Trying to start a career in a field where you have little or no experience can be quite daunting. But luckily for you and me, marketing is one of those fields that doesn't require a specific title. Entry-level marketing jobs are positions you can get with little or no related experience in the marketing industry. In many cases, employers require an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in marketing or a related field for entry-level jobs.
Some companies may accept candidates with experience in a similar field, such as sales, as a substitute for education. Tasks may include interacting with customers, assisting with marketing strategies, and collecting and analyzing data related to response rates and SEO. There are several accredited courses and certifications you can take to gain a solid foundation in marketing, available both in-person and online. Some classes may be available for free or at a low cost.
Investing time and effort to learn new skills will demonstrate to prospective employers your enthusiasm for this profession. To become a successful marketer, you need to increase your contact base. What does someone do in marketing? Well, among other things, they attend networking events. They share experiences, show their successes and simply socialize.
Do you want to get into marketing and move up the ranks quickly? It's understandable, as it's an exciting, constantly evolving and potentially lucrative field. If this is the profession you have your sights set on, here are some tips to help you land an entry-level marketing job and be impressive in your role from day one:
- Study materials include 4 units with 3-5 videos per unit. Assessments are included at the end of each unit to make sure you know what you're doing.
- Currently, the exam has about 70 multiple-choice questions and a score of 80% or higher is required to pass it.
- Remember, making connections is just as important as having in-demand skills, so being social can help you consolidate your marketing career as much as the work experience you gain.
- LinkedIn is also a great place to read about the marketing field, learn about its current trends, network, and check the skills and experience that people have in the companies that interest you.
- Even if you don't recognize it, these things qualify as a marketing experience in the eyes of a recruiter, just as much as a formal job would.
- Find a mentor in your field who can provide more personal help and recommendations.
- Put on the freelance hat to earn money while building your experience.
- Read worklists and blogs, watch videos, and connect with marketing professionals in your network to better understand what skills and experience are required to succeed.
- Use examples to showcase your marketing experience and prepare for an entry-level position.
Whether you have acquired them in courses, independent projects, internships, volunteering experience or a different type of role from that which you're trying to make the transition from - these things all count! Looking back on my own experience, there are things I wish I had known before starting my career in marketing. Read worklists and blogs, watch videos, and connect with marketing professionals in your network to better understand what skills and experience are required to succeed. By putting on the freelance hat, you'll not only earn money as you build your experience but also enjoy a day in the life of a marketer who needs to manage and deliver several creative and data-driven projects at the same time. If possible, look for a more experienced marketer to become a mentor who can provide more personal help and recommendations.
The fact that you've taken the initiative to learn along with the knowledge you've gained from courses and the experience you gain from applying them in small ways can also help demonstrate to interviewers that you know what you're doing - even if you don't have an employee previous full time marketing work on your resume.