13 answers
Lorena
Student
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
1
Question
Asked
2280 views
How can I be successful in my digital marketing career ?
I am a high school student, I am 13 years old. How can I be successful in my digital marketing career?
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13 answers
Chelsea Lugiano
Marketing
1
Answer
Portland, Maine
Updated
Chelsea’s Answer
Lorena, fantastic! You're already one step ahead! It's impressive that you're considering this at just 13 - you're off to a brilliant start. I recommend engaging in conversations with adults around you who are involved in marketing. Be curious and ask them about their roles, what they enjoy, and what a typical day looks like for them.
Try to soak up as much as you can about marketing from your daily life. Look at commercials, advertisements, even "spam" emails - they're all facets of digital marketing and excellent learning resources. Remember, as a marketer, communication is key. Challenge yourself to become comfortable with speaking in groups or public settings.
Before you immerse yourself fully into the world of Digital Marketing, take some time to explore the diverse ways a Marketing degree can be applied. I encourage you to create a list of activities that 'energize' you and those that 'drain' you. In other words, note down what you like and dislike. This will help you identify the roles that bring you joy.
Also, consider studying some of the brands you admire or interact with daily. Learn how to establish connections with people and articulate your thoughts with clarity and purpose.
You could delve into digital marketing by exploring areas such as Design, Email marketing, Brand strategy, Event Marketing, Customer relationships, SEO/Web-based marketing, social media marketing, marketing & advertising, and so much more.
Keep going, Lorena! You're on the right path!
Try to soak up as much as you can about marketing from your daily life. Look at commercials, advertisements, even "spam" emails - they're all facets of digital marketing and excellent learning resources. Remember, as a marketer, communication is key. Challenge yourself to become comfortable with speaking in groups or public settings.
Before you immerse yourself fully into the world of Digital Marketing, take some time to explore the diverse ways a Marketing degree can be applied. I encourage you to create a list of activities that 'energize' you and those that 'drain' you. In other words, note down what you like and dislike. This will help you identify the roles that bring you joy.
Also, consider studying some of the brands you admire or interact with daily. Learn how to establish connections with people and articulate your thoughts with clarity and purpose.
You could delve into digital marketing by exploring areas such as Design, Email marketing, Brand strategy, Event Marketing, Customer relationships, SEO/Web-based marketing, social media marketing, marketing & advertising, and so much more.
Keep going, Lorena! You're on the right path!
T T
18
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
T’s Answer
To be successful in your digital marketing career, it's essential to stay adaptable in the ever-evolving landscape of online marketing. First and foremost, build a strong foundation by acquiring a diverse skill set. Stay current with industry trends, platforms, and tools. Develop proficiency in areas such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, content creation, email marketing, and data analytics. This versatility will make you a valuable asset, capable of handling various aspects of digital marketing campaigns.
Additionally, focus on cultivating a data-driven mindset. Leverage analytics tools to measure the performance of your campaigns and derive actionable insights. Understand key performance indicators (KPIs) and use data to optimize strategies, target the right audience, and maximize ROI. Continuous learning is crucial, so invest time in staying informed about emerging technologies and marketing strategies. Networking with professionals in the field, attending industry events, and obtaining relevant certifications can further enhance your credibility and open up new opportunities for career advancement. Finally, showcase your work through a strong online presence, such as a personal website or a well-crafted LinkedIn profile, to demonstrate your expertise and attract potential employers or clients.
Additionally, focus on cultivating a data-driven mindset. Leverage analytics tools to measure the performance of your campaigns and derive actionable insights. Understand key performance indicators (KPIs) and use data to optimize strategies, target the right audience, and maximize ROI. Continuous learning is crucial, so invest time in staying informed about emerging technologies and marketing strategies. Networking with professionals in the field, attending industry events, and obtaining relevant certifications can further enhance your credibility and open up new opportunities for career advancement. Finally, showcase your work through a strong online presence, such as a personal website or a well-crafted LinkedIn profile, to demonstrate your expertise and attract potential employers or clients.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
750
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Lorena, thank you so much for reaching out and asking your question. It is amazing that at such a young age already thinking of a career and taking the steps to pursue it. I'm inspired by your early interest in a digital marketing career. . Remember, embarking on this journey now lays a solid foundation for your future triumphs in this ever-evolving field. Here's some guidance for your journey:
Firstly, make the most of online resources and cost-effective courses to establish a robust understanding of digital marketing principles. It's crucial to delve into various facets of digital marketing like social media, SEO, content marketing, and email marketing to identify what excites you the most.
