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How do you end up getting a good job after college and become successful in marketing
I plan on going to Arizona State at W.P Carey Business school to study marketing and planning to get a minor in international business. I have always wanted to do marketing but want to become successful in this career field. How possible is this to achieve?
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Tiffany’s Answer
First off, congratulations on identifying your future university and already being clear on what you want to do with the education you recieve! That's half the battle. Everyone has already stated great points of advice. I'll double down on getting practical experience. A good way to do that is to explore internship opportunities. Most people do them over the summer but some are offered during the school year. You should consider looking for different areas of marketing that interest you and seek out internships each year to give you a taste of what life might be like working in that area of marketing. There are tons of options like brand marketing and strategy, creative strategy and development, media buying and planning, data and analytics, working at an advertising/marketing agency vs working at brand, etc. The list goes on and on. Often times people think marketing is one specific thing but there is so much to it. Good luck in your exploration!
Lyndsey Creamer, M.P.S
Senior Strategic Partner Manager, Microsoft Group
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Lyndsey’s Answer
Becoming successful in the field of marketing is absolutely achievable with the right combination of education, skills, experience, and networking. Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of landing a good job and achieving success in marketing:
1. **Focus on your education:** Pursuing a degree in marketing from a reputable institution like Arizona State University's W.P. Carey School of Business is a great start. Make sure to excel in your coursework, participate in relevant extracurricular activities, and seek out internships or co-op opportunities to gain practical experience.
2. **Specialize:** Consider focusing on a specific area within marketing that aligns with your interests and career goals. Since you're interested in international business, your minor in international business can complement your marketing degree and make you more competitive in a global marketplace.
3. **Gain practical experience:** Internships, co-op programs, and part-time jobs in marketing roles can provide invaluable hands-on experience and help you build a professional network. Seek out opportunities to work on real marketing campaigns, projects, or research to develop practical skills that employers value.
4. **Build a strong portfolio:** As you gain experience, start building a portfolio showcasing your marketing projects, campaigns, and any relevant achievements. A strong portfolio can help demonstrate your skills and capabilities to potential employers.
5. **Stay updated:** The field of marketing is constantly evolving with new technologies, trends, and strategies. Stay updated on the latest industry developments by following marketing blogs, attending conferences, participating in webinars, and networking with professionals in the field.
6. **Develop soft skills:** In addition to technical marketing skills, employers also look for candidates with strong communication, creativity, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Work on developing these soft skills through coursework, extracurricular activities, and real-world experiences.
7. **Network:** Networking is essential in any career field, including marketing. Attend industry events, join marketing-related clubs or organizations, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Building relationships with professionals in the field can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable insights.
8. **Be adaptable and open-minded:** The marketing landscape is constantly changing, so be prepared to adapt to new technologies, trends, and strategies. Keep an open mind and be willing to learn and try new things to stay competitive in the field.
By following these steps and staying dedicated to your goals, you can increase your chances of success in the field of marketing. Remember that success doesn't happen overnight, so stay focused, stay motivated, and keep working towards your goals. Good luck!
1. **Focus on your education:** Pursuing a degree in marketing from a reputable institution like Arizona State University's W.P. Carey School of Business is a great start. Make sure to excel in your coursework, participate in relevant extracurricular activities, and seek out internships or co-op opportunities to gain practical experience.
2. **Specialize:** Consider focusing on a specific area within marketing that aligns with your interests and career goals. Since you're interested in international business, your minor in international business can complement your marketing degree and make you more competitive in a global marketplace.
3. **Gain practical experience:** Internships, co-op programs, and part-time jobs in marketing roles can provide invaluable hands-on experience and help you build a professional network. Seek out opportunities to work on real marketing campaigns, projects, or research to develop practical skills that employers value.
4. **Build a strong portfolio:** As you gain experience, start building a portfolio showcasing your marketing projects, campaigns, and any relevant achievements. A strong portfolio can help demonstrate your skills and capabilities to potential employers.
