Marketing executives work to secure the best possible match between the goods or services produced by their organisation and the needs of their actual or potential clients.

This could mean conducting market research to find out what customers want, and what they understand about the market, before working with communications, design or production teams within the organisation to develop services and products in line with the research findings. The work involves developing an overall marketing plan, which identifies target markets and marketing opportunities.

Marketing executives spend much of their time writing proposals, reports and promotional briefs, giving presentations, monitoring campaign progress and developing new strategies and ideas.

Entry level

Many employers would expect an applicant for a marketing executive appointment to hold a degree or higher national diploma (HND). Useful degree course subjects include marketing, maths and statistics, economics and business studies. Work experience in marketing, market research or sales is also useful.

There are also postgraduate courses in marketing and export marketing.

Making the grade

Training is often on the job and through short courses organised by professional marketing organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the Institute of Direct Marketing (IDM), the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management (ISMM) and the Communications, Advertising and Marketing Education Foundation (CAM).

CIM offers a range of qualifications from introductory to advanced certificates, and a postgraduate Diploma in Marketing. With three years' relevant marketing experience, you can apply to become a Full Member of CIM and can go on to become a Chartered Marketer.

ISMM offers qualifications including a certificate and advanced certificate in Sales and Marketing and a Diploma in Sales Management. While studying for these qualifications, you can apply to become an ISMM member.