Next, focus on developing your personal brand. This can be achieved by establishing an online presence via a blog, social media, or a personal website where you can exhibit your skills and enthusiasm. My 16-year-old son suggests starting with platforms like TikTok or Instagram. Additionally, I encourage you to interact with industry professionals, participate in webinars, join online communities, and connect on platforms like LinkedIn for invaluable insights and opportunities. However, considering your age, please ensure your parents are aware and approve of your online interactions for safety reasons.
To further your ambitions, consider gaining hands-on experience by offering your services to local businesses or nonprofits. This can help you stand out in the job market, create a network, and earn recommendations. Also, stay updated with industry news, emerging tools, and best practices to stay ahead in the dynamic digital marketing landscape.
Remember, your success depends on a mix of knowledge, creativity, and adaptability. Your early start and enthusiasm are your strengths—continue learning, exploring, and embracing challenges. The digital marketing world eagerly awaits bright talents like you.
Firstly, make the most of online resources and cost-effective courses to establish a robust understanding of digital marketing principles. It's crucial to delve into various facets of digital marketing like social media, SEO, content marketing, and email marketing to identify what excites you the most.
Next, focus on developing your personal brand. This can be achieved by establishing an online presence via a blog, social media, or a personal website where you can exhibit your skills and enthusiasm. My 16-year-old son suggests starting with platforms like TikTok or Instagram. Additionally, I encourage you to interact with industry professionals, participate in webinars, join online communities, and connect on platforms like LinkedIn for invaluable insights and opportunities. However, considering your age, please ensure your parents are aware and approve of your online interactions for safety reasons.
To further your ambitions, consider gaining hands-on experience by offering your services to local businesses or nonprofits. This can help you stand out in the job market, create a network, and earn recommendations. Also, stay updated with industry news, emerging tools, and best practices to stay ahead in the dynamic digital marketing landscape.
Remember, your success depends on a mix of knowledge, creativity, and adaptability. Your early start and enthusiasm are your strengths—continue learning, exploring, and embracing challenges. The digital marketing world eagerly awaits bright talents like you.
PAUL KATES
Sales
8
Answers
Livingston, New Jersey
Updated
PAUL’s Answer
At the age of 13, there's a world of opportunity to kick-start a career in digital marketing. First and foremost, immerse yourself in as many cold-calling events as you can. This will help build your confidence in speaking and persuading people to invest in what you're offering. Secondly, devise a strategic plan for your calls to ensure you deliver your message efficiently and effectively.
Thirdly, hone the crucial skill of attentive listening. When interacting with a diverse range of people, they are keen to see if you genuinely understand their concerns. Lastly, get involved in groups at your school like the PTA or student government. These groups are always on the lookout for support, be it in the form of money, time, or signatures. By participating, you can learn firsthand about the challenges that arise and how to overcome them. Remember, every step you take is a giant leap towards your future success in digital marketing.
Thirdly, hone the crucial skill of attentive listening. When interacting with a diverse range of people, they are keen to see if you genuinely understand their concerns. Lastly, get involved in groups at your school like the PTA or student government. These groups are always on the lookout for support, be it in the form of money, time, or signatures. By participating, you can learn firsthand about the challenges that arise and how to overcome them. Remember, every step you take is a giant leap towards your future success in digital marketing.
Cece Kintner
Marketing
6
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Cece’s Answer
Lorena, digital marketing is an exciting choice for a career, and you are smart to ask questions now. This field combines skill in writing, designing and planning content calendars, and is always full of variety. Take time to learn about SEO, SERP, AI and other technologies, and think about your preference for B2B or B2C marketing. Your own accounts are a playground for trying out ideas and technologies, but always be careful with your own privacy and the appropriate use of your content. This is the time when you will build your personal reputation online, so be truthful and maintain privacy and safety as you try new things.
