in sales, many others will use sales as a stepping stone in the progress toward management. (Management positions often require an advanced degree; i.e., M.B.A. or MS.)

• Sales & Marketing Director
  
• Regional Sales Manager
  
• Manufacturer's Representative

The Journal of Sales and Marketing Management has identified NIU's Department of Marketing as one of the six programs nationally from which to recruit new salespeople. learn more...