5. **Stay updated:** The field of marketing is constantly evolving with new technologies, trends, and strategies. Stay updated on the latest industry developments by following marketing blogs, attending conferences, participating in webinars, and networking with professionals in the field.
6. **Develop soft skills:** In addition to technical marketing skills, employers also look for candidates with strong communication, creativity, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Work on developing these soft skills through coursework, extracurricular activities, and real-world experiences.
7. **Network:** Networking is essential in any career field, including marketing. Attend industry events, join marketing-related clubs or organizations, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Building relationships with professionals in the field can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable insights.
8. **Be adaptable and open-minded:** The marketing landscape is constantly changing, so be prepared to adapt to new technologies, trends, and strategies. Keep an open mind and be willing to learn and try new things to stay competitive in the field.
By following these steps and staying dedicated to your goals, you can increase your chances of success in the field of marketing. Remember that success doesn't happen overnight, so stay focused, stay motivated, and keep working towards your goals. Good luck!
Updated
Melanie’s Answer
I agree with many of the responses above and can say with certainty that my internships helped me get a foot in the door! I was a part of a grassroots marketing group in college where I heard about an internship at our local events center and applied. It was free and just something I did in my downtime on the weekends for 1 semester, but it helped me learn a little about marketing, and more importantly, gave me something to talk about in my next interview for a paid internship at a marketing agency! From there, I was able to gain more experience and could stay in the field. If you can find a paid internship, fantastic! If not, it's still a great way to learn about the industry and may help you down the road.
Good luck with your studies!
Good luck with your studies!
Updated
Angelina (Yun Chu)’s Answer
Hello Olivia! As a former marketing major at university, I'm more than eager to share some insights from my personal journey and expertise. Here are some strategies that could pave your way to success in the marketing realm:
1. Create a Comprehensive Portfolio
Consider every marketing project you undertake as a chapter in your story. Detail the project's objectives, the team members involved, the ultimate goal, the strategies you and your team employed to reach that goal, and the final outcomes. Also, discuss the potential next steps. Incorporate all your projects into a personal website, social media, or blog. In doing so, you're not just building a portfolio, but also crafting your personal brand, which will help demonstrate your skills and passions to future employers.
2. Acquire Practical Experience
Participate in marketing clubs or associations available both within and outside your school. These platforms will undoubtedly offer a wealth of knowledge and opportunities to develop more skills and gain deeper insights into the marketing industry. Their events will also likely introduce you to marketing professionals, opening doors for networking opportunities that could lead to future internships or job offers.
3. Connect with Seasoned Marketing Professionals
Platforms like LinkedIn or career fairs offer a direct line to individuals already established in the marketing industry. Engage them in conversation, asking for their advice on achieving success, resources they find invaluable, and referrals to others who might be able to answer your specific queries.
1. Create a Comprehensive Portfolio
Consider every marketing project you undertake as a chapter in your story. Detail the project's objectives, the team members involved, the ultimate goal, the strategies you and your team employed to reach that goal, and the final outcomes. Also, discuss the potential next steps. Incorporate all your projects into a personal website, social media, or blog. In doing so, you're not just building a portfolio, but also crafting your personal brand, which will help demonstrate your skills and passions to future employers.
2. Acquire Practical Experience
Participate in marketing clubs or associations available both within and outside your school. These platforms will undoubtedly offer a wealth of knowledge and opportunities to develop more skills and gain deeper insights into the marketing industry. Their events will also likely introduce you to marketing professionals, opening doors for networking opportunities that could lead to future internships or job offers.
3. Connect with Seasoned Marketing Professionals
Platforms like LinkedIn or career fairs offer a direct line to individuals already established in the marketing industry. Engage them in conversation, asking for their advice on achieving success, resources they find invaluable, and referrals to others who might be able to answer your specific queries.
Updated
Felipe’s Answer
Hello Olivia!
