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If you have a passion for getting a job in the marketing and advertising industry, you are probably wondering what is the best way to look for marketing jobs. Getting a marketing job can be quite difficult given the level of competition in the global marketing industry, but with right due diligence and persistent effort, you can land a dream job in the marketing field. Here is a quick overview of how to land a job in the marketing industry.
What type of degree will I need to get a job in the marketing industry?
For starters, more than likely most businesses and organizations that hire marketing coordinators, directors and other communications professionals would want prospective candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. A bachelor’s degree in marketing can be obtained through a reputable college of business. For individuals who aren’t necessarily excited about taking a bunch of math classes that are required for a marketing degree offered through a business program, you can always look into getting a bachelor’s degree in advertising, mass communications, public relations or integrated marketing communications. One of the great things about the marketing industry is that most jobs tend to be very flexible with the type of education background that a candidate has. So long as you have demonstrated that you have coursework in marketing and advertising coupled with some work experience, it should be easy to find a marketing job.
Related resource: Top 10 Online Marketing Degree Programs
Is it necessary to get an entry-level marketing gig?
Well, yes and no. Most businesses and organizations would prefer to hire people with some sort of prior work experience, but this might be difficult for someone who is a recent college graduate.
One proven way though to gain good work experience while enrolled in an undergraduate marketing program is to go after unpaid and paid internships. Many businesses and organizations offer both paid and unpaid internships to cultivate the next generation of marketing talent. However, paid internships tend to be highly competitive and most candidates would need to have an outstanding GPA along with good recommendations from marketing professors to land a paid internship. Unpaid internships come a dime and dozen and should be relatively easy to get. Just be careful and don’t settle for any internship. Do your due diligence and make sure that any prospective internship is worth your time. Make sure you are working on actual projects and not just simply running basic errands for senior-level employees.
What about a portfolio?
Having a portfolio actually depends on the type of marketing job you are going after. If you are looking for more of a business-oriented analytical role, having a portfolio may not be necessary. Portfolios are usually required for those who have more of a push to get into the creative side of advertising. If you are looking at become a creative or art director, copywriter, photographer or a designer, having a portfolio is an absolute must. However, if you are looking to land a job in strategy, account management or brand development, a portfolio may not be of much use.
There are other things you can do strengthen your job application when you are going after entry-level to mid-level marketing positions. Work more on strengthening your soft skills. Get involved in your city’s local marketing association. Attend trade shows and network with prospective businesses. There are plentiful of marketing jobs out there, your goal should be focused on learning as much as possible in order to stand out from the competition.
