MBA in Sales and Marketing
Imagine a store stacked with amazing products hidden away in a deserted alley somewhere with no signs to lead. This is what a business without marketing looks like. Now imagine the same store on a bustling main street, but with empty shelves. That is a business without sales. Simply put, “no prospects equal no sales. No marketing means no prospects. And finally, no sales means no business.”
This notion encapsulates the interlink between sales and marketing towards business success. They are vital fundamentals, working together to serve a common objective. They are specialized career paths that necessitate specialist education like MBAs/PGPs and industry-relevant skills to succeed.
An MBA in Sales and Marketing generally spans two years. It imparts knowledge around sales and marketing processes. It also helps build strategies and skills around different industry tools and techniques. Hence, this article delves deeper into the key dynamics of an MBA in this specialization.
Why Study an MBA in Digital Marketing?
MBA programs in marketing are in high demand. This is due to the growing necessity for qualified professionals in emerging fields such as digital marketing, brand management, and eCommerce.
Such positions help deliver attractive opportunities to applicants. They are also widely recognized as an advantageous educational prowess for working professionals. An MBA with a strong emphasis on modern marketing practices and flexible learning is highly valued in this ever-changing industry.
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Top MBA colleges in India, including IIMs, XLRI, and Symbiosis, accept entrance examinations such as the CAT, XAT, NMAT, and SNAP.
Global leaders in higher education, including Harvard, Stanford, and Northwestern, provide world-class MBA programs focused on sales and marketing. Their rigorous admission requirements include GMAT/GRE scores. Furthermore, relevant job experience and language competency certifications are also required.
The curriculum for this specialization has changed. It provides a strong focus on digital trends, consumer behavior, and brand strategy. It provides theoretical and practical approaches that address modern marketing.
There is also a rise in flexible learning opportunities. Colleges and online platforms, like Amity Online and UpGrad, provide online and distant education. They are designed for marketing professionals who want to level up their skills.
Top recruiters continue to seek out MBA in Marketing graduates. Companies like Amazon, Flipkart, PepsiCo, and Hindustan Unilever are at the very forefront. They provide lucrative opportunities in sales management, digital marketing, and brand-building roles.
Entrance Exams for an MBA
Admission to a notable MBA college in Sales & Marketing proves to be a rigorous procedure. Top B-schools use national-level entrance exams to evaluate students. Applicants are required to complete entrance exams, group discussions, and interviews.
- Common exams like the CAT and XAT are widely accepted by prestigious institutions like the IIMs and XLRI.
- Other exams such as SNAP, NMAT, and CMAT are used by institutions like Symbiosis and Narsee Monjee. For international programs, the GMAT and GRE are standard.
- Candidates who clear any of these exams must then undergo further steps. It includes stages like group discussions and personal interviews.
- Colleges also look beyond academic performance. They emphasize leadership potential, communication skills, and industry knowledge in subsequent rounds.
It is necessary to have a stellar entrance exam score and exceptional GD and PI performance. It raises the likelihood of being accepted into prestigious MBA programs.
Type of MBA in Sales and Marketing
There are several models for obtaining an MBA in this specialization. They serve different professionals based on their demands and career stages. Candidates can select one of the following types based on their requirements:
Full-Time:
A full-time MBA is the most traditional and extensive type of MBA. It is a one- to two-year course that focuses on intensive business study in a campus environment. These programs place a strong emphasis on internships and project-based learning.
Industry professionals attend as guest mentors, providing students with valuable practical experience. This allows students to develop knowledge of sales techniques, marketing management, consumer behavior, digital marketing and other areas.
Part-Time:
A part-time MBA is ideal for individuals who wish to earn an MBA without leaving their work. Part-time programs are flexible and revolve around evening or weekend classes. They are an excellent solution for professionals who want to further their careers without taking a long break from the industry.
Online (distant learning):
With the growing demand for flexible learning, many universities offer an online MBA. These programs are known for flexible learning and can be completed online. It provides the benefits of accessibility to industry professionals from around the world. This contributes to a vast network of learning pools for aspirants.
Online MBA in sales and marketing delves into subjects like marketing principles, brand management, and sales responsibilities. These core areas are similar to the areas covered in the on-campus program curriculum. Such programs offer virtual internships and case studies to compensate for the lack of in-person interaction.