If you decide you'd like to pursue your digital career, take classes on Coursera or others to get a taste of the industry. I enjoy this part of my marketing role, and hope you find a path to success and satisfaction in digital marketing!
If you decide you'd like to pursue your digital career, take classes on Coursera or others to get a taste of the industry. I enjoy this part of my marketing role, and hope you find a path to success and satisfaction in digital marketing!
Jeremy Pettet (he/him)
Management and Consulting
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jeremy’s Answer
Hey Lorena, marketing in the digital age is an expansive and ever-changing opportunity--so the good news is that there's no shortage of ways to pursue this field...you just have to learn what part of marketing excites you and learn more about it!
Marketing plays a key role in every part of the consumer and customer experience, whether its when a brand is trying to expose new customers to its product and services, thank them for making a purchase, or build loyalty so they become repeat customers and build a deeper (and more profitable!) relationship with the consumer. This is called the customer lifecycle--from awareness and acquisition, to onboarding, engagement and retention/loyalty.
One of the best ways to jump into a marketing career is to familiarize yourself with all of the parts of the customer journey and be a generalist that understands all of these lifecycle stages, but you can also become more of a specialist on specific parts of the journey: for example, an expert in acquisition will need to have a deeper knowledge of digital advertising, search engine optimization, and digital identity and privacy governance.
Its also important to remember that every day, you are the consumer of hundreds, maybe even thousands of digital marketing messages and interactions, whether its in email, online, or even in the apps you use to listen to music, play games, or watch tv and movies. Paying attention to these messages and how they work to change YOUR behavior, and then thinking about WHY they did or didn't impact you is a great way to understand marketing.
Take time to search for and sign up for free newsletters and publications like Adweek, Advertising Age, Marketing Brew, etc. -- just search google for "Marketing newsletters" and you'll find a lot of free resources you can read on the daily to learn more and explore this incredible field!
Good luck!
Marketing plays a key role in every part of the consumer and customer experience, whether its when a brand is trying to expose new customers to its product and services, thank them for making a purchase, or build loyalty so they become repeat customers and build a deeper (and more profitable!) relationship with the consumer. This is called the customer lifecycle--from awareness and acquisition, to onboarding, engagement and retention/loyalty.
One of the best ways to jump into a marketing career is to familiarize yourself with all of the parts of the customer journey and be a generalist that understands all of these lifecycle stages, but you can also become more of a specialist on specific parts of the journey: for example, an expert in acquisition will need to have a deeper knowledge of digital advertising, search engine optimization, and digital identity and privacy governance.
Its also important to remember that every day, you are the consumer of hundreds, maybe even thousands of digital marketing messages and interactions, whether its in email, online, or even in the apps you use to listen to music, play games, or watch tv and movies. Paying attention to these messages and how they work to change YOUR behavior, and then thinking about WHY they did or didn't impact you is a great way to understand marketing.
Take time to search for and sign up for free newsletters and publications like Adweek, Advertising Age, Marketing Brew, etc. -- just search google for "Marketing newsletters" and you'll find a lot of free resources you can read on the daily to learn more and explore this incredible field!
Good luck!
Emilia Carata-Simonica
Global Content Creator
10
Answers
Bucharest, Romania
Updated
Emilia’s Answer
Hi Lorena,
That's a great question, and I see some amazing responses! Here's my 2 cents:
1. start now: learning and practicing. You don't need to build your website - except perhaps you fancy building websites. You can create a LinkedIn account and following the trending people when it comes to digital marketing. You can use the search bar to identify the right people/posts to see what triggers you - what you resonate with the most. Perhaps you enjoy writting the most, or just creating video content, or just editing the video content, or you're tech savy and you'd most enjoy SEO and SEM, advertising and such. You can only know what you prefer the most by learning and doing. So start today! There are plenty of free resources you can enroll such as: https://skillsbuild.org/adult-learners/explore-learning/ways-of-working or https://skillshop.exceedlms.com/student/collection/654330-digital-marketing?locale=en-GB
2. start now: reading and following proper channels. If you're into writing, there are a few educational channels, talking about trending etc, as well as awards. For example, for advertising, Cannes Lions is the largest gathering in the creative marketing community: https://www.canneslions.com/ Some of the greatest campaings are awarded there. That's also how you get those heavy names in digital marketing which you might want to follow on LinkedIn. And that's a nice caveat to...
