Making It In Marketing: Tips For Getting A Job In A Field You Didn’t Study

You shouldn’t stay chained to a career path if it’s not the right one for you.

You’ve had a lot on your plate for the past three years; all-nighters, dissertation deadlines and campus socials to attend. So, it’s no surprise that as graduation approaches you may not have your future all mapped out in front of you.

You’re not alone; only half of graduates go on to work in the same field as their chosen degree. But, that’s okay! Whether you come to the realisation at the end of your studies or after speaking to your lecturer, deciding to make a career change at the start of your working life does not have to result in elicit panic.

To give you a head start, we got some career advice from three graduates who are now working at one of the most successful digital marketing agencies in the UK, Bigfoot Digital. Starting their journey into the world of search optimisation with nothing more than an unrelated degree to hand and a strong passion for the digital marketplace, these young hopefuls have ended up somewhere completely different than imagined, but have complete job satisfaction.

Here’s everything they have learned to that’ll help you take your career in a new direction without losing momentum:.

Learn everything you need to know about you chosen career

If you’re thinking about taking up a job in an entirely unrelated field then it’s time to wise up. Look for blogs, books and online resources that educate and inform readers about the industry you wish to start your career. We all have to start somewhere, and the internet is a great place (says the digital marketer).

“ I graduated from University with a degree in Geography of all subjects. Something that was in no way related to a career in marketing and yet I’m here, and I love my job! It doesn’t come easy and requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but if you show knowledge and a willing to learn and adapt to your surroundings, that’s your foot in the door,” explains Jodie Ingle, Account Manager at Bigfoot Digital.

Think about your transferable skills

Just because you are transitioning into a new role doesn’t mean you aren’t at least somewhat equipped to take on the challenge. You are likely to have acquired skills from University that you can take with you into the working world. Don’t believe us? What about all those deadlines you had to meet, and that time you mapped out your entire week before an exam? That’s called time management, and it’s a skill that employers look for in all industries.

Be confident as Jen Penaluna, Bigfoot’s Digital Strategist says – “sometimes as a young graduate you don’t have the confidence to speak up and show employers what you are capable of. I studied Journalism before finding my place in marketing so was sure to make companies aware that I am frequent blogger as well as confident on social media. Those are transferable skills that will stand out at the interview stages.”

Back to basics

You have just graduated, which is great! You are brimming with knowledge and experience; the degree certificate plastered on your folks’ wall proves it. No matter what skills you have picked up from your time at University when you are new to a job, you will have to prove yourself all over again.

Forbes reports that while 70% of graduates think they have the skills needed to excel in the workplace, less than a third of employers agree. Now it’s over to you to prove them wrong! The best advice when preparing for an interview is to go in with examples of great work but to understand that you will need to put in some graft to highlight that you are right for the job.

Seek out successors

Changing careers can be an uphill battle with colleagues who have got far more experience coming out on top all the time. But, it’s all about perspective. Are you going to let this overcome you, or are you going to learn from them?

This is not a sign of failure as Marketing Executive, Emily Cocker explains, “I’ve been lucky enough to have employers and colleagues in the SEO industry that I owe so much of my professional growth to.” Seek out guidance from someone who you want to learn from, such as a manager or colleague who can give you some pointers to impress.

These are tips from graduates who, like yourself, started out with little experience in their field of work but who have been incredibly successful in their chosen digital marketing career. So, what are the next steps? Want to speak to a professional recruitment agency? Get in touch to discuss your options.

Bigfoot Digital is a digital marketing agency offering a range of services. Find out more about them on their site.