How did I get into Marketing? By pure chance is the answer.
Looking back I was doing elements of Marketing from an early age. My parents ran their own business, home computers were relatively new and my dad struggled with PowerPoint so I started building his sales presentations for him. I also created a photoshoot with his hands holding my light-up globe (they were an export packing company). I then painstakingly cut out his hands using paint (!) to create a brochure which at the time really stood out. Later I designed their new company logo, letterhead etc. I thought I was just playing around in new computer programs. I had no idea what marketing was.
During college I studied English Language and Literature, Politics and Sociology. Looking back these are all relevant to Marketing. Politics shapes the economic landscape, Sociology taught me about demographics and human behaviour. English taught me how to copywrite. College pushed me to go to university and all my friends were going but I didn’t know what I wanted to do and didn’t want to spend a large amount of money on something I might not ever use. The only career option presented to me at college was Accountancy and I definitely didn’t want to do that! So I left college and entered the world of work.
I worked in reception/admin roles, one of which brought me in-depth knowledge of Excel – another useful skill for Marketing! I was able to analyse data, display it in an easy to read format and write complex formulas.
I then found a job as a Marketing Assistant which sounded interesting from the job description. I really enjoyed it and my boss at the time was really supportive and suggested I study with the CIM if I wanted to take Marketing seriously. I started the Level 4 Professional Certificate in Marketing (equivalent to A-Level). At first I found the jargon difficult to get my head around but I stuck with it and completed the work in evenings and at weekends over a period of 18 months.
I progressed in my career working as a Marketing Executive and then decided to study the Level 6 Professional Diploma in Marketing (equivalent to a degree). This one was a hard slog alongside work. I again studied in evenings and weekends, often sacrificing social events. The benefit of this approach though is that I was still working and earning. The company I worked at also fully funded the course.
The Level 6 course took my skills to a new level and I was able to write comprehensive marketing plans based on data insights and efficiently deliver on projects. This provided the company at the time with impactful strategies.
As I moved further and progressed from Manager to Director level I decided to complete the Level 7 Marketing Leadership Program (equivalent to a Masters degree). From this course I gained knowledge in leading change and driving business growth. As I then moved into freelancing I then completed the Level 7 consultancy module to aid me in making the transition from employee to contractor.
So, what’s next? For now, running my own business and being mum to two under 5 is plenty! Though I am currently writing a pantomime… more on that another time!
What’s the reason for my ramblings? As many are starting a new year at college or university it was to share a few points;
It’s ok not to have it all planned out. If you don’t know what you want to do, try a few things. You have nothing to lose and every experience brings new learnings that will benefit you later. Even my very early work days age 16 on the deli counter at Waitrose gave me skills I still use today (and introduced me to cheeses I may never have tried!)
Walk your own line. My college were not supportive of my decision not to go to university and even suggested I left early (“what’s the point of continuing with your A-levels if you aren’t going to university?”) but I stuck to my guns, completed my studies and followed my own path.
Play the long game. Each course took a minimum of 18 months to complete and the timeline for my career spans 22 years. There are no quick ways to learn or gain experience, its all about time, consistency and continual learning. Don’t stagnate - keep moving and growing.
