Online Colleges for Business Marketing?

For those interested in pursuing a business degree, there are several different online options available, providing flexible schedules and coursework via online learning platforms.

No matter which route you choose, the demand for trained professionals in business marketing is predicted to increase by 23% year from 2020 to 2025.

With unemployment at nearly record lows, now may be the right time to consider a career in business marketing.

Here’s a look at online colleges for business marketing, and what you need to know.

Why Marketing?

In a typical year, around 40 million tourists visit Italy, spending around 100 billion euros ($107 billion) on travel, accommodation, and food. As a country, we are very much focused on spending and enjoying life, and the economy benefits from this mind-set. Since 2019, Italy has been touted as the 9th most visited country in the world – and this trend is likely to continue.

Tourism is an important part of the Italian economy, generating around 10% of GDP annually. This is mainly down to the country’s superb food and wine, as well as its beautiful landscapes and historic cities.

From an economic perspective, it’s clear that a career in business marketing can play an important part in supporting the travel and tourism industry. In fact, around 485,500 jobs in the field are projected to be open by 2035, and the need for B2B marketers is especially apparent in light of the increasing trend of tourists exploring smaller towns and remote areas while traveling.

Online Colleges for Business Marketing

Now, let’s take a look at the various options available for those looking to study business marketing online.

One of the most established providers of business degrees is the IMC, which offers an MBA in marketing for those in the travel industry. With a strong emphasis on personal development and project work, in conjunction with some off-campus-learning, this is a great option for those who want to keep their work-life balance while gaining valuable employment-related skills.

The IMC’s marketing program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools (ACBSP) and is therefore compatible with any government-backed student loans. Students enjoy a fully-supported 24/7 student life, with access to a wide range of courses and one of the biggest social communities in the world, within the IMC Network.

For those interested in pursuing a career in marketing, but without the desire to travel the world and with an emphasis on the UK’s already extensive international tourism industry, the IMC’s marketing program still offers a great route. With courses such as digital marketing, analytics and e-commerce, you’ll be able to gain the in-demand skills you need to launch your career in marketing and thrive in the role.

Bachelors in Business Marketing

While not quite as established as the IMC, the Bachelors in Business Marketing from the London School of Marketing (LSM) are also widely recognized. This is no surprise as the LSM has been providing business education for over 100 years. Offering a full-time, 15-month programme, this is a well-balanced option, bringing together classroom learning with mentored work, giving you the best of both worlds.

Students enjoy the benefits of working with experienced professionals in their chosen fields, while also being able to develop their own personal and professional skills through the medium of academic study. The result is a well-rounded and flexible candidate, equipped to succeed in whatever role they choose.

Master’s in Business Marketing

Similarly, the MSc in Business Marketing from the London Business School is a great option for those interested in entering the field, wanting to specialise in marketing analytics or social media marketing. For those looking to enter the field, but without the desire to travel the world, this is another great option.

As the London Business School’s marketing degree is a postgraduate qualification, it is accredited by the Council for Mortgage Lending (CML) and is therefore suitable for those looking for further education or training in the field, as well as for those seeking entry-level employment.

An MSc in Business Marketing generally takes around four years to complete, with an additional year for a specialization. During this time, you’ll be undertaking a mix of academic study and professional practice, gaining extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in your chosen field.

Which Career Path to Follow?

With so much experience and opportunity in the travel and tourism industry, you might ask – what exactly is the job outlook for those in the field?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2022, career opportunities in the field of tourism are expected to grow by 30% year from 2020 to 2026.

Forbes has compiled a list of the top 20 marketing jobs in 2022, some of which are shown below.

Tourism is a truly global industry, with the UK’s tourism industry employing over 900,000 people and generating £114 billion in revenue annually. It’s therefore not surprising that with such a large student population, several different providers offer educational opportunities in business marketing online.