3. start now: the foundation of your networking group. Follow the right people, attend events, even charity events, join webinars where HR people are also speaking and engage with them. Present yourself and what you're searching for: a way to jumpstart your digital marketing career. Nurture that relantionship - with people you resonate with - and send them articles from time to time seeking their opinion.
Hope this helps,
Emilia
That's a great question, and I see some amazing responses! Here's my 2 cents:
1. start now: learning and practicing. You don't need to build your website - except perhaps you fancy building websites. You can create a LinkedIn account and following the trending people when it comes to digital marketing. You can use the search bar to identify the right people/posts to see what triggers you - what you resonate with the most. Perhaps you enjoy writting the most, or just creating video content, or just editing the video content, or you're tech savy and you'd most enjoy SEO and SEM, advertising and such. You can only know what you prefer the most by learning and doing. So start today! There are plenty of free resources you can enroll such as: https://skillsbuild.org/adult-learners/explore-learning/ways-of-working or https://skillshop.exceedlms.com/student/collection/654330-digital-marketing?locale=en-GB
2. start now: reading and following proper channels. If you're into writing, there are a few educational channels, talking about trending etc, as well as awards. For example, for advertising, Cannes Lions is the largest gathering in the creative marketing community: https://www.canneslions.com/ Some of the greatest campaings are awarded there. That's also how you get those heavy names in digital marketing which you might want to follow on LinkedIn. And that's a nice caveat to...
3. start now: the foundation of your networking group. Follow the right people, attend events, even charity events, join webinars where HR people are also speaking and engage with them. Present yourself and what you're searching for: a way to jumpstart your digital marketing career. Nurture that relantionship - with people you resonate with - and send them articles from time to time seeking their opinion.
Hope this helps,
Emilia
Angelina (Yun Chu) Kuan
Risk Consulting
41
Answers
Foster City, California
Updated
Angelina (Yun Chu)’s Answer
Hey Lorena,
First of all, applaud to your eagerness to start thinking about your career aspiration early on!
Below are my suggestions
Build a personal brand: Begin building your personal brand online. Create profiles on social media platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram, or even start your own website, and start sharing content related to digital marketing or other related-topics that you are passionate about. This will help you develop your online presence and showcase your interest in the field.
Gain practical experience: Look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience in digital marketing. Offer to help local businesses or non-profit organizations with their social media management, content creation, or website optimization. You could also Google "digital marketing projects for beginners," to start with. These hands-on experience will not only provide valuable insights and develop skills, but more importantly it will allow you to start building your portfolio.
Stay updated: Digital marketing is a rapidly evolving field, so it's important to stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and strategies. Follow industry blogs, subscribe to newsletters, and participate in online communities or forums to stay informed about the latest developments.
Network: Connect with professionals in the digital marketing industry. Attend industry events, join relevant online communities, and reach out to professionals for informational interviews or mentorship opportunities.
Develop analytical skills: Digital marketing is heavily reliant on data. Skill in data analytics and visualizations are very important. Focus on developing your analytical skills by learning how to interpret and analyze marketing metrics, such as website traffic, social media engagement, or conversion rates. You can look to take courses in Google Analytics, as well as Search Engine Optimization.
First of all, applaud to your eagerness to start thinking about your career aspiration early on!
Below are my suggestions
Build a personal brand: Begin building your personal brand online. Create profiles on social media platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram, or even start your own website, and start sharing content related to digital marketing or other related-topics that you are passionate about. This will help you develop your online presence and showcase your interest in the field.
