Marketing is the endless hot zone of the job market. It's safe to say that no matter what happens, there will always be a demand for those who know how to sell their products well. If you think you've got all it takes to make a great career in marketing – and here we're talking excellent problem-solving and communication skills – you're probably wondering how to break into this field. Here are some things you should know before launching your marketing career.
Common Marketing Career Paths
Most marketing careers start at the position of Marketing Executive. The responsibilities vary across employers, and depend on the size of the organization and the general importance of marketing within the structures of company. An entry-level role will involve a bit of everything – starting with market analysis and research, to advertising, sales promotion and public relations. With two to three years of experience, you can become a Senior Marketing Executive. Your final goal is the position of Marketing Director.
Education
In launching a career in marketing, a bachelor's degree is a must. Without it, you'll find it hard to compete with countless other candidates for an entry-level position. But it's not impossible; there are several companies out there, such as Mars, Procter&Gamble or Nestle, who offer graduate training programs to their employees. Either way, prepare for some hard work ahead of you.
Experience
There's no better way to spend your summer holiday than to intern. Thanks to summer internships, you'll get some crucial on-the-job experience and several job entries that will look great in your resume. Volunteering in service learning and community projects is another great way to get some real professional experience and perhaps see whether you're more into public relations or market research.
Portfolio
What you'll need to present at the job interview for your entry-level position is a portfolio showcasing all the projects you worked on. Take your best writing samples, research projects and advertising materials you've worked on in college and during your internships. Depending on the position you're applying for, you should edit your portfolio to match the skills required by the employer. For instance, if you're applying for a copywriting job, it's best to include more written pieces than graphic design.
Network
Networking is everything in marketing. Collect contacts throughout career – always have your business card ready for exchange. Don't insist on making friends exclusively in places higher than yours; it's best to have contacts with everyone who has leverage in the marketing industry. You can easily build your network by attending marketing conferences and local meet-ups. Make yourself a part of the industry.
Latest Technologies
Every effective marketing specialist needs to stay on top of the latest developments in communication technologies. Keeping up with cutting edge technology is something you should encourage in your workplace, as well as practice in your private life. In order not to spend hours on the web, you'll need to develop an efficient system of getting your daily digest with no real effort from case studies and industry trades, or follow the most relevant blogs.