With over 50 years of experience, Marist College is a leader in preparing students for a career in marketing. The college has created a unique curriculum, which brings together classroom instruction with real-world projects and internships. Students develop various marketing communication and analytics tools as they navigate their studies while also being a part of the local North Shore business community.
Why Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC)
Marketing is a fundamental element of any business, and marketing communications (or simply marketing comms) are its methods and tools. Traditional marketing communications (TMC) is made up of four distinct elements: advertising, public relations, marketing research, and direct marketing. Each member of the TMC team plays a vital role in the success of a business and has the potential to connect, engage, and influence various audiences.
Integrated marketing communication (IMC) builds on the foundations of TMC with the inclusion of digital and social media marketing into a single discipline.
The need for an integrated approach is clear. Due to the varied and changing nature of media and marketing platforms, traditional siloed approaches to marketing are no longer sufficient. Businesses need to develop a strategic approach to marketing that involves a 360-degree view of all communications channels and the ability to measure the effectiveness of these channels in real time.
A Transformative Program
Marist College has developed a unique curriculum to meet the growing demand for skilled marketers. The college’s highly-regarded Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) program is designed to give candidates the practical skills and in-demand knowledge they need to find successful careers in marketing.
IMC combines classroom instruction with real-world projects and hands-on internships to give students the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to practice. This integrated approach means students no longer need to seek out a bachelor’s in marketing, but can enter directly into a post-graduate program with a ready-made skill set.
The curriculum is also backed up by strong industry connections. In addition to gaining valuable job experience through placements with local businesses, candidates can benefit from an alumni network made up of hundreds of industry professionals who are willing to give the program a go ahead. This support system is designed to help students develop the strong business acumen and professional network they need to thrive in their chosen careers.
Career Prospects
The demand for skilled marketers is high, and the supply low. According to the 2019 Marketing Jobs report, there are currently 385,500 open marketing jobs worldwide, and this figure is expected to rise to 495,500 in the next four years.
With a Bachelor’s in Integrated Marketing Communication from Marist College, you will have a ready-made skill set that is valued in today’s ever-evolving job market. You will develop competencies in marketing analytics, social media, and digital marketing strategy while also gaining valuable job experience through placements with local businesses.
Internships and placements are central to the Marist College experience. The college strongly advocates for its students, with over 75% of its graduates obtaining internships or jobs in the field of marketing. Many of these placements are with well-known international companies, such as P&G, Unilever, and H.M.V. The college’s experience has helped it develop a steady stream of graduates who are sought after by employers. According to the 2019 Marketing Jobs report, 72% of marketing employers are looking to hire new graduates and 35% are seeking experienced professionals.
Flexible Delivery
Marist College is committed to providing a high-quality and flexible education that is both accessible and convenient for its students. The college has developed an online learning platform, LearnHub, which provides courses and learning materials in a self-paced fashion. This format allows students to study at their own pace and fit into a busy schedule while also gaining the benefits of a diverse learning community.
LearnHub was developed with industry input. The platform includes relevant learning content, delivered by industry leading experts, combined with active forums that allow students to connect with other learners and get feedback on their queries. This collaborative environment is designed to enhance student engagement and ensure that they leave training with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
A Strong Alumni Network
Alumni of the program are in high demand and have a proven record of securing placements in top marketing positions around the world. The marketing job market is also a great place to pursue an MBA, and the connections an MBA can make are unquestionable. For example, the 2014 Marist College MBAs have a 100% placement rate into marketing-related jobs, with over 20 companies and employers seeking to employ them.
The alumni network of Marist College is a strong support system for students, with over 100 individuals giving the program a go ahead. This group is made up of graduates who are willing to connect with other candidates and provide them with professional and personal guidance as they navigate their studies.
Marist College is one of the few universities in the world that provides a Master’s in Integrated Marketing Communication. The program combines theory and practice to give students a complete education that will value and prepare them for tomorrow’s rapidly-changing job market.