Gain practical experience: Look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience in digital marketing. Offer to help local businesses or non-profit organizations with their social media management, content creation, or website optimization. You could also Google "digital marketing projects for beginners," to start with. These hands-on experience will not only provide valuable insights and develop skills, but more importantly it will allow you to start building your portfolio.
Stay updated: Digital marketing is a rapidly evolving field, so it's important to stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and strategies. Follow industry blogs, subscribe to newsletters, and participate in online communities or forums to stay informed about the latest developments.
Network: Connect with professionals in the digital marketing industry. Attend industry events, join relevant online communities, and reach out to professionals for informational interviews or mentorship opportunities.
Develop analytical skills: Digital marketing is heavily reliant on data. Skill in data analytics and visualizations are very important. Focus on developing your analytical skills by learning how to interpret and analyze marketing metrics, such as website traffic, social media engagement, or conversion rates. You can look to take courses in Google Analytics, as well as Search Engine Optimization.
Juliann Davis, MBA
Marketing Strategist
3
Answers
Chandler, Arizona
Updated
Juliann’s Answer
Lorena,
Props to you for knowing where you want to go at such a young age. Digital marketing has evolved into a very large field, with experts in each piece of digital marketing (email, project management, B2B, B2C, social media, content writing, campaign, channel marketing). First, I would explore what your most passionate about and explore the different areas. Being in digital marketing for over 10 years, I know that it's a competitive field so here are some tips to help you.
Develop Soft Skills: Communication: Learn to express ideas clearly and persuasively. Time Management: Balance tasks efficiently. Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with others. Emotional Intelligence: Understand and manage emotions. Public Speaking: Hone your presentation skills.
Conduct a SWOT Analysis: Identify your Strengths, such as technical skills or creativity. Recognize Weaknesses and work on improving them. Explore Opportunities in the digital marketing field. Be aware of Threats, such as industry changes or competition.
Tell Your Story: Craft a compelling narrative about your journey and passion for digital marketing. Highlight any relevant experiences or projects.
Understand Your Values and Purpose: Know what motivates you and align your career choices accordingly. Consider the impact you want to make through digital marketing.
Stay Curious and Keep Learning: Digital marketing evolves rapidly, so stay updated. Explore online courses, certifications, and workshops.
Props to you for knowing where you want to go at such a young age. Digital marketing has evolved into a very large field, with experts in each piece of digital marketing (email, project management, B2B, B2C, social media, content writing, campaign, channel marketing). First, I would explore what your most passionate about and explore the different areas. Being in digital marketing for over 10 years, I know that it's a competitive field so here are some tips to help you.
Juliann recommends the following next steps:
Sophie Tolevski
Student
1
Answer
Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Updated
Sophie’s Answer
Hello Lorena,
I'm Sophie, a 24-year-old student trainee working in the marketing department at SAP.
It's truly inspiring to see you putting so much effort into your career at such an early stage.
To get a solid grasp on digital marketing strategy, I'd suggest you explore some of the most widely-used tools. Canva, for instance, is a fantastic resource for creating social media posts or templates (visual content). You might also want to learn how to construct a website using platforms like WIX or WordPress. This skill can certainly make you stand out. Additionally, diving into various social media channels can also be beneficial.
Sending you all the best and wishing you great success,
Sophie
I'm Sophie, a 24-year-old student trainee working in the marketing department at SAP.
It's truly inspiring to see you putting so much effort into your career at such an early stage.
To get a solid grasp on digital marketing strategy, I'd suggest you explore some of the most widely-used tools. Canva, for instance, is a fantastic resource for creating social media posts or templates (visual content). You might also want to learn how to construct a website using platforms like WIX or WordPress. This skill can certainly make you stand out. Additionally, diving into various social media channels can also be beneficial.
