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Job outlook for directors, international marketing in the United States
Are director, international marketing jobs in demand?
Director, international marketing job and salary trends over time
Director, international marketing jobs over time
Director, international marketing job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,012 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,951 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,904 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,736 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,581 | 0.00% |
Average director, international marketing salary over time
Director, international marketing salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $95,961 | $46.14 | +3.9% |
| 2024 | $92,370 | $44.41 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $90,642 | $43.58 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $89,252 | $42.91 | +0.8% |
| 2021 | $88,543 | $42.57 | +1.9% |
Director, international marketing jobs by state
Most common states for directors, international marketing
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 251 | 36% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 277 | 32% |
| 3 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 676 | 22% |
| 4 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 369 | 20% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 268 | 20% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,303 | 18% |
| 7 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 972 | 17% |
| 8 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 97 | 17% |
| 9 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 757 | 16% |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,045 | 15% |
| 11 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 684 | 15% |
| 12 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 532 | 15% |
| 13 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 459 | 15% |
| 14 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 115 | 15% |
| 15 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,160 | 14% |
| 16 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 774 | 14% |
| 17 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 560 | 14% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 267 | 14% |
| 19 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 181 | 14% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 104 | 14% |
Most common cities for directors, international marketing
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $77,475 |
| 2 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $102,748 |
Director, International Marketing job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of director, international marketing experts
Utah State University
Siena College
Siena College
Wayne State University
University of Scranton
Towson University
University of West Georgia
Auburn University-Montgomery
Auburn University-Montgomery
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Tusculum University
Delta State University
Old Dominion University
Wayland Baptist University, Anchorage
Western New England University
University of Virginia
James Madison University
What will help Directors, International Marketing increase their earning potential?
Andrew Spicer: My first piece of advice for a graduating college student who wishes to pursue a career in international business is to ask lots of questions about the potential for international assignments before accepting a job. Does the company send people abroad for work assignments? For how long? To which places? How do international assignments fit into long-term career progression in the company? Besides talking to the company recruiter, I would also advise to talk directly to people who have already completed an international assignment with the company.
What will help Directors, International Marketing increase their earning potential?
Barbara Ribbens: Developing your poise and experience through college activities is essential beyond doing well in classes. Getting involved in student organizations, doing case competition teams, getting involved in consulting projects and taking on leadership roles are all good examples of ways to develop your skills. Doing a study abroad and an internship are both important steps to being ready to negotiate a good salary for that first job. Being able to clearly communicate your goals and how your experiences have prepared you for your career is key to successfully negotiating that first job and starting your career with a job that pays well and offers development opportunities.
Brent Allred
Professor of International Business and Strategic ManagementUtah State University
Marketing
What Director, International Marketing skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brent Allred: I get this question often from my students that wish to have international careers and job opportunities. One of the reasons we suspended our International Business (IB) major was that we found that not a single company was coming to campus to specifically recruit students with IB degrees. At the undergraduate level, companies are more focused hiring students with function skills from degrees like Accounting, Finance, Operations, Marketing, Data Analytics, etc. Few companies are looking for fresh undergraduates to come advise in creating and implementing high level international strategies. Instead, they look to those in the company and industry that have extensive experience. Due to the expense of sending employees abroad, fresh undergraduates are also not the prime candidates for international assignments. While Executive Ex-patriot assignments are declining (due to expense and the increased availability of local national talent), companies that wish to have employees acquire international experience are sending more mid-level managers for international assignments. This allows them to send high potential employees that have developed the understanding and talent of the company/industry/specific field to enhance their value to the company with international experience. So, the advice that I give my students is to first focus on the functional business degree that interests them most and complement this with an International Business Minor or our new Certificate. They should then seek out companies that have a global reach and provide international opportunities to employees. Once on the job, excel at that job, while also seeking out opportunities that will expose them to global projects and managers that can result in international opportunities.
What will help Directors, International Marketing increase their earning potential?