Here's a practical guide for anyone eager to make their mark in any job or industry. To secure a job straight after college, you must invest considerable effort before you graduate. Networking is key - connect with those already in the field, express your interest in a particular job, explain your enthusiasm for marketing, and discuss the relevant courses you're pursuing. If you've initiated a personal project that aligns with your dream job, it can significantly enhance your appeal. Displaying passion and interest in your chosen path will certainly attract attention.
Remember, you may not always land your dream job immediately, and that's perfectly fine. Embrace every opportunity and extract the maximum value from it. Any job you undertake will equip you with valuable experience that can be applied in various scenarios. A touch of humility can take you a long way in life's journey.
I hope you find these practical tips helpful, wishing you all the best!
Networking
Personal projects
Here's a practical guide for anyone eager to make their mark in any job or industry. To secure a job straight after college, you must invest considerable effort before you graduate. Networking is key - connect with those already in the field, express your interest in a particular job, explain your enthusiasm for marketing, and discuss the relevant courses you're pursuing. If you've initiated a personal project that aligns with your dream job, it can significantly enhance your appeal. Displaying passion and interest in your chosen path will certainly attract attention.
Remember, you may not always land your dream job immediately, and that's perfectly fine. Embrace every opportunity and extract the maximum value from it. Any job you undertake will equip you with valuable experience that can be applied in various scenarios. A touch of humility can take you a long way in life's journey.
I hope you find these practical tips helpful, wishing you all the best!
Felipe recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Dwight’s Answer
Hi Olivia!
I hope all is well! First, let's start with how to find a good job out of college. Start by developing your resume whether that includes clubs, activities, internships, previous work experiences, etc. The best way to get your name out there is to have a strong resume that shows your development, growth, and interests. Additionally, setting up a LinkedIn account can help get your name out to employers and build your network of connections. Once you have solidified your resume, begin going to online platforms such as Indeed and company career sites to see what types of jobs there are that interest you. Along with online sites, make sure to connect with recruiters at your school career fair and career placement office. This can help open up opportunities to even more job postings.
Although there are jobs that seem better than others based on what others express, it is important to take into consideration what you find is the best job. This can mean a job that satisfies your lifestyle, interests, or location. There are so many factors that can make a job be good from others perspectives but it is really up to you when determining when the job is good. As for being successful in marketing, it also depends on how you want it to be. This can mean getting paid a lot, having a strong job title, living in a specific location, etc. It can also mean having a work-life balance that not everyone has or being able to travel and take vacation at any time. Overall, only you can define your success. I wish you the best in your career journey and please reach out if you have any questions. Hope to talk soon!
Thank you,
Dwight
I hope all is well! First, let's start with how to find a good job out of college. Start by developing your resume whether that includes clubs, activities, internships, previous work experiences, etc. The best way to get your name out there is to have a strong resume that shows your development, growth, and interests. Additionally, setting up a LinkedIn account can help get your name out to employers and build your network of connections. Once you have solidified your resume, begin going to online platforms such as Indeed and company career sites to see what types of jobs there are that interest you. Along with online sites, make sure to connect with recruiters at your school career fair and career placement office. This can help open up opportunities to even more job postings.
Although there are jobs that seem better than others based on what others express, it is important to take into consideration what you find is the best job. This can mean a job that satisfies your lifestyle, interests, or location. There are so many factors that can make a job be good from others perspectives but it is really up to you when determining when the job is good. As for being successful in marketing, it also depends on how you want it to be. This can mean getting paid a lot, having a strong job title, living in a specific location, etc. It can also mean having a work-life balance that not everyone has or being able to travel and take vacation at any time. Overall, only you can define your success. I wish you the best in your career journey and please reach out if you have any questions. Hope to talk soon!
Thank you,
Dwight
Updated
Michele’s Answer
Hi Olivia!
