The Ultimate Marketing Career Path Guide

Marketing is one of the greatest fields to go into. Though it may not appear at first glance to have much to do with technology, marketing is an ever-evolving field that becomes more relevant as new technologies develop. Marketing managers, one of the higher levels of the marketing profession, make upwards of $100,000 a year. It’s an interesting and exciting field if you can handle fast-paced work with an excellent pay-off, both monetary and not.

Is Marketing a Good Career Path?

In short, yes. The marketing career path is one of the most versatile ones you could go into. Since marketing is a vital part of everyday life, you can expect to be compensated fairly and handsomely for your work. It’s an innovative, fast-paced field that changes as technology and social media change.

While working in marketing, you get to use your imagination. Putting yourself in the shoes of your potential customers or clients shows them that you understand them and want to target them with relevant material.

Steps of a Marketing Career Path

While not everyone’s marketing career path is the same, many of them have similar opportunities. To make the most of your adventure into marketing, consider mapping out your road to success using some of these tips to get started in the field.

1. Earn an Undergraduate Degree

As with many careers, the best way to get started with marketing is to earn your Bachelor’s degree in it. An undergraduate degree may not always be required to advance in the field. Still, it can certainly give you a headstart, as many employers believe those with college degrees are more prepared for jobs than those with only experience. If you don’t want to major in marketing, you could still minor in it. Taking a few business classes once you’re in college would be beneficial, too.

2. Decide Between Agency or In-House Marketing

Once you’ve earned your degree, your next step is to decide on the path you wish to pursue. If you work with an agency, you may work on different marketing projects on a case-by-case basis with other marketing specialists. It could give you plenty of opportunities to grow within your agency.

If you opt for in-house marketing, you likely will work with only one company and focus on their marketing endeavors. You will grow their brand and may work with a few other marketing specialists and agents, depending on the company’s size. This route could be great for someone who wants to represent a business rather than an agency, but you may feel more stress on your shoulders with fewer marketing specialists working.

3. Search for Entry-Level Positions

Even though you likely aspire to something higher than an entry-level marketing position, you have to start somewhere. Getting experience from an entry-level job right out of school could be valuable while you’re climbing the ladder of your marketing career path.

You may start as an associate, which allows you to be in an initial position to gather knowledge of and experience in the field. From there, you may move up with time. Even if you don’t progress with the company, your experience there will help you find mid- to senior-level positions in the future.

4. Network With Professionals

You should strive to connect with others in your field. This way, you can learn more about the other positions available to you on your marketing career path and find others who can help you on your journey. 

LinkedIn is an excellent place to form connections because you can easily find people in your field. The people you connect with may even introduce you to new job opportunities or experiences to help you get further in your career.

5. Find a Mentor

While you’re searching for other marketing professionals to connect with, you should also look for a mentor. Your ideal mentor should have years of experience in the field and be in a position you would want in the future. 

A mentor can take you under their wing and show you the best practices to further your career. Speaking with your mentor can improve your communication skills, which can help you learn to communicate more effectively and confidently when talking about marketing-related topics.

6. Learn New Skills and Earn Certifications

Showing that you’ve gained the skills necessary for growth could help you continue on your marketing career path. Some certifications and courses can boost your knowledge and make you look more competitive to future employers.

If you don’t know where to start, look for certifications specializing in a specific website or software. A Google Ads Certification is free, and it can show employers that you’re knowledgeable of Google’s ad practices and how best to advertise with Google. Similarly, Hubspot has plenty of free marketing certification courses, including one that teaches you how to work their website.

7. Set Goals for the Future

Setting goals is essential to a flourishing career. Goals remind you why you started and boost your motivation to accomplish what you set out to do. Knowing your options for the future can keep you looking forward. Do you want to become a social media manager, or are you looking to become a VP of Marketing? Defining what you want out of a marketing position can help you understand the next step in your journey.

Following the Right Marketing Career Path for You

The marketing career path may not be easy, and it may not even be straightforward in some cases. Still, through hard work, you’ll find yourself excelling in the marketing industry. If you strive for an excellent career in the field you love, you’ll see that you can never be disappointed.