Brent Allred: As stated above, I feel that students should focus first on establishing a solid job/career within a company, typically an American company for US students. International assignments and experience within a company will only enhance your value. Pursuing international jobs directly in countries that pay as locals is not a recommended path for maximizing salary. It could be a good path for gaining experience, but many countries do not pay as well as the US and the cost of living may be high. I led a student experience to London this past March and while the students came away with a sense that they could pursue jobs there, they also learned that they would not be paid as well in a very expensive city. A colleague of mine taught at the London Business School and told me that his salary paid for rent and his consulting paid for food. It is wonderful to live and work in places like London for a couple of years, but that may not help you get ahead financially. On the other hand, the experience may prove invaluable for a career and future opportunities. It should also help make you a better global citizen, which may be the most important thing to be.
Jennifer D'Angelo PhD
Assistant Professor of MarketingWhat will help Directors, International Marketing increase their earning potential?
Jennifer D'Angelo PhD: A marketing manager is often responsible for planning and implementing a marketing plan. What this marketing plan encompasses can vary, as marketing involves many different things such as branding, product development, sales, advertising, digital and social media, and retailing.
Soyoung Joo
Assistant Professor of MarketingSiena College
Marketing Department
What skills stand out on Director, International Marketing resumes?
Soyoung Joo: Communication and time management skills are valuable skills for marketing managers.
Allison Lauenstein
Teaching Instructor of MarketingSiena College
Marketing Department
What skills stand out on Director, International Marketing resumes?
Allison Lauenstein: Skills that stand out show that the candidate has had some experience leading projects and project teams. Marketing is a collaborative effort, and it is critically important for upcoming managers to understand how to manage and motivate a team to achieve its objectives.
Attila Yaprak Ph.D.
Professor of Marketing and International Business, Director, Doctoral ProgramsWayne State University
Mike Ilitch School of Business
What hard/technical skills are most important for Directors, International Marketing?
Attila Yaprak Ph.D.: Functional area knowledge, i.e., in (international) marketing, finance, strategic management, etc.; world area knowledge, i.e., expertise in West Africa and digital facilities.
What skills will help Directors, International Marketing earn the most?
Attila Yaprak Ph.D.: Portfolio of the above three with different weights depending on context.
Abhijit Roy
Professor of MarketingUniversity of Scranton
School of Management
What soft skills should all Directors, International Marketing possess?
Abhijit Roy: These are very important, yet harder to quantify skills, not only for marketing professionals but for business graduates in general. They include the ability to make sound decisions under pressure, having a high emotional intelligence quotient (EQ) as embodied by having empathy towards coworkers and subordinates, delegating appropriately, mentoring, communicating, time management, maintaining positivity despite setbacks and adapting to unforeseen challenges, being flexible, being persuasive and assertive at appropriate moments, yet being collaborative, seeking feedback, and the ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts when needed, amongst others.
Soft skills are typically more instrumental in enabling candidates to fit into an organization's culture and be strong candidates for promotion. Most marketing jobs involve candidates representing their brand initiatives and building strong client relationships, so interpersonal, and other soft skills are often valued more than hard skills. The strongest case for having excellent soft skills is that they are more easily transferable across various jobs and industries.
Erin Steffes Ph.D.
Department Chair and ProfessorTowson University
Marketing Department
What soft skills should all Directors, International Marketing possess?
Erin Steffes Ph.D.: Students often underestimate the importance of soft skills. To succeed in a marketing career, you need to be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, work well in a team environment, use critical and creative thinking, and get along with others. On an individual level, successful marketers are typically good time managers, decisive, adaptable to change, good listeners, and open to feedback. Emotional intelligence plays a significant role in one's career progression and success.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Directors, International Marketing?
Erin Steffes Ph.D.: As a science and an art, marketing utilizes both soft skills and technical skills on a daily basis. While some technologies are industry-specific, having an understanding and basic mastery of data analysis, statistics, data visualization, digital marketing, marketing research, and customer relationship management will position a candidate well.
What skills will help Directors, International Marketing earn the most?
Erin Steffes Ph.D.: At the end of the day, firms want to hire candidates that will contribute value over the long term and are adaptable to change. Demonstrating that you have the skills to do the job at hand while signaling that you are willing to contribute to the team is critical in landing that first job. One of the most important lessons for a job candidate or new hire is to eliminate the notion that something "is not my job." Your new career will give you many opportunities to create value for your customers, your colleagues, or the firm as a whole, many of which may lie beyond your immediate scope of responsibility.
What skills stand out on Director, International Marketing resumes?
