STRATEGIC MARKETING COMMUNICATION

What can you do with a Master’s Degree in Strategic Marketing Communication?

With a master’s degree in strategic marketing communications, individuals can pursue dynamic and influential roles in the business world. This qualification opens doors to opportunities such as marketing management, brand strategy development, digital marketing leadership, public relations management, and communication consultancy. Graduates are equipped to lead comprehensive and effective marketing campaigns, shape brand narratives, and navigate the evolving landscape of digital communication to drive business success.

Tech Knowledge

In a successful career with a degree in strategic marketing communications, professionals benefit from a solid foundation in various technologies. Although this is an extensive list, the specific technologies you need to know can depend on your chosen career path, but some common ones include:

  • Digital Marketing Platforms: Mastery of digital marketing tools and platforms, including Google Analytics, Facebook Ads Manager, and other analytics tools for data-driven campaign optimization.
  • Marketing Automation Software: Familiarity with marketing automation tools like HubSpot, Marketo, or Pardot to streamline and optimize marketing processes.
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems: Proficiency in CRM systems such as Salesforce to manage customer data, track interactions, and enhance customer relationship strategies.
  • Content Management Systems (CMS): Knowledge of CMS platforms like WordPress for efficient content creation, publishing, and management.
  • Social Media Management Tools: Mastery of social media management tools such as Hootsuite or Buffer to schedule posts, track engagement, and manage multiple social platforms.
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Tools: Understanding of SEO tools like Moz or SEMrush to optimize content for search engines and enhance online visibility.
  • Graphic Design Software: Basic knowledge of graphic design tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) for creating visually appealing marketing materials.
  • Email Marketing Platforms: Proficiency in email marketing platforms like Mailchimp or Constant Contact for creating and managing email campaigns.
  • Web Analytics: Understanding of web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to track website performance, user behavior, and conversion metrics.
  • Video Editing Software: Basic knowledge of video editing tools such as Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro for creating compelling video content.
  • Virtual Collaboration Tools: Competence in virtual collaboration tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom for effective team communication, especially in remote work environments.
  • Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Awareness of emerging technologies like AR and VR for innovative and immersive marketing experiences.
  • Cybersecurity Awareness: Basic knowledge of cybersecurity principles to protect sensitive marketing data and ensure the secure handling of customer information.
  • E-commerce Platforms: Familiarity with e-commerce platforms like Shopify or Magento for executing online sales strategies.
  • Mobile App Analytics: Understanding of mobile app analytics tools to optimize marketing efforts in the mobile space.

Keeping abreast of technological advancements in the marketing field enhances professionals’ capabilities to navigate the digital landscape, execute effective campaigns, and contribute to the success of strategic marketing communications initiatives.

Competencies + Other Skills

Success in a strategic marketing communications career demands a combination of essential soft skills. Effective communication skills are paramount, enabling professionals to articulate complex ideas and build relationships with diverse stakeholders. Creativity fuels innovative campaign development, while adaptability ensures the agility needed to navigate evolving market dynamics. Strong collaboration, leadership, and emotional intelligence contribute to fostering positive team dynamics and navigating the dynamic landscape of strategic marketing with resilience and impact.

  • Strategic Thinking: The ability to think critically and develop comprehensive marketing strategies aligned with organizational goals, market trends, and consumer behavior.
  • Market Research and Analysis: Proficiency in conducting market research to identify target audiences, understand industry trends, and gather insights for effective communication strategies.
  • Data Analytics: Competence in utilizing data analytics tools to measure and analyze the performance of marketing campaigns, enabling data-driven decision-making.
  • Digital Marketing Expertise: In-depth knowledge of digital marketing channels, including social media, content marketing, email campaigns, SEO, and PPC advertising.
  • Brand Management: Skill in developing and managing brand strategies, ensuring consistent brand messaging across all communication channels.
  • Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC): Understanding and application of IMC principles, coordinating various communication channels to convey a unified and cohesive brand message.
  • Content Strategy: Proficiency in developing content strategies that resonate with target audiences, drive engagement, and align with overall marketing objectives.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to collaborate with diverse teams, including marketing, sales, product development, and design, to ensure a holistic approach to strategic communication.
  • Crisis Communication Management: Competence in handling crisis communication effectively, managing reputational challenges, and implementing crisis response plans.
  • Technology Integration: Knowledge of marketing automation tools, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and other technologies to streamline and optimize marketing processes.

Industry Job Boards

Boston-Specific Job Boards

Professional Associations, Conferences, and Industry Professionals to Know

Joining associations and networking groups in your field and/or city allow you to further develop your connections and industry knowledge through events, articles, educational workshops and membership contacts. Many of these organizations have student and young professional discounted rates, you can also consider joining their groups on LinkedIn as an additional way to learn and connect.

Other organizations to watch for webinars, events, scholarships, and/or conferences. Many of your future employers may be members and/or interact with these groups:

Boston Area Conferences

You can apply for professional development funds through the Marketing Communication department and/or the Enhancement Fund to attend these types of conferences:

  • Hypergrowth
  • Inbound (keep an eye out for a code through Career Development)
  • Boston International Search Summit
  • Digital Summit
  • Massachusetts Marketing Summit
  • Content Marketing Conference

Sample Job Titles Requiring a Masters Degree

A master’s degree in strategic marketing communications can open doors to various advanced and leadership roles in the field. Sample job titles include:

  • Marketing Director: Leads and oversees the overall marketing strategy of an organization, directing marketing campaigns, brand development, and communication initiatives.
  • Brand Strategist: Develops and implements strategies to enhance brand identity, positioning, and messaging, ensuring consistency across various channels.
  • Digital Marketing Manager: Manages digital marketing campaigns, including SEO, SEM, social media, and email marketing, to drive online presence and customer engagement.
  • Director of Communications: Heads the communication department, responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies aligned with organizational goals.
  • Chief Marketing Officer (CMO): Serves as the top marketing executive, providing strategic direction for all marketing and communication efforts within an organization.
  • Public Relations Director: Oversees public relations initiatives, manages media relations, and ensures positive public perception of an organization or brand.
  • Content Marketing Manager: Develops and implements content strategies to drive brand awareness, engagement, and lead generation through various content channels.
  • Social Media Strategist: Creates and executes social media strategies to enhance brand visibility, engage audiences, and drive marketing objectives.
  • Market Research Manager: Leads market research initiatives, gathering and analyzing data to inform marketing strategies and decision-making.
  • Advertising Manager: Manages advertising campaigns, working with creative teams to develop impactful and targeted advertisements across different media channels.
  • Product Marketing Manager: Develops and implements marketing strategies for specific products, overseeing product launches, messaging, and positioning.
  • Corporate Communications Manager: Manages internal and external corporate communications, ensuring consistent and effective messaging to various stakeholders.
  • Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) Director: Directs and coordinates integrated marketing communication efforts, aligning strategies across various channels for a cohesive brand message.
  • E-commerce Marketing Manager: Focuses on marketing strategies for online sales, including website optimization, digital advertising, and customer engagement.
  • Senior Marketing Analyst: Analyzes marketing data and trends, providing insights to optimize marketing strategies and improve overall performance.
  • Healthcare Marketing Director: Specializes in developing and executing marketing strategies within the healthcare industry, navigating unique challenges and regulations.
  • Technology Marketing Manager: Leads marketing initiatives for technology products or services, understanding the tech landscape and effectively communicating technical features to diverse audiences.

These roles often require a combination of strategic thinking, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of marketing principles, making a master’s degree in strategic marketing communications valuable for professionals aspiring to excel in their careers.