Part Two Exploring Career Options
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Careers in this cluster involve the
marketing, promoting, buying, selling,
and distribution of goods and services.
Market researchers look for ways to find
new customers. Advertisers try to promote
products and services by making them
appealing. Buyers and purchasing agents
get the supplies, equipment, and products
their companies need to conduct business.
People in marketing information man-
agement and research work to maintain
customer databases and use statistics to
predict trends and buyer behavior. People
in distribution and logistics handle prod-
ucts and materials, manage movement
and storage of raw materials and finished
products, and coordinate inventory.
Unlike most other career clusters, sales
and service offer many opportunities for
semiskilled and skilled workers. Warehouse
workers and stock clerks are examples of
entry-level jobs. An increasing number
of positions, however, require familiar-
ity with a computer. Those who provide
services such as Web page design need
technical training. Real estate agents must
be licensed. College degrees are helpful in
many jobs and are required for positions in
promotion and management. Advancement
in this career cluster is accelerated by par-
ticipation in company training programs,
training programs sponsored by various
industry and trade associations, and con-
ferences and seminars.
Opportunities in this cluster may change
from year to year because sales are affected
by changing economic conditions, legislative
issues, and consumer preferences. Earnings
vary widely by industry, occupation, type
and level of responsibilities, and experi-
ence. Employment opportunities for retail
salespeople are expected to be good. People
with a college degree or computer skills will
be sought for managerial positions in sales,
logistics, management information systems,
marketing, and e-marketing. (E-marketing is
computer technologies combined with mar-
keting and sales of goods and services.)