So, you want to be a marketer? That’s great! Marketing is an exciting and growing industry that offers many opportunities for career growth. I transitioned to corporate marketing in recent years while running my six-figure side hustle in my downtime. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.
Here’s some food for thought: many marketing fields are projected to grow up to 10% by 2026. That means more marketing career opportunities for you.
And I know I talk a lot about entrepreneurship in my content but securing a great career will start popping up more because I think it’ll help a lot of you. That’s why ahead, I discuss what marketers do, how much they are paid, what skills they need to develop, and more. I’ll also provide tips on how to pursue a career in marketing and land your dream job!
What is marketing?
Marketing is the process of creating, communicating, delivering and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large. It involves researching and understanding customer needs, developing strategies to reach target audiences, creating promotional materials like videos or print ads to spread awareness of a product or service, and tracking the effectiveness of campaigns. Marketers need to be creative problem-solvers who are able to think strategically and work with teams across different departments in order to achieve results.
Is a career in marketing a good choice?
Yes! Marketing is an exciting career that offers numerous benefits, such as:
- Job security and growth potential: With the demand for marketing professionals expected to increase by 10% in the next ten years (Bureau of Labor Statistics), you can be sure that a career in marketing will provide job security. Additionally, there are many opportunities for career growth, with various positions available at different levels in the industry.
- High salaries: The median salary for a marketer is $59,000 per year (Glassdoor). However, depending on experience and skillset, this can range from $30k to upwards of $100k+.
- Flexibility: Depending on your position and company size, you may have the option to work remotely or have flexible working hours.
What skills do marketers need?
Marketers need a mix of hard and soft skills in order to succeed in their careers. On the technical side, they should be well-versed in digital marketing tools such as Google Analytics and Facebook Ads. However, it depends on the exact position you’re applying for. I.e., the skills needed to be a marketing automation manager will be different than a senior media buyer.
They should also have knowledge of market research techniques and consumer behavior analysis. In terms of soft skills, successful marketers are creative thinkers with strong communication and problem-solving abilities who can effectively manage projects and collaborate with other team members.
Is marketing an in-demand career?
Yes, the demand for marketing professionals is expected to grow by 10% in the next ten years (Bureau of Labor Statistics). This makes it one of the most in-demand and lucrative career paths. Additionally, marketer roles have evolved to include more digital skills as technology becomes a bigger part of our lives. No matter the economy, companies need experts like us to market their business and drive growth.
How much do marketers make?
The pay for marketers varies depending on the size of the company they work for as well as their experience level. Generally speaking, entry-level marketing professionals can expect an average salary between $50,000 and $60,000 per year. For more experienced hires, the yearly salary can exceed six figures ($100k+). A quick look at Indeed shows a ton of marketing jobs that pay extremely well.
Why do people leave marketing?
On the flipside, why do people leave a marketing career? It’s usually because they don’t enjoy the work, or it’s not a good fit. Some people find the industry too competitive, while others don’t feel like their skills are being utilized to the fullest. Additionally, some people may just be tired of working in marketing and ready for a change of pace.
A study by Marketing Week discovered that 27.2% of marketers leave their job to explore a new direction. 64.5% also leave for better financial compensation elsewhere. I suggest reading the whole article and study by Marketing Week because it’s very interesting.
Whatever your reasons for considering leaving marketing, it’s important to make sure that you’re making an informed decision. Before you jump ship, carefully consider all the pros and cons of either staying or leaving so that you can make the best decision for yourself and your career.
Is marketing a stressful career?
Marketing can be a stressful career due to tight deadlines, high expectations, and competition. However, it’s important to remember that stress is relative–what one person finds stressful, another might find enjoyable. For instance, I’ve been in marketing for about 10 years, and while there have been some stressful moments, it isn’t a big deal to me.
Is it hard to study and learn marketing?
It’s not hard to study marketing, but it does require dedication and hard work. Not everyone is cut out for a career in marketing, so taking the time to really understand the fundamentals of the industry is key.
Marketing degrees are available at most colleges and universities, or you can choose to pursue certifications in specific areas like digital marketing or copywriting. Whichever path you take, make sure that you’re actively learning and honing your skills in order to succeed as a marketer.
There are also plenty of free online resources like my blog, YouTube channel, and podcast! Other people I suggest learning from include Alex Hormozi, Neil Patel, Brian Dean, and Seth Godin.
How can I pursue a career in marketing?
Okay, now for probably the biggest question. To land a job in marketing, you’ll need to build your resume, develop relevant skills, and put yourself out there through networking. Start by researching different companies that offer marketing jobs and tailor your resume accordingly. Make it a goal to apply for a job every single day because it’s mostly a numbers game (I speak from experience). Use online platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed to find job postings too.
Networking is also key. Attend seminars, meetups, and local in-person events. Reach out to professionals in the industry for advice, and make sure you’re connecting with people on social media.
Overall, don’t be discouraged if it takes time to land your dream job. Just keep at it, stay consistent, and eventually you’ll get there!
Final thoughts on marketing as a career
Pursuing a career in marketing can be an exciting and rewarding experience. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to settle for any job – make sure you find something that fits your skillset and interests.
Take the time to develop your skills, network, and actively search for jobs. With patience and hard work, you can achieve success in this industry. I can see myself being in marketing until I retire because I enjoy it so much.
If you want to learn marketing and get mentorship from me, enroll in one of my online courses.
