Marketing professionals determine what the buyer needs, what the buyer is likely to buy, and gathers information that will influence the buyer's purchasing behavior. Most major corporations have their own marketing departments. Smaller companies may use marketing service organizations. Many enter marketing positions from sales and customer service positions. Individuals in marketing have the ability to deal with abstract ideas, are able to handle a lot of different tasks, and have good communication and analytical skills.
Human resources provides the link between management and the employees.
Dealing with people is the essential ingredient of this field. The major areas of specialization are in labor relations, training and development, wage and salary administration, compensation and benefits, recruitment and selection, and Equal Employment Opportunities. In small companies one person may handle all duties, but in large corporations, there may be specialists and many employees in each area. A new and growing area is called the Employee Assistance program which provides counseling programs for employees in such areas as alcohol and drug abuse, personal problems, financial issues, and career counseling. Most individuals in human resources are able to work with individuals as well as being part of a team.