If you’re looking to get into marketing, we have some great news. Not only does it seem like there’s a job vacancy for everyone, but getting a degree in marketing doesn’t mean you need to settle for one job in life. Sooner or later, you’ll be able to establish yourself as a skilled, versatile professional who can hit the ground running, no matter what company you might join.
What a wonderful opportunity this is, for those who qualify! LinkedIn is a great place to find jobs that suit your unique skills and interests. And what’s more is that you can use the platform to its fullest to prove to companies that you’re the best person for the job. This is especially advantageous if you’re looking for a career change, as you have so much more control over what you put in your profile and how you present yourself.
But let’s say you’ve got your eye on a specific marketing manager role, how do you go about securing a dream job? And what profile does an ideal candidate possess? We spoke with various experts in the field to get an idea of what skills are most valuable and what profile to aspire to if you’re looking to make the leap into senior marketing.
The Value Of A Solid Education
First off, let’s talk about education. It might not seem like it, but having a solid education is actually very valuable in today’s job market. According to the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s), the future of marketing is bright. In fact, they claim there will be a 24% increase in online marketing jobs by 2022.
But while there will certainly be a need for people with marketing experience, there is an additional need for people with a solid education. In other words, recruiters will be looking for candidates who have graduated with a marketing degree, but they will also be seeking candidates who have an additional technical degree. So if you do have an additional technical degree, you’ll have an edge over other applicants with a marketing degree alone. And what’s more is that most companies will actually value your education more than your previous marketing experience. According to the experts at linkedin,
- a bachelor’s degree in marketing can get you started in the industry, but a solid technical education can give you an edge in the job market
- a master’s degree in marketing can give you the skills to run your own marketing department
- a PhD in marketing can get you paid incredibly well to found a company or to work for the government
- a professional diploma in marketing can help you get started in the industry
The Changing Face Of Marketing
Over the past few years, traditional marketing has shifted to an online model. The lines between marketing and digital marketing have blurred. Today, we see a mix of offline and online marketing tactics, used in combination to reach potential customers where they are, when they’re most receptive to receiving a pitch.
Not only that, but the way people view and use marketing has changed. Thanks to platforms like LinkedIn where users can engage with brands directly, consumers have a greater awareness of marketing tactics and strategies, which means marketers have to change with the times.
Where Do I Begin?
So, now that you’ve got your education and experience, it’s time to look for jobs. LinkedIn is a great place to start. What is LinkedIn?
In case you’re wondering, LinkedIn is a professional networking site with over 500 million active users. It’s the largest platform of its kind, with members from all walks of life, from all over the world.
The site was initially created for university students and recent graduates seeking jobs. Currently, LinkedIn is more relevant than ever, as almost every industry and profession is on the platform. So, if you’re looking to get into marketing, or even if you’re just looking for a new job, LinkedIn is the place to be.
Let’s say you’re on LinkedIn and you see a job that interests you. Where do you start? First, go through the employers’ website to get the sense of their values and what they’re looking for.
Usually, you’ll find an employment form, which you can complete, providing your email address and basic information about you.
Depending on the role, the next step may be to create a compelling personal statement, showcasing your skills and experience that relates to the role. Remember that your personal statement will be part of your portfolio, so take the time to make it eye-catching.
The Role Of Social Media In The Workplace
Marketers are always on the lookout for new ways to reach customers, with some companies looking to cut back on their marketing spend, while others looking to increase their reach. Thanks to social media, marketers can now target specific audiences, whether they’re in Indonesia or Australia, or Brazil or Mexico. This is a powerful tool that helps businesses reach more people, allowing for more potential sales. It also allows for more effective advertising, targeting the right audience, based on demographics or interests.
Thanks to social media, it’s now extremely easy to see what other people are saying about a particular brand or product, whether good or bad. So, if you’re ever considering a purchase, or even if you just want to see what other people think about a particular product, social media can be a valuable asset.
Make Sure You’re Credible
Getting a job doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be able to start the next day. Sometimes, there’re requirements that you have to go through a training program or have previous experience in a related field. This is why it’s important to lay a solid foundation for your personal brand, so when you do apply for jobs, you’ll be seen as a credible, skillful candidate.
You can start by putting together a professional-looking portfolio, featuring your work samples (both creative and non-creative), including:
- Resume
- Portfolio
- LinkedIn profile
- Email newsletter
If possible, find a job that enables you to use your skills and experience, and allows you to build a meaningful portfolio. What is important is that you have something to show for yourself, that you’ve done this job prior to getting into marketing, or that you’ve graduated with a marketing degree but have additional skills that show you’re more than capable of performing the job.
The Changing Face Of Marketing: Overview
So, as you can see, marketing is a constantly changing industry, due to technology and the ever-evolving role of the consumer in the purchase process.
Traditional marketing has shifted to an online model, thanks to platforms like LinkedIn, where members can engage with brands directly, via chat or by completing an online form.
While there will certainly be a need for people with marketing experience, having a degree doesn’t mean you need to limit yourself to one job in life. Thanks to LinkedIn, you can use the platform to establish yourself as an skilled, versatile professional, who can hit the ground running, no matter what company you might join.