February 9, 2016, by Carla

Three Tips to Make it Into Marketing

By Hannah Shea, third-year English student

Last term I attended Spotlight On… Marketing and gained an insight into the vast and competitive world of marketing.  From postgraduate studies to acquiring work placements or even opening a new marketing agency, the speakers displayed an array of opportunities, broadening the horizons of the prospective marketers in the audience.

I became interested in this event after a one-to-one careers appointment – something I’d highly recommend. I discovered that life after graduation doesn’t have to be all about graduate schemes, and there are in fact various routes into the business sector, my preference being towards marketing. It was suggested that I attend the Spotlight On… Marketing event to learn about other people’s experiences.

So, what did I learn?

1. All experience is good experience

Regardless of what type of experience it is, always make a note of the transferable skills you gained – there will be lots – it could be communication, networking or even customer-focus. Be aware of opportunities around you, as you never know when you might stumble across your ideal career.

2. Find your passion and go from there

Something that was recurring in many of the speaker’s talks was that they found their perfect role by discovering what aspect of a job they liked, whether it was working with young minds in service marketing, or being their own boss and sticking with that. No matter where your passion leads you, even if it’s to something you never expected to be doing, it ensures you’ll always be doing something you love.

3. You don’t have to be in London to be a success

Reiterating what was mentioned by Grace, one of the speakers, but also shown through Aaron’s choice of founding his marketing agency right here in Nottingham, London isn’t everything. There are plenty of opportunities that exist all over the country; marketing is something that is needed in every business, and not every business is based in London.

Overall, I feel this Spotlight On… event provided me with a new outlook on how to approach the coming years in my journey into the marketing sector. I also found a perfect new hangout spot: the venue, Rough Trade, is an atmospheric hidden gem! The event, speakers, and location created a great air of opportunity and optimism, which has certainly helped to boost my confidence, ready for my future steps towards a career in market-dom.

Want to know more about marketing? Book now for Spotlight On… Advertising, Marketing and PR on 23rd February 2016. You could also book a one-to-one session with one of our careers advisers to talk through your options, your CV and more. 

Photo Credit: David Saunders

 

Posted in Careers Advice