Marketing – it’s the special world of Don Draper, SEO and clever copy, and has served up everything from deliciously shareable gems like ‘the man your man could smell like’ and the ice bucket challenge through to exceptionally catchy (and occasionally irritating) jingles like the Coles ‘little red quote’ ad.
Marketing is a force to be reckoned with, permeating much, if not every aspect of our daily lives. And for those of you who’ve got a way with words or a knack for coming up with ideas – marketing could be your calling.
Here are five reasons why marketing could be your dream career.
1. Opportunities galore: the digital era
In the ‘50s, marketing was all about long copy ads and salespeople knocking at your front door (Avon calling!), but today it’s a whole different ball game. Social media, mobile technology and high-speed internet has opened the flood gates, giving us new and unchartered digital marketing opportunities – and with it has come a bevvy of new jobs.
From UX (user experience) designers and PPC (pay per click) executives through to SEO (search engine optimisation) specialists and social media managers, it’s never been easier to find a digital speciality to thrive in. More importantly, industry experts all agree that this is where the future in marketing lies.
2. Creativity aplenty: where commerce meets art
While digital may be all the rage, at the end of the day, marketing boils down to two things: creativity and strategy.
It’s a great place for creative minds to stretch their legs, and an even better place for business people to understand how clever ideas drive commerce and sales. It takes true originality, imagination and inventiveness to rethink old ideas and transform them in a way that cuts through the noise.
3. Space to grow: the client side and the creative side
Whether you’re passionate about crafting copy, directing TVCs or bringing in new clients and accounts – marketing offers you space to grow.
Generally speaking, ad agencies are structured according to two subgroups – there’s the business side of things (which the industry refers to as the ‘suits’), and there’s the creative side of the agency (yep, you guessed it, they’re called the ‘creatives’).
For those of you who have impeccable people skills, a natural flair for sales and fantastic organisational skills – you’d do well as an accounts/client manager or ‘suit,’ for want of a better word.
For those of you who love ideas, have an artistic eye and display serious creative skills – go down the creative route. Depending on your speciality, you could work as a copywriter, designer or strategist.
4. Room to move: work across a range of industries
The beautiful thing about marketing is that it’s a core business function that all companies require. From boutique fashion labels and tech start-ups, to insurance companies and global NGOs; every business, irrespective of its industry, sector or speciality needs to market itself.
Why is this a wonderful thing? Because it means a career in marketing will give you endless opportunities and plenty of room to move around. Whether you’re passionate about food, fashion or the not-for-profit sector – marketing gives you the chance to do something you love!
5. Skills that’ll take you anywhere: a portable career
Difficult clients, big campaigns, tight budgets and even tighter deadlines – these are the less than glamorous realities of working in marketing. Don’t let the boozy lunches and dapper lifestyle of Mad Men fool you!
But the upswing of it all is the unbelievably valuable skillset you’ll quickly hone. From time management and innovative thinking through to salesmanship and people skills, marketing is a great training ground for your career.
About the Author
Vivien Luu is a writer who enjoys researching and writing about creativity, how the human mind works, and neuro processes. She values creativity above all else and admires people who pursue their career dreams, no matter the sacrifice. In her spare time, she binges on HBO shows and epic fantasy novels. If you are looking to get your marketing career off the ground, Career FAQs have nearly 50 courses in marketing and advertising designed to help you up skill and get ahead.
You might even be surprised to know that some of the world’s most creative thinkers started out in advertising. Dr Seuss honed his distinctive illustrative style via ads such as the one featured on the right here, while Jim Henson started off his career by producing TVCs during the mid 1950s. Sesame Street buffs will note that Henson’s adverts for the coffee brand Wilkins feature a muppet that bears a striking resemblance to Kermit!