Erin Steffes Ph.D.: Entry-level marketing positions span a wide range of responsibilities, and as such, there are many different skill sets depending on the job itself. For example, many recent grads will pursue a position in digital marketing wherein proficiencies in search engine optimization, online advertising, web design, and data analytics are key skill sets. On the other hand, many recent grads pursue a career in sales wherein proficiencies in business development, networking, personal selling, and data analytics are valued. Someone hiring for a general marketing coordinator position would likely look for a candidate with a solid understanding of marketing theory and excellent critical and creative thinking skills.
Dr. Sooho Lee
Director, Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program, Professor of Public Administration and PolicyUniversity of West Georgia
Department of Civic Engagement & Public Service
What skills will help Directors, International Marketing earn the most?
Dr. Sooho Lee: It depends on the nature of the job. Generally speaking, analytical competence, communication, strategic planning, and leadership skills will greatly help one earn more.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors, International Marketing?
Jeff Bates: I believe there will be an impact on everyone, but especially our younger generation, as we progress into the Covid future. The current students have entered into a new realm of attending college and will face similar challenges in entering the workplace. The traditional method of interviewing, learning a new job, and even interacting with co-workers will be altered in at least the near future. Graduates will need much greater on-line communication skills and will probably need to be more self-taught in their new positions instead of learning from in-person mentoring.
What's a day at work look like for a Director, International Marketing?
Jeff Bates: As Covid has spread across the world, we have seen companies find alternative methods to allow their businesses to continue being productive. According to Jeremy Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve, we are scheduled to have one of the most robust economies that has occurred in a very long time over the next few years. Graduates will acclimate themselves and I believe will probably find the new work environment easier to handle than workers that have been more accustomed to the way business was done in the past. The current generation of graduates has grown up in a tech heavy world so they should be comfortable in this new environment of the workplace that relies heavily on Zoom and other non-traditional methods. It is very likely that the recent graduates will work at least part time remotely. In some instances, we are seeing people find themselves working for a company that is located in another state or even another country without ever going to the office in person. This trend is very likely to continue and grow.
What will help Directors, International Marketing increase their earning potential?
Jeff Bates: The same thing will help people in any field continue to increase their earning potential as in the past. If an employee can find a way to differentiate themselves in a positive manner and make themselves valuable or even invaluable to their company, they should see increased earnings potential. Learning a foreign language, computer skills such as Excel, good math skills, and the ability to communicate will prove to be extremely important in advancing one's career.
Mary Kiker Ph.D.
Professor of ManagementAuburn University-Montgomery
Department of Business Administration
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Director, International Marketing job market given the pandemic?
Mary Kiker Ph.D.: Yes, I think there will be an enduring impact of the pandemic on graduates. They now realize that life can change drastically in an instant. They realized that they had to change their behavior, be flexible, and they realized that circumstances out of their control will impact their life dramatically.
What soft skills should all Directors, International Marketing possess?
Mary Kiker Ph.D.: A good job is one that graduating students can get in their field of study making a decent salary. There are many "good" jobs out there. If you're asking about high-paying jobs or in-demand jobs, then those are most likely in the IT sector.
What will help Directors, International Marketing increase their earning potential?
Mary Kiker Ph.D.: For people in human resource management, earning an HR certification will increase their earning potential (SHRM-CP or PHR).
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors, International Marketing?
Weichu Xu Ph.D.: There are enduring impact of the covid-19 pandemic on graduate. We have students who are not get used to online classes and asked for suspension for one semester or one year. Some students ever dropped out of school. This will greatly delayed their normal schedule to graduate and their future career.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Directors, International Marketing?
Weichu Xu Ph.D.: We are designed some certifications to our students after they finish several classes together. For example, soft skills certification after finished business communication, organizational leadership, human resource management, organizational behaviors and team management classes etc. Project management certification after students finish relevant project management classes and pass PMP test. Data analysis certification with SAS after students finish basic data analysis using SAS, advanced data analysis using SAS, Data mining using SAS, machine learning using SAS and data visualization using SAS.
What will help Directors, International Marketing increase their earning potential?
Weichu Xu Ph.D.: We believe the bachelor degree is only give students the general knowledge to begin their career. Soft skills(good communication, leadership and team work), project management knowledge and data analysis, etc., are very important to the students' success. Google had a project showed its employees are more successful because of their soft skills.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors, International Marketing?