Jobs after MBA in Marketing and Sales
Let's dive in and look at the most popular jobs in this domain. We will also explore MBA in sales and marketing salaries for the below-mentioned professions:
Brand Manager:
A brand manager promotes products and services in front of a large audience. They help ensure positive brand perception in the market. Further responsibilities include developing marketing strategies, conducting consumer research, and improving branding efforts.
Brand managers take major decisions on establishing the identity of a brand. Such professionals regularly analyze the intent and wants of their target audience. They interpret market conditions, recognize competitors, and leverage promotional channels at their disposal.
Brand managers ensure uniform messaging across all platforms to deliver a seamless experience. They act as mediators between a company and its target audience, promoting long-term loyalty and retention. Glassdoor reports that the average income for a brand manager in India after an MBA is INR 7-21 LPA.
Growth Marketer:
Sophisticated customer data utilization has paved the way for more specialized roles in the field, like that of a growth marketer.
They work in conjunction with product and marketing teams to overcome market competition and achieve growth objectives. They also guide the way towards potential product and campaign strategy improvements.
Growth marketers are focused on expanding market share and revenue. They contribute to maximizing growth prospects at all stages of the marketing funnel. They help acquire new customers, engage existing ones, retain customer loyalty, generate referrals, and increase revenue.
An MBA in marketing imparts knowledge in marketing trends, consumer behavior, market research, and brand development. Hence, this is an ideal learning platform for future growth marketers. The average compensation for a growth marketer in India is INR 8-20 LPA, according to Glassdoor.
Sales Manager:
A sales manager meets sales targets, manages their teams, and develops strategies to boost revenue. They set sales goals and train sales representatives too. Furthermore, they track and analyze data and cultivate meaningful relationships with clients.
Sales managers supervise daily sales operations, including scheduling appointments and managing sales pipelines. They also send regular sales performance reports to management.
Strong communication and leadership abilities are essential to thrive in this role. It helps them motivate their teams and build strong relations with distribution channels. Their average salary stands at ₹6-13 LPA, according to Glassdoor.
Market Research Analyst:
A market research analyst examines consumer behavior and industry dynamics among various other factors. They then use this data to find actionable insight into building an effective marketing campaign. This in turn helps them launch successful products.
Market research analysts conduct quantitative research on statistical data. They also track qualitative touchpoints on consumer responses, experiences, and beliefs. Through their communication of insights and data, they help shape targeted marketing strategies.
Market research analysts develop data collection tools and techniques for convenience. They use it to identify opportunities for new acquisitions and retain loyal customers.
It also helps determine the target demographics and the ideal price point of their offerings. The average salary of a market research analyst is 7 LPA in India, according to Glassdoor.
Account Manager:
Account managers are the key point of contact for clients. They focus on ensuring the utmost satisfaction for their clients rather than explicitly trying to generate sales.
Companies hire account managers who can seamlessly manage and meet customers' needs to promote loyalty.
Such professionals are mostly from finance or business backgrounds. Account managers serve as intermediaries between companies and their customers. They focus on building lasting relationships and working with internal teams to meet customer needs
They are results-driven and are always knowledgeable about their clients' market position. This helps them identify mutually beneficial possibilities that align company goals with customer needs. Their average salary stands at 8 LPA in India, according to Glassdoor.
Top Colleges for Distance Education
Students looking for a distance education institute for an MBA in marketing can check out the below mentioned colleges:
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
IGNOU offers an MBA course in Marketing Management (MBAMM). It is a 2-year program designed for graduates seeking advanced marketing expertise. With a course fee of ₹62,000/-, it offers flexibility with no age restrictions.
The program comprises 28 courses totaling 116 credits, including 19 core courses. It also includes eight specialization courses and a project. Students select a course each semester. They focus on marketing strategies, consumer behavior, and project management. It aligns with AICTE norms for eligibility.
Institute of Management Technology, Centre for Distance Learning (IMT, CDL)
IMT established its Center for Distance Learning (CDL) with the goal of offering flexible, innovative professional education. The center provides Ex PGDM and PGDM courses.
Students get to choose their marketing specialization under these courses. Atleast 5 years of experience is required to apply for the Ex PGDM-course. The program fee ranges from ₹ 110000/- to ₹ 160000/- for both courses.
NMIMS Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE)
NMIMS offers online courses in MBA and an executive MBA. They span 2 years and foster a robust understanding of concepts surrounding marketing management and business operations.
