If you’ve just opened this article, you may have been thinking about being a marketer for a while. You’re in the right place! In this post, I’ll give you a summary of what the job of a marketer entails, what skills you need to work as a marketer, how to get started in the industry, and most importantly – where to find a job in marketing. 😉
To begin with, I have to say that the journey of a marketer is an adventurous one. You won’t be bored and you will definitely learn a lot! Marketing is one of the industries that has no shortage of job offers, but on the other hand, there is also a scarcity of applicants for this type of work.
No wonder. It’s a job you can often do from home, you just need at least a better computer and the motivation to learn new things. In other words, if you’re even a little bit smart, it’s only a matter of time before you grab your first marketing opportunity.
But let’s go in order. You may be wondering if you’re even cut out for a job in marketing. If you can’t decide, let’s take a closer look at what awaits you as a future marketer.
What skills does a marketer need?
- communicative
- creativity
- analytical thinking
- general overview
- good knowledge of grammar and language
- motivation to learn new things
- the ability to receive feedback
- know how to work in a team
- ability to meet deadlines
I hope you read on. “Creativity and analytical thinking in one?!? You can’t be serious!” Let me explain. The extent to which you need to master the listed skills depends on the specific position. But I can assure you that, at least to a small extent, each of them will be very useful to you, whatever marketing job you choose.
Sure, if you’re doing graphics, you probably won’t write as many emails as an account manager, and you’ll also have fewer presentations and communications than a sales position. But you definitely need to be able to communicate your requirements to your colleagues or team leader.
Even in positions that are not directly related to working with data, there may be a requirement to prepare a short report or a simple survey. Therefore, a general overview, good contextualization and understanding of the context is a must.
If you’re not too creative, can’t imagine “always inventing something” on a daily basis and enjoy working with numbers, don’t despair – there’s something for you too. You’ll probably enjoy working as a performance manager or PPC manager, where analytical thinking will come in very handy. You will monitor campaign performance and prepare regular reports.
What does working in marketing entail?
Self-education – Ohh, yes. You’re going to hear this all the time in the marketing waters (and ads). It’s just the way it is. In marketing, something is always changing, being tested and invented. You have to keep track and “keep up with the times”. It’s the only way to make yourself useful in the labor market. A huge plus, however, is that marketing resources are essentially endless. From free online, freely available and in-house training, to various paid workshops from top professionals from around the world. You just need to get started.
English is an advantage – English at least at a communicative level will serve you very well, especially if you have foreign ambitions. The number of job opportunities will multiply by an order of magnitude, and I won’t be exaggerating if I say that doors will open for you even to world-class companies.
Networking – a network of contacts will come in handy no matter what field you’re in, no matter what position you’re in. In marketing, it’s a triple truth – “everyone knows everyone” whom they can refer you to or give you advice. That’s what teambuilding events are for, and you’ll enjoy them in the marketing industry to the max. It’s a great opportunity to get to know your colleagues, supervisors and chat about things other than quarterly targets.
“How ever many languages of (crossed out) tools you know, that’s how many times you’re a human (crossed out) marketer” – No one expects you to know Photoshop, Mailchimp, Google Ads, Figma and top level SEO tools. Logically speaking, it’s not even possible. It’s more about (eventually) mastering the tools that are related to your marketing specialty.
As a good example I will borrow again the position of performance manager, where the employer will certainly appreciate if you know tools like Google Ads, Google Analytics, Google Data Studio, or Facebook Business Manager, Excel (now I mean real skill, not recoloring cells), also Sklik with our Czech neighbors. These are just some of the tools related to performance marketing. I think you see what I mean.
What is the salary in marketing?
As in any industry, your salary is based on your seniority. According to available statistics, marketing salaries range from 900 euros, with invoicing often preferred. However, it is common that larger, more “stable” companies have no problem with (and prefer) permanent employment. With more experience, after a relatively short period of time, the salary also increases. So don’t be afraid to start in a slightly lower paid position and be patient.
Where to start?
If you’re really interested in working in marketing, there are plenty of ways to get started. For example, Digital Garage can be a great start, but also other free certificates from Google. After just a few minutes of proper googling, you’ll find that there are a trillion online courses at nominal prices. Student internships are also an option, but in most cases they are unpaid. But every marketer will tell you the same thing: you learn the most on the job, while working full-time. Well, why not learn directly from professionals in one of their foreign branches? Thanks to Ahoy Career you precisely have such an opportunity.
So, you in? 💪
