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Vanderbilt Master of Marketing Class of 2021 Sets Record Average Salary

Jan 26, 2022
Average base salary of $66,585 a 5% increase from the prior year

By Arial Starks

Class of 2021 graduates from the Master of Marketing program at Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management reported earning an average base salary of $66,585, an increase from the Class of 2020’s earnings of $63,166 and the highest reported figure in the program’s 5-year history. Despite ongoing challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, 97% of the class also reported receiving a full-time offer within 6 months of graduation. 

The Class of 2021 was impacted by the challenges associated with the global pandemic, and the subsequent uncertainty in the job marketplace,” said Emily Anderson, Senior Director of the Career Management Center. “However, the students were successful in achieving excellent employment outcomes by implementing the knowledge and skills from the Master of Marketing curriculum and leveraging their previous education and experience.”

More than half (54%) of the Master of Marketing students from the Class of 2021 secured jobs in the South, followed by 20% in the Northeast, 11% in the Western region, 9% in the Midwest, and 6% in the Mid-Atlantic region. The class brought their marketing expertise to a wide range of organizations. The most popular industry was consumer products at 29%, followed by professional services and technology at 20% each, and 11% in healthcare. 

Students also accepted roles in a wide variety of job functions. The most popular function was brand/product management at 29%, followed by consulting at 17%, client services at 14%, digital marketing at 11%, and merchandising at 9%. Market insight and marketing communications made up 6% each, while another 3% went into business analytics. 

“It was a pleasure to support the 2021 Master of Marketing Class,” said Anderson. “Their attitudes and adaptability in the face of challenging circumstances highlighted their determination and work ethic. Their care for each other underscored the strong collaborative culture they created. The Class of 2021 built on the program’s solid career foundation and paved new paths for current and future Vanderbilt Master of Marketing students.”

You can view a summary of this year’s Master of Marketing employment report here

Visit our website to find more information about career paths, exceptional outcomes, and success stories. We encourage you to meet the Class of 2022 and connect with a current student.

If you’re interested in starting your career in marketing with these kinds of outcomes, click here to apply to the Master of Marketing program.

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