Q:I have an MBA and started my career as a business development executive marketing a small company's products. What are the development opportunities in this industry?

A:BA doesn't mean that you have a shortcut for your career development. Individual successful case in the marketing / sales field varies and depends on one's caliber and assertiveness.

MBA, doubtless to say, can offer you a gateway to widen exposures and to enrich your market insight in the global market. We came across with many candidates with an MBA and work in small to medium-size companies and have a very good exposure and good promotion opportunities. Comparing with MNCs, SMEs value individuals' inputs to the companies, and you have better chance to explore in different business operations whereas MNCs can (most of the time) only offer limited job responsibilities due to the clear guidelines in the division of labour.

Of course, when you are moving up your career ladder towards a more senior role, such as General Manager or Director in the future, an MBA qualification will be desired and essential. So, at this moment, if you are a Business Development Executive, you should try to gain more hands-on experience and industry know-how for future career growth.

Q:What are essential qualities and skills to enter the marketing industry?

A:To be a qualified candidate in the marketing industry, one must be pro-active, self-motivated and good at communication. Realizing that marketing is a team work, you need to be a very good team player, enjoy interacting with different people from various professions, and be always ready to face unpredictable situations that will happen at any time anywhere during your work.

A high degree of EQ in facing difficult situations and hard times is essential. Marketing professionals are the all-round personnel with sophisticated people skills. It is also a very good training for young executives.

It adds value if you consult the recruitment consultant during your job hunting process, as we are able to provide employment market updates, invaluable guidance and advice.

Q:Is it essential to get a higher degree in order to get advancement in marketing?

A:Yes, a Business Studies Degree can certainly enhance one’s language skills, presentation and analytical skills as these are all key elements to become a marketing professional. Normally, multi-national corporations and sizable companies require candidates with Marketing / Business Degree as the entry level in taking up the posts of Marketing Assistant or Marketing Executive.

Your continuing studies in marketing-related subjects could be an option if you do not have a bachelor’s degree in this area. Continuing studies is always a good way to enhance your competitiveness; however, market insight and practical experience are also equally important.

Q:Marketing is a broad industry. What are the career prospects?

A:The word "Marketing" is full of charm for a fresh graduate to someone with several years of working experience. "Marketing" jobs are many people's "dream job".

Let's take a look at 2 common categories of "Marketing" available on the local job market and their career prospects.

1. Products marketing, i.e. FMCG (fast moving consumer products), to market your companies' products to the right group of customers in the right market: You are required to work closely with advertising agents, media partners to execute your marketing strategic plans. To further develop in this field, one can stick with direct marketing, marketing communications or even switching to the fields of PR or advertising.
2. Events marketing: Expertise in organizing events, sourcing event sponsors, deciding event venues and programs and involving in the whole event's logistics arrangement, including pre-event promotion, press conference, on-day run-down, etc. To be a successful marketing professional, you have to spend at least 8 to 10 years in developing your knowledge and skill-sets, generating your experience in managing various product promotions and marketing activities. To further develop in this field, one can become an in-house Event Organizer (usually investment banking corporations offer such opportunities) or a Project Manager (professional PR firms have such needs).

On top of the above, marketing professionals can also become very successful sales professionals. Our clients are always willing to interview smart marketing professionals for sales positions.

- Maggie Tso, Operations Manager, Staff Service (Hong Kong) Co. Ltd.