According to The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), marketing is the “management process responsible for identifying, anticipating and satisfying customer requirements profitably.” Marketing is all about having a comprehensive insight into the industry and marketplace. This ensures that you can take advantage of major trends to create the best product/service for the best price alongside the right promotion. Marketing impacts everything from the messages we receive or the choices we make online or in the store to the services we use, and the products we buy.
A marketer essentially understands individuals and what makes them act in certain ways to recognise what businesses need and what consumers want. The development of social media, devices and interactive websites has helped many understand and educate themselves about marketing. The industry is rapidly evolving where the rules of today may not entirely apply tomorrow.
Marketing specialist roles are popular in areas like content marketing, email marketing, mobile marketing, pay-per-click (PPC), search engine optimisation (SEO), social media, copywriting, database management, campaigns metrics, analysis, PR, blogging, market research, web design and development. On average, a marketing assistant with at Level 3 will earn around £24,000, a marketing executive at level 4 will earn around £26,500 and a marketing manager will earn around £42,000.
Entering the industry as an aspiring marketing professional can seem formidable but identifying an actual prospective in marketing is not restricted to one path. From those who want to gain a qualification or go to university to those who want to earn while they learn, the options are available- the choice is completely up to you. There are numerous routes one can take to embark on a marketing career including university, professional marketing qualifications, apprenticeships, experience, direct application and volunteering.
One common path into marketing these days is gaining some experience by building industry-related skills. Chasing a career in marketing requires several creative and analytical skills i.e., social media, SEO, Google Analytics, video production, Photoshop, web design, Graphic design etc. Whilst developing industry-related skills, it is important to improve your knowledge and understanding of the industry by keeping up with current trends and technology. By using free or low-cost tools or software, ambitious marketers can also gain work experience by creating something like a blog, website, social media. Attending events and exhibitions can also be beneficial to learn and network with industry professionals.
With university, you can start your career with a professional marketing degree and industry experience if the option is a placement offered as part of your degree. Several subjects can be beneficial in a marketing career e.g., Business, Art, Design, Mathematics, Languages, Humanities, Computer studies and IT to teach you valuable skills like communication, writing, numeracy etc. The apprenticeship route allows you to earn while you learn to gain real experience alongside earning an industry-recognised qualification. A professional marketing qualification also allows you to earn while you learn to apply practical skills right away and gain qualifications equal to an undergraduate degree.
When it comes to finding a job, there a various option for the different routes. It is advised to have a creative CV and portfolio to showcase your previous work. Many marketing jobs are not advertised widely but are usually circulated on social media, online job platforms, or trade organisations websites e.g., the CIM. So, your professional online profiles must be regularly updated. It is important to note that social media must be handled with extreme professionalism because many employers search their applicants’ profiles on social media platforms.
Typically, large organisations have marketing roles and graduate programmes that you can apply online via their website. The latest marketing apprenticeships can be accessed online on websites such as government websites, online job portals, social media etc. Networking is also essential during your job search to build connections who can let you know about opportunities and mentor you. The possibilities of a marketing career are endless in a digitalised and globalised world.
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