Marketing is the magic ingredient in any business. You can have the best product or service in the world, but if you don’t let the right people know about it, at the right time, in the right way, your business will fail. Marketing is that critical management process that moves your business from potential to profitable.
The Chartered Institute of Marketing describes it as ‘the management process responsible for identifying, anticipating and satisfying customer requirements profitably.’
So, whether you want to set up your own business or build a corporate career, never underestimate the value of a marketing degree.
A career in marketing
To get the job you want, start your preparation early. Adding other strings to your bow while studying for your degree will certainly give you an advantage when it comes to job-searching. For example, knowledge of filming, writing, and other content creation; coding, SEO and analytics; and digital and print advertising, will all show that you are willing to learn new skills in various spheres.
An understanding of analytics and measuring success, in particular, is highly valued by employers. At its best the skill shows you can objectively assess the aims and desires of customers, and channel that understanding to mould a company so it fulfills those aims better. As the Guardian argues, that doesn’t mean businesses should fill their ranks with statisticians and mathematicians, but there’s no question that analytical skills will make any candidate stand out.
Work experience also helps, particularly if it gives an insight into budget and project management, and the organisational and interpersonal skills that are needed. Showing these skills, and researching opportunities and competitors in the field, could get you noticed once a spell of work/internship comes to a conclusion.
You will also probably have to start at a lower level. The key is to get a foot in the door. If you shine in a lowly role you’ll be in prime position for promotion when opportunities arise.
It’s also worth thinking broadly. Take a look at the breadth of roles at an average legal, insurance, HR or recruitment company and the chances are high that at least some of the prime opportunities will require someone with skills in marketing; for example, take a look at the relevant roles within BGL Group, and one will see opportunities in managerial, planning and design roles, to name but a few.
Marketing is a constantly changing arena. Particularly in this digital age, learning never events. Keep on top of trends and networks within the industry. Within a relatively short period the boundaries of marketing may change to include further roles incorporating mobile technology, user-generated content, and much more. Make sure you are aware of what could be as well as what is, and you’ll surely have an advantage over the other job candidates.
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