So nice to see you have your sights set on a career in Marketing! An important first step is to immerse yourself in summer work, internships, volunteer opportunities, clubs, sports, etc. All of these activities provide valuable experience like hands-on learning, leadership development, project management, social skills, public speaking, and so on. This are all foundational requirements that will serve you well in an interview and in a work setting, in social situations, and in general life. This is basic training.
I'd also like to suggest that you keep your mind open when looking at job opportunities. Oftentimes there are employment opportunities at a company you're really excited about, however they appear to be more entry-level. That's ok! Land that interview, deliver an amazing first impression during your meeting, and ask questions about how the company is structured, how large their Marketing team is, are employees in Marketing usually hired from within, etc. This may help you decide if you'd take an entry-level job to get "in the door", and then advance your career later into Marketing.
In larger companies there are many facets of Marketing, each handled by a specific team. This gives you an opportunity to really deepen your knowledge and skill set in a particular function, which may open the door for progression into another area of Marketing, and then another. Conversely, smaller companies have fewer Marketing employees, providing an opportunity to experience a wide breadth of functions versus that deep knowledge on one particular function.
Each scenario has its benefits. The best advice I can give is to do a stand-out job each and every day. Enjoy learning, listen closely, ask questions, offer ideas and suggestions, be a team player. An employer who recognizes good talent will find opportunities and open new doors for you.
Best of luck to you!
So nice to see you have your sights set on a career in Marketing! An important first step is to immerse yourself in summer work, internships, volunteer opportunities, clubs, sports, etc. All of these activities provide valuable experience like hands-on learning, leadership development, project management, social skills, public speaking, and so on. This are all foundational requirements that will serve you well in an interview and in a work setting, in social situations, and in general life. This is basic training.
I'd also like to suggest that you keep your mind open when looking at job opportunities. Oftentimes there are employment opportunities at a company you're really excited about, however they appear to be more entry-level. That's ok! Land that interview, deliver an amazing first impression during your meeting, and ask questions about how the company is structured, how large their Marketing team is, are employees in Marketing usually hired from within, etc. This may help you decide if you'd take an entry-level job to get "in the door", and then advance your career later into Marketing.
In larger companies there are many facets of Marketing, each handled by a specific team. This gives you an opportunity to really deepen your knowledge and skill set in a particular function, which may open the door for progression into another area of Marketing, and then another. Conversely, smaller companies have fewer Marketing employees, providing an opportunity to experience a wide breadth of functions versus that deep knowledge on one particular function.
Each scenario has its benefits. The best advice I can give is to do a stand-out job each and every day. Enjoy learning, listen closely, ask questions, offer ideas and suggestions, be a team player. An employer who recognizes good talent will find opportunities and open new doors for you.
Best of luck to you!
Updated
Joanna Rose’s Answer
Hello Olivia,
Securing a good job after college and achieving success in marketing involves a combination of education, skill-building, and strategic networking. Begin by gaining a solid educational foundation with a degree in marketing or a related field, complemented by internships that provide practical, hands-on experience. Develop a robust set of marketing skills, including digital marketing, data analytics, and creative content creation, as these are highly sought after in the industry. Networking is crucial, so actively connect with professionals through industry events, online platforms like LinkedIn, and alumni networks to build relationships and learn from established marketers. Lastly, continuously adapt to emerging marketing trends and technologies to stay ahead in this dynamic field, showing potential employers your commitment to growth and innovation.
Securing a good job after college and achieving success in marketing involves a combination of education, skill-building, and strategic networking. Begin by gaining a solid educational foundation with a degree in marketing or a related field, complemented by internships that provide practical, hands-on experience. Develop a robust set of marketing skills, including digital marketing, data analytics, and creative content creation, as these are highly sought after in the industry. Networking is crucial, so actively connect with professionals through industry events, online platforms like LinkedIn, and alumni networks to build relationships and learn from established marketers. Lastly, continuously adapt to emerging marketing trends and technologies to stay ahead in this dynamic field, showing potential employers your commitment to growth and innovation.
