Why Marketing Majors Struggle with Writing Compared to English and Journalism Majors

The debate over why many marketing majors struggle with writing skills compared to their English or journalism counterparts has been a topic of interest for quite some time. This article will delve into the reasons behind this trend and provide insights for both students and professionals.

Curriculum Focus: Writing vs. Marketing

The primary reason for the disparity in writing skills lies in the curriculum focus. Marketing majors often have minimal exposure to writing-intensive coursework. An overview of a typical marketing program reveals minimal emphasis on the craft of writing. For instance, a standard marketing degree might look like this:

Marketing Major Coursework:

Buyer behavior and dynamics Marketing research Market demand analysis Cost-volume-profit relationships Pricing theory Marketing campaign and strategic planning Market segmentation Sales operations and management Consumer relations Retailing and applications to specific products and markets

Do you see writing in the list? This is not by chance. Writing is typically not a core component of these programs. On the other hand, English and journalism programs are designed to be intensely writing-focused.

Curriculum of English and Journalism Majors

English and journalism majors are rigorously trained in the art of writing. Their academic experience is a constant blend of reading, analyzing, and producing substantial amounts of writing. Compare an English major's coursework:

Great works of literature Analyzing complex texts Writing essays and papers Graded on composition skills, content, and organization

Both English and journalism majors must produce a significant amount of written material during their studies. They are not just writing blog posts or marketing copy; they are crafting well-organized, analytical, and stylistically sound arguments and narratives.

Application and Practice

English and journalism majors naturally excel in writing because they apply their skills consistently. In contrast, marketing majors often engage in writing activities less frequently and for different purposes. When they do write, it is frequently for tasks like developing personas or reporting market research. These tasks do require writing skills, but the standards for these pieces are often different. They might involve more straightforward, data-driven writing rather than complex narrative and analytical writing.

Professional Perspective

From my personal experience, as an English major and a current Marketing Communications manager, I have observed that my responsibilities often include reviewing and rewriting the work of other team members. I am the primary writer, which suits my strengths and the needs of the team. This dual background has been particularly beneficial, allowing me to bridge the gap between the analytical and creative sides of marketing.

Conclusion

While marketing majors undoubtedly need strong writing skills to succeed in their careers, the curriculum often fails to provide sufficient training in this area. This discrepancy can be mitigated by taking proactive steps such as enrolling in supplemental writing courses or seeking out internships and projects that focus on developing writing skills. For students and professionals in marketing, improving writing skills can significantly enhance their ability to communicate effectively and succeed in their roles.