Joshua Ray Ph.D.: The COVID response for graduates and for businesses generally is still uncertain but early indications suggest thinking about remote work, leveraging of technology, and entrepreneurial/intrapreneurial inclinations have changed considerably and are likely to persist. Folks who are entering the workforce post-COVID will have to develop a level of comfort working in distributed teams, relying on virtual tools, and initiating and developing innovation.
What's a good job out of college for Directors, International Marketing?
Joshua Ray Ph.D.: A considerable amount of anecdotal evidence suggests more people are considering entrepreneurial ventures as COVID uncovered some of the faults in relying on employers for job security. Other pressing issues, including environmental, healthcare, and sustainability concerns, suggest related fields will see growth in the coming years. Additionally, a specific need for supply chain contributors is imminent because of the tremendous strain COVID put on distribution channels and the significant rise in web-based commerce.
What will help Directors, International Marketing increase their earning potential?
Joshua Ray Ph.D.: For several years my conversations with employers concerning graduate preparation have centered around problem-solving skills and attitude. Employers desperately need employees how can identify, define, analyze, and solve business issues in real-time and who have the demeanor to work well with people inside and outside the organization. These skills also serve entrepreneurial minded individuals. More specific skills in technology, analytics, and leadership have been, and continue to be, highly sought after.
What soft skills should all Directors, International Marketing possess?
Lisa Cooley: Soft skills are probably the number one topic we hear from employers. It's crazy how many young people don't have these basic skills. I'm not sure if this is the result of technology and not having to interact directly with people or if it's just something that isn't being taught as well. The most basic soft skill that graduates should possess would be the ability to communicate effectively (both in-person and virtually). Our student should know the importance of making eye contact, providing verbal and nonverbal cues, etc. However, I think one issue that a lot of young people have is focusing on the task-at-hand. There are so many distractions and interruptions that we become easily distracted. We need to learn to shut out the noise and focus. For example, don't look at your phone while you're having a conversation. Additionally, I have heard from employers that recent graduates aren't able to do basic tasks (like address an envelope or answer a business phone). These are things that seem very basic, but if we aren't explaining this to our students, they miss some very critical skills. Although online courses can be very effectives, it's often a challenge to address these soft-skills in an online environment.
How have salaries changed over time for Directors, International Marketing?
Lisa Cooley: Salaries have certainly improved since I have been in the field. However, the biggest change I have seen is the type of jobs that are available. I teach marketing and there is such a high demand for employees who understand digital marketing. I think when students are able to effectively market a business online, they can demand a higher salary. This is one of those unique situations where recent college grads often have an advantage over seasoned marketing executives.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Director, International Marketing job market given the pandemic?
Lisa Cooley: Obviously, we are seeing a lot more flexibility in terms of virtual work. A lot of the jobs I have seen allow for their employees to work remotely (at least a portion of the time).
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors, International Marketing?
Jay Walker Ph.D.: Relative to other recessions, this downturn in GDP was self-imposed from the lockdowns and other preventative measures rather than a shock to aggregate demand. GDP and other economic measures have rebounded quickly as restrictions have been lifted. The productive capability of the country doesn't appear to have been drastically affected by the lockdowns, and since the number of deaths was relatively low compared to other historical pandemics the size of the workforce hasn't been greatly affected. Moving forward, the impact will likely be small as the labor market looks relatively healthy and unemployment rates are still relatively low compared to historical measures.
Graduating into a recession has been shown to be detrimental to recent graduates over time as the initial salary many graduates receive sets a trajectory to build from over the course of a career. Simply, the first salary sets a base to build from and while the past year has been difficult economically for many, I remain optimistic for the near to medium term with inflation as my biggest fear over that horizon. My biggest concern for the longer term is the situation with budget deficits and the national debt in the United States and other developed economies.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Directors, International Marketing?
Jay Walker Ph.D.: At least within economics and related fields, I believe the ability to work with data is imperative moving forward. So many processes generate data now and the ability to capture, synthesize, and make sense of data will be important in the years to come. If graduates can do this they can be of great value to prospective employers.
What will help Directors, International Marketing increase their earning potential?
Jay Walker Ph.D.: I believe answer to number two is a good response to number three. There is an increasing importance in the ability to work with and understand data. Economics offers a framework to view the world, but through the lens of understanding data.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors, International Marketing?
