Starting a Career as a Marketing Coordinator

A career in marketing does not have to be limited to cold calls and sales meetings. The position of Marketing Coordinator is fast paced, technical, creative, and deadline driven.

Marketing coordinators work in a variety of industries including medical, architect/engineer, nonprofit, retail, and finance. The position typically supports the sales and marketing departments and can include everything from preparing proposals and presentations, brochure and campaign development, creating collateral materials such as staff resumes, product or service illustrations, and rate information to acting as the company representative at conferences and workshops. A marketing coordinator is an integral part of a firm's advertising team.

A successful marketing coordinator shares many of the same skills and traits as an executive assistant, graphic designer, database manager, business/technical writer and researcher. The ability to work under pressure while juggling multiple tasks is key and although not required, a good memory is extremely helpful.

Common Software Applications Used by Marketing Coordinators

Marketing coordinators spend a large portion of their time creating marketing materials such as project experience cut sheets, newsletters, brochures and presentations and responding to requests for proposals. Software applications that are commonly used to complete these tasks are Microsoft Office Suite (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access), and the Adobe family of design/illustration software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign). In some industries, specialized database programs to track proposals or manage customer contact schedules are used.

Community and adult education courses in computer applications are available throughout the country to supplement or enhance software skills and are an excellent source for continuing education.

Knowledge of Graphic Design

Successful marketing materials are a subtle blend of images and story. The position of marketing coordinator does not require a degree or certificate in graphic design, however, an understanding of the fundamentals of graphic design is highly recommended. A basic knowledge about the proper use of fonts, image placement, and color is an important aspect of the job.

Communication Skills are Vital for Success as a Marketing Coordinator

Written and verbal communication skills are extremely important in any marketing position but are especially important to the marketing coordinator. The job of crafting text that best illustrates the firm or product strengths often falls on the coordinator, so a firm grasp of grammar, spelling, and sentence structure is critical. Verbal skills are of equal importance, as the coordinator is a likely point-of-contact for new clients, vendors, or firms offering complimentary services who are seeking company information.

Organizational Skills for Sales and Marketing

Establishing, tracking, and maintaining sales and marketing information are must have skills for this career. The success or failure of a marketing campaign can only be judged accurately by looking at response rates or product sales increases. Organizing this information into easily accessible files for presentation and feedback assists in strategic planning efforts and establishing the effectiveness of a marketing plan.

Personality Traits of Successful Marketing Coordinators

Marketing coordinators are part of a team of sales and marketing professionals. The ability to work and communicate effectively with employees from all areas and levels of a company, as well as with clients, vendors, and aligned firms is required. To be successful and enjoy the job, responding well to pressure is necessary as this is a deadline driven industry. Being able to multi-task without getting frazzled is a useful trait since it is rare indeed that only one project is in process at any given time.

Additional Career Information

Responsibilities vary from employer to employer, but the proficiencies discussed here are fundamental to the position. Additional skills such as website design, creating newsletters, and event planning are a definite plus and can result in increased opportunities and improved compensation. According to Indeed.com, the average annual salary for the position as of June 2009 is $41,000. Whether contemplating a change in direction or just starting out in business, a career as a marketing coordinator is worth consideration.

Sources:
http://www.sai-region1.org/id116.html
http://www.wa-skills.com/docs/mss/mc_job_desc.doc.