A new report shows that the majority of marketing and human resource managers in Britain think job applicants would be better off getting hands-on work experience or professional certificates than going to university.
The study polled 100 HR managers and 100 marketing managers, of which 53% thought that entrants to the job market would be better or equally well off pursuing professional qualifications and work experience rather than going to university to pursue a degree in an academic subject.
A follow up survey of 2,000 recent graduates found that nearly a fifth (18%) regretted going to university and wished they had taken a path of work experience and professional qualifications instead.
The study, however, was commissioned by career development body The Marketers' Forum, which plans to use the findings to back its own marketing program, which it touts as being "the smart alternative to university for young people." Their course isn't exactly free.
Whether the findings apply to the U.S. isn't clear. The median annual salary for those in marketing is $73,000, according to New York recruiting firm 24 Seven. Compare this to the cost of the nation's best marketing programs (Kellogg charges $54,000 a year, and Wharton isn't far behind) and there's no doubt that a marketing degree is expensive.
Then again, advancement in one's career, even in the marketing profession, is often dependent on having certain qualifications, without which you may find yourself passed over for a promotion even if you can get your foot in the door at more junior levels.
Sales Buzz
Glassdoor Names Sales Exec. (Glassdoor)
Jobs site Glassdoor has named Scott Sinatra as its new senior vice president of sales. The company also hired Allyson Willoughby to be its general counsel and senior vice president of people.
Ascena Completes Acquisition (Chain Store Age)
Ascena Retail Group has completed its acquisition of Charming Shoppes. Ascena said it will close down Charming Shoppes' Fashion Bug business by early next year and could sell the company's Figi's business, which markets food and specialty gift products.
Pricing Problems (Inc.)
If a customer says they think your prices are too high here's what you can do: Uncover the real objection, show empathy and figure out if it's an objection or a condition, among other things.
Marketing Buzz
Expand T-Commerce Sales (eMarketer)
"While consumers are increasingly eager to use tablets to shop, most retailers are failing to meet their expectations," says a new report.
Get Social (Brafton)
A new report reveals that 40% of consumers say they are more likely to buy from businesses that maintain social presences. While 58% engage with brands on social networks, 10% say social marketing content shared by companies regularly impacts their purchase decisions.
A New Age of Marketing (Ad Age)
Facebook's new ad offering heralds a new age of marketing. Consumers can be communicated with consistently across channels and according to their preferences, dollars that automatically follow eyeballs will result in success, and marketers can connect inputs to outcomes directly.
Tech Start-ups to Watch (Ad Age)
Five tech start-ups that Ad Age believes marketers should watch: Marquee, Condition One, PopTip, Rewind.Me and Pickie.
Buzz Around the Office
(Nothing's) Above the Law (wtnh.com)
A man calls 911 to complain about the way a deli is making his sandwich.
List of the Day: Big Corporation or Small Business?
Don't assume the work environment will be the same. Here are a few differences to consider.
1. Do you prefer structure or flexibility?
2. Do you like group work, or taking ownership of a whole project?
3. Which is more appealing, knowing your path or controlling your destiny?
(Source: Glassdoor.com)
