A marketing technology specialist is like a friend who helps you understand and use your new smart phone. Most of us have had the experience of taking home the treasured computer phone with no idea of what it does or how to operate it. A friend who is tech-savvy can demonstrate all of the things the device does to make our lives easier and more enjoyable. That is what the marketing technology specialist, also referred to as marketing technologists, brings to a business. The profession is so new that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t even list it.
What Does a Marketing Technology Specialist Do?
Looking at the duties and responsibilities of the job is the best way to define what a marketing technology specialist is. Technology is helping businesses reach more people with greater accuracy and better content. It is evolving at lightning speed, however, and many businesses just can’t keep up with the newest developments. That is why, according to VentureBeat, 81 percent of large businesses with annual profits of more than $500 million now have marketing technologists on staff. They belong on the creative team, in the manager strategy conference and at the computer keyboard. These professionals have a hand in every aspect of business from branding to content and even data management. A job listing on the website wisnik.com says applicants for the position must ensure “key performance indicators, including email campaigns, are correctly launched, consistent with the firm’s brand, delivered on time, accurately tracked and continually improved upon.” Marketing technology specialists will lead the company in developing technology skills among employees, oversee the company website, manage data services in customer retention and satisfaction and develop and oversee company social media platforms.
How Do You Become a Marketing Technology Specialist?
You must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to work in an entry level marketing technologist position. Most employers also ask for several years of related job experience. Degrees should be in business (please see: The Top 10 Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs), computer science, marketing or technology. The ideal program will combine aspects of artistic design with business strategies, computer science and consumer psychology.
What is the Job Outlook?
Marketing Technology is one of the fastest-growing professions today. There is far more demand than there are job applicants. If you have the education and the experience, you can command almost any reasonable salary. Because the profession is so new, the BLS refers searchers to comparable marketing specialists making a median salary of $70,000. There are job titles rising up in the general career such as Business Information Officer, but the closest the BLS comes is Chief Business Information Officer and that job does not have nearly the scope of the marketing technologist.
Just as your friend helps you discover all the exciting potential your smart phone has, the technologist in marketing helps businesses align new technology to meet their goals. The professionals decide which technologies to adopt and help the company to implement and use them skillfully. Marketing technologists can be found in most large companies today and also work as independent consultants commanding six-figure incomes. The growth potential for this profession is through the roof because technology is exploding at such a rapid pace. People who pursue careers as marketing technology specialists will be able to find positions at virtually any business or location they desire.
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