Career Opportunities and Work Life

Skills You'll Need

Salary Ranges

The Classroom Experience

Certificate & Degree Options

The Classroom Experience - Management and Marketing

Expectations and Skills Taught
"In the management and marketing classes, be prepared for some public speaking, presentations, and group work," says Lake Michigan College program coordinator Robert Lane. He goes on to say that these skills are the "must haves" in this field. "You have to be able to effectively communicate with people."

Classroom presentations are a good way to practice and refine your public speaking skills. With an average class size of 25 students, your speaking skills can be analyzed without the intimidation of a larger classroom setting.

The management and marketing classes will also stress group work. In a sales career, you will not be working alone. You will often be part of a team, making it vital for you to have strong communication skills. Effective communication does not always mean talking. Sometimes the most effective method of communication is listening. These classes will teach you how to listen to identify the needs of others and better understand the situation.

Course work will cover sales skills, principles of marketing, business, business law, business math, economics, and computer skills

Technology in the Classroom
A variety of technologies are used in conjunction with traditional lecture and hands-on activities. PowerPoint presentations, the Internet, and materials available on Blackboard - the College's instructional Intranet - play an important role in class.

Getting the Most from the Program
To get the most from the management and marketing program, LMC instructor Robert Lane suggests obtaining first-hand knowledge. "Because experience is important in this field, I encourage outside work to gain that 'real life' practice."

You should also keep in touch with your advisor to make sure you are on track. If necessary, your plan can be revised to adjust for any circumstances that may change your available time to complete the program.

You should also take the time to become involved in the full college experience. Meeting other students and taking advantage of campus clubs such as Students in Free Enterprise will make your class work more meaningful and help you build a network of peers with whom to share ideas.

Note: If you are planning to transfer to a four-year school, look into the Business Administration transfer program.