I was doing some online aptitude tests b/c I want to get into a different career field but I don't know what I want to do. Some of my tests came up with "merchandising and marketing" as my best choice. What exactly does merchandising/marketing involve and what sort of training and education does it require?
The two are completely different things in my mind.
Both require a designated degree, IMO.
I am in marketing and I deal with anything from Promotions, Advertising, Writing Product Material, Copywriting, etc.
When I think Merch, I typically think Retail or working somewhere on the Retail chain, not necessarily in a store, but working in a Buyer or Merchandisizing Department.. I think it deals more with Product Choice, Product Placement, Product Price, Positioning Products against competition.
Marketing is more general. Merch is specific. Many companies have no need for Merch'ing but all need a Marketing person or two.