Dr. Mary Rydesky: Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates? Graduates of the 2020s may be more adept at use of Internet communications technology (ICT) due to pandemic restrictions on in-person meetings. That means these grads will accelerate global business, remote work situations, and by extension, the investment in office properties and centralized services for personnel.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Directors, International Marketing?
Dr. Mary Rydesky: What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact on your job prospects? Emphases on project management and strategic thinking have been joined by certifications in soft skills that support diversity and cultural awareness. Graduates do need technical skills, but with the shift to remote teams and work from home environments pushed the curve. Now, grads need experience in applying their tech skills from a distance.
What will help Directors, International Marketing increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mary Rydesky: What will help people in your field increase their earning potential? In most fields, developing a portfolio of projects has high potential. For employers, concrete evidence of experience is a strong influencer when selecting new employees. Any student who can complete an internship or who works while in school has an advantage in this regard. If I can ascertain that an applicant has the knowledge, skill, and abilities as tested by measurable experience, I am not only more interested in the hiring potential, I am likely to be competitive in salary offers.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors, International Marketing?
Harlan Spotts Ph.D.: I think there is going to be an enduring impact on everyone. The pandemic has changed the structure of work. Businesses have been experimenting with remote work for some time, some more widespread than others. There was a trend where businesses were beginning to bring employees back into the office because productivity increased, even if it was for one or two days a week. However, the pandemic forced everyone in every industry to change the way they work. Remote was the only option for many businesses and people just had to figure it out. I think that was actually a good thing for businesses because it demonstrated that most, or a large number, of employees could work remotely and be just as, if not more, productive than being in the office. So, I think that remote is here to stay, and is part of the next normal. I don't think that there will be a "return to normal."
We have even seen the effects in an academic setting. I have been teaching online and hybrid in our MBA program for over 10 years. Students working online were most comfortable with a kind of "post and do" approach. May read some material, watch some videos, and do an assignment. Trying to have an online, interactive session was a struggle for a long time. Part of that struggle was internet access for students, and another part of the struggle was student technology issues. They would have difficulty setting up webcams or microphones. One of the side effects of the pandemic is it forced everyone, students and faculty, to up their game in the live, online environment. A great aspect of this is that it has made everyone much more flexible with delivery. Our grad program is online with live interaction. Our undergrad program is pretty much all on ground, except before the pandemic there would be a hand full of offerings. Now, we flex back and forth between being in the classroom and holding live online sessions. No worries about inclement weather. And, it allows for selecting the best delivery approach for the material being covered. For example, in my marketing analytics course I have been holding live Zoom sessions, basically delivering tutorials on how to set up and do statistical analysis in certain computer programs. This is much easier than doing it in an on-ground classroom, students can easily see what I am doing and ask questions, and I can record the sessions and post them to our virtual learning environment for later review. The pandemic has definitely spurred us to be more technology savvy and adaptive.
What's a day at work look like for a Director, International Marketing?
Harlan Spotts Ph.D.: We have been talking about post-pandemic work, and the key word is going to be flexibility. Flexibility with work environment, could be in the office, could be at home, could be at Starbucks. The concept of "going" to work has changed. So, I see every day and week potentially being different. Companies are seeing how much can be done via web conferencing, so you will see less business travel (not a good thing for the airlines). There will still be some, but less than before. The pandemic as accelerated technology adoption and use across industries, perhaps by 5 years. students will we working in different environments, and across time zones. They did this before, but it will be even more common.
What will help Directors, International Marketing increase their earning potential?
Harlan Spotts Ph.D.: In marketing, developing digital capabilities is extremely important. Marketing was on the forefront of the digital transition in business. With the amount of commerce that has shifted to the web marketers have to be comfortable with living in the digital space. This will demand new and different strategies. Marketers have always needed to be effective communicators, but now it is not just being a great closer. Marketers need to be effective communicators in writing (text, email, etc.) and verbal (person to person live, as well as person to person online)
Students need to start in college developing skills to be successful. It was interesting, we, in the College of Business, were talking about developing student competency in remote work before the pandemic hit last year. The pandemic accelerated our work, and we are in the process now of approving a certificate in remote work that any undergraduate business student can earn. It is designed to develop those competencies that will be critical for success in the "new normal."
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors, International Marketing?
