If you’ve always been interested in marketing but weren’t sure you should change careers at this point in your life, there’s never been a better time. With the shift to remote working as the new normal going forward, and businesses needing help getting back on track to become profitable again, there’s no shortage of available positions. However, if you’ve never worked in marketing, you need to have the right skills to make your mark.
Choose a Niche
In the marketing world, you can choose to work in the B2C or B2B sector. B2C, or business to consumer, involves marketing to the general public. On the other hand, B2B, or business to business marketing, involves one business marketing its product or service to another. Before you take the leap, think about what you enjoy doing. If you’re working in a niche you’re not passionate about, you won’t be successful. You should also think about what you’re good at. If you love interacting with people, B2C might be a good choice for you.
Learn the Ropes
Some of the most successful marketers are self-taught. In fact, you can learn a lot of about marketing simply by following the most successful ones online. In addition to online certifications, like through HubSpot or Facebook, you might want to go back to school to complete the next level of education. If you’re looking to earn a degree but aren’t sure you can afford it, you should look towards private lending. Private lenders tend to offer lower rates regardless of the loan term. They can even help you consolidate previous loans into one payment.
The type of degree you earn depends on your career goals. If you already have your bachelor’s, but want to further your studies, you can earn another bachelor’s or take things one step further and earn a master’s degree. It’s important to note that you don’t need a master’s to work in marketing. However, if you want to learn as much as possible, earning this degree is a viable option.
Network More
If you work in corporate world, you might already know someone who works in the field. Use your previous networks to find out about job opportunities or mentoring. You can also look to expand your network and start attending functions that are specifically for marketers. This is a great way to meet new people, learn more about the different types of marketing and even possibly land a new job.
Look for Opportunities
Depending on where you work, there could be marketing opportunities right under your nose. If so, sharpen your skills and inquire about switching roles within your company. Since most companies like to promote within, it could be a golden opportunity to ease into marketing without having to find another job. If you’re currently still learning the ropes of marketing, consider asking about any future opportunities you might be eligible for. In the interim, you can ask about job shadowing someone who already works in marketing and learn what they do daily.
