Tips for starting career in Digital Marketing

[gmbonfig]

Hi everyone! I'm a new grad interested in working in digital marketing and brand identity! I've joined HubSpot Academy to learn new skills that will help me in my future career. 

Does anyone have any tips when it comes to jumping into the Digital Marketing industry? 

[danmoyle]

Hey there @gmbonfig and welcome to the Community, and the HubSpot universe! 

I think you're on the right track, being open to learning and coachable. Also, Academy is stop 1 for sure. 

In addition to other advice you'll see here from great folks, I'll share a little about my perspective. I think books are a great place to find information and inspiration. And if you don't know where to start, one of my favorite podcasts is the Marketing Book Podcast with Douglass Burdett. He interviews authors so it's like reading the cliff notes of a marketing (or sales) book every week. And when you find one that resonates, you can buy the book and read the full deal. 

I'm also a fan of the advice from @Jnix284 on volunteering with nonprofits to build your skills and resume. Plus the willingness to start "at the bottom," and work your way up. I went from being a marketing beginner and blog writer to a CMO over the course of about 7 years. It takes time, but it's possible. 

Finally, one thing I love to see is marketers doing their own thing and experimenting. Do you create Tik Toks? Do you run your own Discord channel? Do you have a newsletter you publish? Create, test, analyze, and iterate. Even when it's your own "personal brand." You'll build skills and intuition. 

[Jnix284]

Love the suggestion about doing your own expirementing @danmoyle, it's such a valuable hands-on way to learn!

[kvlschaefer]

Hi @gmbonfig, 

Welcome to the Community and congratulations on starting your digital marketing journey! 

Let's ask our study group members if they have any career advice: Hi @danmoyle, @Jnix284, @jolle - Do you have any tips for @gmbonfig? Thank you! 

Best, 

Kristen

[Jnix284]

Welcome @gmbonfig and congratulations on your journey with digital marketing!

I recommend signing up for a free HubSpot account that you can use to create a brand website for yourself - it can be a simple website to start with your experience and any work from your degree or internships.

This website would be a great place to showcase examples of your work that you complete as part of your certifications from HubSpot Academy.

You can then practice your digital marketing skills on your own website, by promoting on social, working on SEO, etc.

Volunteering for local non-profits is another great way to build experience and help those in need who can't afford to pay a full-time marketer or agency.

p.s. thanks for the tag @kvlschaefer 🙌

[danmoyle]

+1 for all that @Jnix284 offers here.