Sending you all the best and wishing you great success,
Sophie
Katie Lafferty
System Analyst
4
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Hi Lorena,
The biggest thing with success in a digital marketing career (in my opinion) would be staying up to date with the popular trends. In the digital landscape, things change SO quickly. This can be a positive thing, but it also can make this feel a little daunting. Staying up to date with the latest trends, tools, and platforms will help make navigating the digital marketing landscape much easier. Access to social media has made this a lot easier too. You see creators on tiktok go viral for explaining the latest and greatest marketing tool, so definitely use social media to your advantage to stay up to date and current.
Best of luck!
The biggest thing with success in a digital marketing career (in my opinion) would be staying up to date with the popular trends. In the digital landscape, things change SO quickly. This can be a positive thing, but it also can make this feel a little daunting. Staying up to date with the latest trends, tools, and platforms will help make navigating the digital marketing landscape much easier. Access to social media has made this a lot easier too. You see creators on tiktok go viral for explaining the latest and greatest marketing tool, so definitely use social media to your advantage to stay up to date and current.
Best of luck!
Julia Colucci
Digital Marketing
1
Answer
Mahwah, New Jersey
Updated
Julia’s Answer
Hi Lorena!
My name is Julia and I'm 23 years old. I just graduated from Ithaca College and have started my career in Digital Marketing at IBM.
It's great that you've already started asking questions and it shows a lot of initiative. This kind of trait is exactly what employers look for!
Here's some of my recommendations:
1. Join clubs related to your field (but also unrelated as well)! In high school, my two main extracurricular activities were the Interact Club (a volunteer organization) and DECA (a marketing/business club). But I was also part of drama club, varsity bowling, and the National Honor Society. My most IMPORTANT piece of advice here would be to find a couple of clubs that you really like and find interest in, get really involved in those, and work your way up to executive positions during your junior/senior year. Becoming president of DECA and Interact Club allowed me to stand out on my resume, and the responsibilities from those positions also gave me talking points for campus jobs/internships during my freshman year of college.
2. Get creative! During my junior year, I organized a bowl-a-thon fundraiser for my local food bank. So, I used my involvement on the bowling team and the interact club to make something impressive that allowed me to get into my college's Leadership Scholar Program, which came with a significant scholarship. It doesn't have to be something super big and elaborate, it can be a free tutoring service, a car wash for a charity, etc.
3. Do your research and start networking early! If you think you're interested in a particular career path (for you, digital marketing), do as much research about the field as you can and think about what you like about it, what your concerns are, and any questions you have. Then search LinkedIn for people who work in the industry that you have mutual connections with - maybe they went to your high school, they're a friend of the family, a cousin, etc. Reach out to them on LinkedIn, ask if you can have a 30-minute virtual meeting with them, and from there they can connect you with even more people that they know who you can talk to! (And ALWAYS send a thank you message shortly after the meeting, preferably mentioning something that they said in the call that you found particularly valuable).
4. Start making your LinkedIn early. It's never too early to create a LinkedIn page, even if you don't have much to post yet. Start building connections now, learning about your desired industry from the articles on your feed, and getting familiar with the platform - because you will be using it a lot in college and beyond!
5. Research other industries and don't limit yourself. There are a lot of similarities with marketing, advertising, public relations, corporate communications, event management, business administration, etc. Since you're so young still, don't limit yourself! Research the similarities and differences in these different fields and this will help you in your college decision process and career path. In addition to this, look into schools that provide a lot of majors and minors in your field. For example, at Ithaca College, I majored in Integrated Marketing Communications (which was a combination on advertising, marketing, and public relations), and double minored in Business Administration and Live Event Design & Management. This allowed me to get a thorough understanding of many of the areas in communications and business, so I felt prepared in my decision for my career path.
6. Do online courses. If there's a new skill that I want to learn, I always turn to a site such as Udemy or Coursera. In college, I used this to learn Photoshop (which I ended up using a lot in school and my current job), as well as get better at certain Microsoft platforms like PowerPoint and Excel. Doing this early will definitely make you stand out!
7. Once you get to college, do as many internships and relevant campus jobs as you can. This will only improve your chances of getting the job you want post-grad. It builds connections with companies because many times if they like you, they'll ask you to come back and work for them full time after you graduate. It also creates important experience that you'll need if you want to apply for jobs at different companies.
