Yes, we're creative, and we also know what we want to do when we "grow up". Marketing is a practice that is so essential to the operation of every organization. Whether that organization is selling a product, or seeking support, marketing is just the tool to make that happen. I think a lot of times, the purpose of marketing is misunderstood, and many are misinformed about what it really is. As a marketing major, this can be a bit frustrating. People studying marketing are the future of many of these organizations. Here are just a few things that are true for many marketing majors.
1. *Watches a movie/TV show* "product placement...product placement...product. placement."
Once you've learned the concept of product placement, your experience while watching anything is changed forever. You'll begin to notice it every single time, while thinking to yourself, "you can't fool me".
2. You're constantly critiquing ads.
Once you've taken a class in advertising, you suddenly feel like you have all the answers to what makes a "good" advertisement. Whether this is true or not, we often find ourselves critiquing different advertisements we see, either out loud or just simply in our heads. For this reason, we really don't mind commercials all that much.
3. When you tell people your major they say: "so you just wanna sell people stuff?"
No. If you really want to annoy someone studying marketing, try asking them something along these lines. It's basically like asking an engineer if they just want to build stuff. There is a distinction between sales and marketing. Marketing is essential in generating sales, but it is not the same thing.
4. You roll your eyes at the fact that everyone thinks they can go into marketing.
A lot of people with degrees in who knows what often say: "I'll just get a job in marketing". With the large need for marketing professionals, there are many jobs available, but good marketing really does take training and education. It's the strategy that leads to the success of a good marketing campaign, so it is a little frustrating when people think marketing is so easy.
5. You don't understand why you need so much math.
Coming from Clemson, I had to take SO MUCH math. Everything from statistics, to marketing research (which makes sense), to accounting and finance. While this may not apply to those who want to go into the research side of things, us creatives are just perplexed by it. We don't feel the need to keep taking math related courses. Don't get me wrong, I do see the value in (some of) them now, but in the moment, I was miserable.
6. You're a creative.
A lot of people who desire to go into marketing are creative types who just want to apply that creativity to their future career. Creatives can be more than artists; we have the ability to contribute great things to organizations, and it is often through marketing that we can do so.
When you're a marketing major, there are just some things you become extremely aware of, and you start to see the world through a different lens. Say what you want about people studying marketing, but it is essential to all organizations, and not just anyone can do it.
