Moving into marketing?

If you’re thinking of switching career, then look no further.

Check out these valuable resources to help you on your journey. 

Did you know that the average person will change careers between 3 to 7 times during their lifetime? 

Maybe you’re stuck in a job that isn’t for you or the passion you once had is gone and you’re thinking about a career change. Whilst switching career is normal and far more common than we think, it can be overwhelming to figure out your next steps. 

We’ve found some of the best communities and resources available to support you on your career change journey.

Why choose a career in marketing?

If you’re creative, like variety, and are self-motivated then marketing could be a great fit for you. 

As a fast paced and ever-changing industry there’s an increasing demand for new marketing professionals with an array of roles to choose from depending on your interests and expertise. But why choose a career in marketing?

It's a growing field

You can be creative

Work collaboratively

Career change checklist

Identify your transferable skills

No matter where you've worked before, you'll have a set of transferable skills that can be applied to a marketing specialism.

Create your own experience

Finding work experience isn't easy, so create your own. From starting a blog to creating content, there are endless opportunities.

Add to and update your CV

Before applying for anything make sure to add to and update your CV with new skills, qualifications, and experiences.

Grow your skillset

Take advantage of online resources and communities to expand your knowledge and boost your employability.

Reach out to your network

Don't forget to reach out to those around you, in person and online, as you never know what opportunities could come up.

Make sure its for the right reasons

Changing career is a big decision, so take time to think about it and make sure it's something you want to do.

Communities for career change

Girls in Marketing

At Girls in Marketing, we’re on a mission to reignite the spark and excitement in professional and aspiring marketers throughout their career by providing education, community and development opportunities.

As a career changer, our community is a great place to learn and share your experience with other professional and aspiring marketers.

Careershifters

Careershifters is an online community where you can connect with others in the same position, be inspired by those who have successfully changed career, and find practical information. 

It aims to help bright, motivated people who feel stuck in the wrong career find and move into fulfilling work. 

Escape The City

Escape The City is an online community designed to help people find and create work they love. 

With a dedicated jobs board, resources on career change, freelancing, and starting a business, Escape The City have an array of resources to help you on your career switch journey.

Prospects

Whilst Prospects are the experts in graduate careers, guiding students and graduates to a bright future, they have a wonderful range of career advice and resources.

From what to expect from job applications and interview tips, to how to write a cover letter and finding a new career, Prospects can help you if you’re thinking about making the move. 

Books for career change

The Career Change Guide

By Rachel Schofield

This empowering, practical guide takes the confusion, fear and indecision out of career change. Whether making small adjustments or life-changing moves, it provides simple, achievable steps to turn your dreams into reality.

The Career Change Guide will help you investigate your skills as well as discover your drives, interests and inspirations. 

The Squiggly Career

By Helen Tupper & Sarah Ellis

Today, we’re living in a world of squiggly careers, where moving frequently and fluidly between roles, industries, locations, and even careers, is becoming the new normal. Squiggly careers can feel stressful and overwhelming, but if you know how to make the most of them, they can be full of opportunity, freedom and purpose.

Packed with insights about the changing shape of work and inspiration from highly successful people, The Squiggly Career will fuel your growth and help you be happier, and ultimately more successful in your career.

Podcasts for career change

The Girls in Marketing Podcast

In our much-loved podcast, we get up close and personal with marketers revolutionising the industry so you can learn from the best in the game.

From the latest marketing trends to building a successful marketing career, no topic is off limits! 

We release a new episode EVERY Wednesday so make sure you tune in each week for new guests, topics and marketing wisdom!

Career Warrior Podcast

Chris Villanueva, CEO & Co-Founder of Let’s Eat, Grandma resume service, proudly hosts the Career Warrior Podcast for job seekers of all backgrounds. 

You will hear job-hunting strategies from industry leaders, resume experts, and top coaches to help guide you through your career.

The Career Warrior Podcast covers the best career-related content by discussing all topics relevant to all entry-level applicants, mid-career candidates, and high-level executives – from the ideal resume page formatting to writing a resignation letter. We want you to become the best professional you can be in your career!

Happen To Your Career

Happen To Your Career aims to provide the inspiration, tools, and roadmaps to move from where you are to work that matters to you and uniquely fits your strengths and talents.

Join Scott Anthony Barlow as he chats with successful career changers and experts in psychology, negotiation, signature strengths, happiness, work culture, and unconventional career change. 

Squiggly Careers

Squiggly Careers is a weekly podcast that wants to help you take control of your career development.

Together founders of Amazing If, Sarah Ellis and Helen Tupper, cover all things work. From how to manage stress and overcome your confidence gremlins to micro-aggressions and discovering your strengths.

Each episode is full of ideas, actions, hints and tips that you can put into practise straight away.

Once a month they take a break from talking to each other to interview other people who are leading the way in making work better.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, marketing is a great career. As a growing industry, there's so much opportunity to grow professionally. And, with a variety of roles available,  you'll be sure to find something that suits your skillset.

Whilst the skills you need may differ depending on a chosen specialism, some top marketing skills include:

  • Communication
  • Creativity
  • Problem-solving
  • Collaboration
  • Adaptability
  • Attention to detail

A marketing specialism is a particular area of marketing you can concentrate on. You can pick a specialism depending on your skill set and interests. For example, content or social media marketing.

Yes! Whilst having a degree is valuable, you don’t need one to progress into and have a successful career in marketing. 

Writing a blog, starting a social media page or volunteering for a charity are just some great examples of how you can create and gain valuable experience.

Whilst there is no right or wrong way to start a career in marketing, there are steps you can take to help you get there:

  1. Begin by making sure marketing is the right industry for you
  2. Pick a specialism 
  3. Brush up on your marketing knowledge
  4. Ensure your CV is up to date
  5. Build your network
  6. Apply for jobs