8. In high school and college, I personally recommend getting as involved with your school as possible without taking on too much. I really enjoyed the friends I made through my involvement and the community that it provided. But just be careful not to over-commit to the point where you aren't able to show up in the way that you want to.
I hope these tips help and I wish you the best of luck with your career!
My name is Julia and I'm 23 years old. I just graduated from Ithaca College and have started my career in Digital Marketing at IBM.
It's great that you've already started asking questions and it shows a lot of initiative. This kind of trait is exactly what employers look for!
Here's some of my recommendations:
1. Join clubs related to your field (but also unrelated as well)! In high school, my two main extracurricular activities were the Interact Club (a volunteer organization) and DECA (a marketing/business club). But I was also part of drama club, varsity bowling, and the National Honor Society. My most IMPORTANT piece of advice here would be to find a couple of clubs that you really like and find interest in, get really involved in those, and work your way up to executive positions during your junior/senior year. Becoming president of DECA and Interact Club allowed me to stand out on my resume, and the responsibilities from those positions also gave me talking points for campus jobs/internships during my freshman year of college.
2. Get creative! During my junior year, I organized a bowl-a-thon fundraiser for my local food bank. So, I used my involvement on the bowling team and the interact club to make something impressive that allowed me to get into my college's Leadership Scholar Program, which came with a significant scholarship. It doesn't have to be something super big and elaborate, it can be a free tutoring service, a car wash for a charity, etc.
3. Do your research and start networking early! If you think you're interested in a particular career path (for you, digital marketing), do as much research about the field as you can and think about what you like about it, what your concerns are, and any questions you have. Then search LinkedIn for people who work in the industry that you have mutual connections with - maybe they went to your high school, they're a friend of the family, a cousin, etc. Reach out to them on LinkedIn, ask if you can have a 30-minute virtual meeting with them, and from there they can connect you with even more people that they know who you can talk to! (And ALWAYS send a thank you message shortly after the meeting, preferably mentioning something that they said in the call that you found particularly valuable).
4. Start making your LinkedIn early. It's never too early to create a LinkedIn page, even if you don't have much to post yet. Start building connections now, learning about your desired industry from the articles on your feed, and getting familiar with the platform - because you will be using it a lot in college and beyond!
5. Research other industries and don't limit yourself. There are a lot of similarities with marketing, advertising, public relations, corporate communications, event management, business administration, etc. Since you're so young still, don't limit yourself! Research the similarities and differences in these different fields and this will help you in your college decision process and career path. In addition to this, look into schools that provide a lot of majors and minors in your field. For example, at Ithaca College, I majored in Integrated Marketing Communications (which was a combination on advertising, marketing, and public relations), and double minored in Business Administration and Live Event Design & Management. This allowed me to get a thorough understanding of many of the areas in communications and business, so I felt prepared in my decision for my career path.
6. Do online courses. If there's a new skill that I want to learn, I always turn to a site such as Udemy or Coursera. In college, I used this to learn Photoshop (which I ended up using a lot in school and my current job), as well as get better at certain Microsoft platforms like PowerPoint and Excel. Doing this early will definitely make you stand out!
7. Once you get to college, do as many internships and relevant campus jobs as you can. This will only improve your chances of getting the job you want post-grad. It builds connections with companies because many times if they like you, they'll ask you to come back and work for them full time after you graduate. It also creates important experience that you'll need if you want to apply for jobs at different companies.
8. In high school and college, I personally recommend getting as involved with your school as possible without taking on too much. I really enjoyed the friends I made through my involvement and the community that it provided. But just be careful not to over-commit to the point where you aren't able to show up in the way that you want to.
I hope these tips help and I wish you the best of luck with your career!
Saloni Radadia
Corporate Banking Analyst
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Saloni’s Answer
Stay updated on digital trends, specialize in areas like social media or SEO, build a portfolio of projects, network with professionals, and learn to analyze data. Get certifications, develop strong communication and creative skills, and focus on achieving measurable results. Keep learning and stay adaptable in this dynamic field.