Merchandising and marketing are broad fields, covering almost all work activities that take place between the production of goods and the purchase of these goods by customers. Increasingly, sales and marketing professionals apply known marketing and psychological principles to help determine customer behavior. Increased knowledge and skills are required to operate and manage a business in today's competitive economy. At least one out of five employed is engaged in some form of marketing, selling or merchandising activity. Even during periods of depressed business activity, sales and marketing professionals are needed.
Salaries vary greatly from area to area and from position to position.
While starting salaries are sometimes lower than in technical jobs, salaries at the end of five to ten years of employment are often higher, since supervisory and executive positions tend to be filled from the ranks of sales and marketing professionals. Graduates may progress to management, store ownership, or could specialize in areas such as computer, fashion merchandising, or sporting good sales. Some graduates move into positions in wholesale selling, buying, or the selling of advertising for radio stations and newspapers. Some graduates choose to enter the insurance, real estate or banking field. The A.A.S. Marketing Management is 72 credits and the Diploma Marketing Management program is 72 credits.