They leverage projects and campus immersions for a comprehensive learning environment.
Atleast 3+ years of experience is required specifically for the executive MBA program. The total program fee is ₹ 2,10,000/- for the MBA and ₹ 4,00,000/- for the executive MBA program.
Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL)
SCDL is one of India’s largest autonomous distance learning education institutes. They offer a 2-year management certificate course in digital marketing. It imparts core concepts of digital marketing while leveraging projects to make students job ready.
SCDL offers placement assistance services to its students and enjoys a high industry acceptance rate. The total program fee for the digital marketing management course is ₹ 29,000/-.
Online Manipal (Sikkim Manipal University)
The Sikkim Manipal University offers an online MBA, accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). This program offers a flexible, up-to-date curriculum designed to meet the needs of today's industries.
It offers a compulsory specialization in marketing and integrates seamless e-learning solutions as per UGC regulations. The total program fee is ₹ 1,10,000/-.
Altera Institute’s PGP in Applied Marketing
The Altera Institute of Management by Digiaccel is an industry-backed B-School offering an industry-backed Postgraduate Program in Applied Marketing. Students and professionals who want to upskill themselves without taking a long break from the job market will find this 1-year full-time offline PGP course highly beneficial to their career goals.
Its curriculum is designed to meet the growing demand of professionals for the digital first era. Let’s look at a few key highlights of the PGP in applied marketing course:
- Industry-Oriented Curriculum: The Altera Institute’s curriculum is exclusively designed by industry experts. Their deep expertise in brand building and product management ensures that students are well-prepared for careers in digital marketing.
- Industry Mentorship: All the classes at the Altera Institute are conducted by industry experts rather than traditional academicians. Students learn from the real-world expertise and experiences of seasoned professionals.
- Learn-by-doing: The pedagogy of this course emphasizes a hands-on-learning approach. It is facilitated by live projects, simulations, and internships. This way, students learn practical skills by building their own brands and products.
- Industry Partnership: The institution is backed by prominent companies like Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), Mamaearth, and the Mullen Lowe Group. It contributes significantly to the relevance of marketing education and talent development offered.
Over 3000 professionals have been trained in e-commerce, marketing, and product management by the institute. It provides a lucrative alternative to the traditional MBA designed to excel in marketing careers.
FAQs
Q1: Is work experience mandatory for admission to MBA in marketing?
Ans: Work experience is not always mandatory for admission to an MBA in Marketing. However, specific requirements can differ from one institution to the next. Executive MBA are the programs that necessarily ask for at least 3-5 years of professional experience. This is because they are primarily designed for working professionals looking to upskill or want to break into leadership roles.
Q2: Is an MBA in marketing and sales worth it?
Ans: Yes, an MBA with a sales and marketing focus is extremely useful in today's dynamic business environment. It provides attractive job opportunities in areas such as brand management, digital marketing, sales, and marketing research.
Such candidates are often in high demand from companies and recruiters. An MBA in this field provides graduates with expertise in sales methods, customer behavior, and leadership, resulting in lucrative job opportunities.
Q3: Which MBA is good for sales?
Ans: An MBA in marketing and sales is ideal for those seeking a career in sales. This specialization focuses on sales techniques, consumer behavior, brand management, and market research, making it perfect for aspiring sales professionals.
Many general MBA programs also offer elective courses or concentrations in sales. Note that there are several areas of specialization that can be particularly beneficial for those seeking a career in sales. Hence, aspirants are advised to do necessary research on courses that align with their career goals.
Q4: What does an MBA in sales do?
Ans: An MBA in sales offers a comprehensive understanding of sales fundamentals, marketing tactics, and business practices. It helps graduates to create and implement successful sales strategies. The program outcomes involve practical skill development like negotiation and data analysis to stay updated with industry trends and build strong customer connections.
Summing Up
An MBA in marketing and sales is a worthwhile investment for people wanting to accelerate their careers in this field. These graduates have the knowledge and abilities to take on leadership roles to foster business success.
From analyzing customer behavior to devising effective sales techniques, an MBA in this field opens a world of possibilities. Whether you want to be a brand manager, sales manager, or market research analyst, this degree can give you the competitive advantage you need to stand out.
Finally, Altera Institute's PGP in Applied Marketing offers a thorough and industry-relevant MBA curriculum in applied marketing. Visit our website or contact us to learn more about how the program can help you advance in your career.