Ira Harris Ph.D.: As with any major economic or social occurrence, new graduates need to dig deep, draw from their inherent resilience, and be ready to potentially pivot. The impact of our current situation can hopefully be a positive one that encourages students to keep an open mind and broaden their understanding of career options and job functions. It's incumbent on all of us to think outside the box and consider both employers and jobs that might be outside our comfort zone, especially at times like these. The processes of networking and being recruited will endure, at least for a while, though we may see that the virtual environment allows students to scale their networks even faster. Employers are also learning that they can cast a much wider net in a fraction of the time to connect with schools and students who previously may not have been on their radar.
What's a good job out of college for Directors, International Marketing?
Ira Harris Ph.D.: It's important to keep in mind that for most graduates, their first job out of college will most certainly not be their last, so students should think of an early or entry-level job as a continuation of their skill building and academic enrichment. By identifying a portfolio that contains tasks and duties that will lead to expertise and increase their marketability, students can prepare themselves to ladder into the next phase(s) of a career trajectory. A job that allows for geographic flexibility, varied work hours, and application and expansion of technical acumen should be a safe bet. These components cross a variety of industries, so students shouldn't feel inhibited or limited to certain functions. Over the last several years, we've noticed a drastic decline in jobs that require employees to be consistently hands-on and "sit in one space."
What technical skills for a Director, International Marketing stand out to employers?
Ira Harris Ph.D.: Graduates must not be complacent and assume their skill base will endure over a long period; they must continue to engage and learn in order to understand changes in the landscape and add value. Beyond listing specific computer software or hardware skills, we know from working so closely with employers to place our students that they are looking for students who possess excellent communication skills - including technical communication. Along the lines of communicating, employers seek graduates with the ability to analyze and succinctly synthesize sometimes ambiguous information. Finally, showcasing flexibility and an interest in learning will be important to employers.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors, International Marketing?
Richard Tate: Of course! There will be an enduring impact of the coronavirus on all humanity. Psychologists and sociologists will be busy for years to define and determine the impact. The business environment has changed drastically for our upcoming graduates from the environment that was present when they entered college 4 years ago. Everyone is spending more time connecting with each via devices and within a virtual world. Corporate training programs have transitioned to virtual formats and I believe something is lost when you reduce human-to-human learning and engagement. We are all learning to live in this new "Zoom" environment, but it is not the same and business environments will not return to pre-pandemic for a long while, if ever.
I was speaking with one of my corporate partners recently and he said that creativity has diminished. He mentioned that the best ideas in his company were always generated by casual "watercooler" conversations. Our Zoom conferences adhere to specific agendas and schedules and always end at a pre-determined time. I thought his perspective was very interesting given that a set schedule and itinerary diminishes the opportunity for relaxed, engaged, creative conversation.
As Director for our Center for Professional Sales I am witness to the many sales jobs that are available today. Companies have actually increased hiring this year after surviving and uncertain last year. For the most part, internships were all cancelled last year so we have a graduating class that may have less professional experience but opportunities are actually increasing.
What's a day at work look like for a Director, International Marketing?
Richard Tate: Probably what it looks like for a student today - a lot of time online, head down, and peering into a device. Businesses have learned that the former traditional business model where many reported to an office, perhaps "on the clock" is really not necessary anymore. Confidence has been gained that employees can work just as effectively from remote locations, perhaps more effectively. We are learning that we can develop trust online and conduct business with others without having direct human interaction. I think this is a paradigm shift for business today.
What will help Directors, International Marketing increase their earning potential?
Richard Tate: Sales is transitioning from a "problem solving" focus to a "teaching" focus. Great sales professionals today are able to teach their clients something that the client didn't know about their product, service, competition, market, business environment, etc. Through technology and "ask Google," most professional buyers can research and gain 60-80% of the knowledge that they need to make a buying decision.
That leaves only a 20% to 40% space for a salesperson to have an impact, and that space must be filled with new ideas and new knowledge that will assist the buyer in making an informed decision. Much of business-to-business sales today is very technical and expensive. Wrong technology decisions carry far greater risk to a company today. The wrong application can quickly turn any competitive advantage over to a competitor and with today's "sticky" technologies, you may never get that customer back.
Being an expert in your field and having the boldness to challenge your buyer's thoughts and show them a different way, is how salespeople can best increase their earning potential.