Updated
Nicole Boltron’s Answer
I want to mirror the sentiment of the previous comments but I do wanna say that a good marketer should be open to trying different aspects of marketing. You never know what you might end up liking and you can always pivot.
When I graduated college I wanted to do more market research or branding, but my career has taken me to copywriting, SEO, Content management, social media management, and CRM marketing, paid search, paid social, affiliate marketing, and product management.
I'm in my mid 30's now and I'm glad I got to do all these things, it has helped me better work with external team members because I have a pretty good grasp of what they do.
When I graduated college I wanted to do more market research or branding, but my career has taken me to copywriting, SEO, Content management, social media management, and CRM marketing, paid search, paid social, affiliate marketing, and product management.
I'm in my mid 30's now and I'm glad I got to do all these things, it has helped me better work with external team members because I have a pretty good grasp of what they do.
Updated
Juan Miguel’s Answer
In order to get a good job opportunity after college and become successful in marketing, I always recommend to work hard efficiently at college by focusing you time in things that you like and feel passionate. Also, working a summer internship in a multinational corporation can help you to build the foundation for your career path once you are graduated. Listen and be around of the people that you know are subject expect matter in your selected field. Don't be afraid to ask questions, if you don't know something that is relevant, just go for it and find the answer. Nothing is impossible if You are well prepared, work hard efficiently and the most important, You have attitude.
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Kieran’s Answer
Aside from getting good grades and focusing on your studies, and the other responses. I want to re-emphasize the point that:
CONNECTIONS ARE EVERYTHING!
Get involved with any clubs that are related to your major, maybe there's a marketing club, an advertising club, or often business clubs are in need of marketers (usually it's social media). This will not only help your resume, but also make connections with those in your club. You never know when you'll need these people in the future, so make sure you leave a lasting impression!
Here's what I would do:
1. Spend your first year in university finishing your GE's, Electives, and throw some marketing classes in there. Join clubs, meet new people, have fun. Don't just join clubs that will benefit your career but fun clubs. Try to get an internship the summer between your first and second year. Paid internships would be GREAT, but do not discount unpaid internships. Some experience is better than no experience.
2. Start focusing on clubs, projects, and classes your second year. Start applying to summer internships in the fall semester, there are some available in the spring but start the application early. Again, get an internship regardless of pay for the summer. At this point, look to see if your school is hiring any marketing roles. Anything you can add to your resume.
3. Your third and fourth year should be comprised of internships, projects, perhaps working under a professor or a mentor.
If you follow these steps, you will be fine. Often times people graduate with their degree and a high GPA, but have nothing to show for it. Yes, your GPA and grades matter, but as long as you pass your classes and make meaningful connections, you will be successful.
CONNECTIONS ARE EVERYTHING!
Get involved with any clubs that are related to your major, maybe there's a marketing club, an advertising club, or often business clubs are in need of marketers (usually it's social media). This will not only help your resume, but also make connections with those in your club. You never know when you'll need these people in the future, so make sure you leave a lasting impression!
Here's what I would do:
1. Spend your first year in university finishing your GE's, Electives, and throw some marketing classes in there. Join clubs, meet new people, have fun. Don't just join clubs that will benefit your career but fun clubs. Try to get an internship the summer between your first and second year. Paid internships would be GREAT, but do not discount unpaid internships. Some experience is better than no experience.
2. Start focusing on clubs, projects, and classes your second year. Start applying to summer internships in the fall semester, there are some available in the spring but start the application early. Again, get an internship regardless of pay for the summer. At this point, look to see if your school is hiring any marketing roles. Anything you can add to your resume.
3. Your third and fourth year should be comprised of internships, projects, perhaps working under a professor or a mentor.
If you follow these steps, you will be fine. Often times people graduate with their degree and a high GPA, but have nothing to show for it. Yes, your GPA and grades matter, but as long as you pass your classes and make meaningful connections, you will be successful.