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What is the best way to prepare you for the marketing field?
I am a middle school student and I took a quiz in class that told me marketing would be a good career choice. #career #marketing #school #majors #careers #school-counseling
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5 answers
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Ron’s Answer
One thing you to remember is brand building is everything...by this I mean you are your brand and you have to make sure that you are your best representation of yourself. Marketing is all about how well you are able to connect people w/a product and you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
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Carolyn’s Answer
Success in marketing is largely about experience. If you want to do it for a job, get involved in a small way. Maybe take over the social media account for your school or volunteer with the PTA or a charity you like to manage their email or website. The more practical experience you have, the better your chances of landing a job.
Also, pick the right classes in school. Writing courses as messaging and writing are a critical skill for all marketers. Public speaking or debate are great as you need to be persuasive in Marketing. Also, lots of Math classes. Reporting and analytics are INCREDIBLY important in modern marketing organizations. Some creative/Art or design classes would also serve you well. Good luck!
Also, pick the right classes in school. Writing courses as messaging and writing are a critical skill for all marketers. Public speaking or debate are great as you need to be persuasive in Marketing. Also, lots of Math classes. Reporting and analytics are INCREDIBLY important in modern marketing organizations. Some creative/Art or design classes would also serve you well. Good luck!
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Adding to the great advice already offered, I would say there is no single pathway. I came to marketing late in my career after working in technical writing for many years, which definitely helps. What also helped me was networking within the organization and the industry to get the big picture. Diversity of experience and opinion is important in all walks of life, and if a marketing department is full of people who have read all the same marketing books and taken the same marketing courses, then it will miss out. This all ties into brand building that Ron mentioned in this thread. Be curious, be authentic, raise your hand to ask questions and to get involved.
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Monica’s Answer
Marketing is more than just writing engaging copy and catchy designs, although that is important. It is about listening to the wants and needs of customers and how you can direct them to products and services that best address them. One of the best places to get the voice of the customer is by reading product reviews, particularly those of a competitor. If something looks cool and does a lot of stuff, that's nice. But if the average customer doesn't know how to use it or finds it unnecessary, that is very valuable information. You can then market your product to people who are looking for something simpler yet effective. Same goes for any product and service.
If you have something that adds value to customers, either through making life easier or by adding enjoyment, then 90% of the work is done. At this point, it is about looking for your target or niche audience and understanding what we call their "love language" or their preferred method of communication. This takes practice amd lots of sitting back and observing amd going through data, so you must have patience. Good luck to you and remember, find something that you truly love to do, not just something you may be good at, and the support will come to you when you need it.
If you have something that adds value to customers, either through making life easier or by adding enjoyment, then 90% of the work is done. At this point, it is about looking for your target or niche audience and understanding what we call their "love language" or their preferred method of communication. This takes practice amd lots of sitting back and observing amd going through data, so you must have patience. Good luck to you and remember, find something that you truly love to do, not just something you may be good at, and the support will come to you when you need it.
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Hi Donovan!!
You are off to a great start! You're asking questions already! What kind of marketing person would you like to be? User Experience Optimizer/Analyst? Data researcher or content creator? The best way to prepare is to start reading. Read books and articles, watch YouTube videos and listen to podcasts. There is a ton of information out there these days. You can use your Facebook browsing time. For example, collect ideas for a blog and for your social media. Browse the latest web design trends.
You'll want to read about content marketing, email marketing, SEO marketing, digital marketing, B2B marketing, direct marketing, Social media marketing, etc. Do you like to write?
Have fun!!
Hope this helps!
Mark
You are off to a great start! You're asking questions already! What kind of marketing person would you like to be? User Experience Optimizer/Analyst? Data researcher or content creator? The best way to prepare is to start reading. Read books and articles, watch YouTube videos and listen to podcasts. There is a ton of information out there these days. You can use your Facebook browsing time. For example, collect ideas for a blog and for your social media. Browse the latest web design trends.
You'll want to read about content marketing, email marketing, SEO marketing, digital marketing, B2B marketing, direct marketing, Social media marketing, etc. Do you like to write?
Have fun!!
Hope this helps!
Mark