Career Dilemma: How do I Make a Career Change into Marketing?
Thu, February 16, 2012 at 12:00 
Question: "I'm looking at making a career change and would like some advice! I currently work in education (FE) in a dual teaching and support role, I have been doing this for four years since I left university (English BA) . At the moment I feel a little bit trapped and don't feel there will be many opportunities to progress and I can't see myself staying in this kind of role long term.
I am very keen to try and make a career change into Marketing, possibly digital makerting or working for a small local company. I have taught myself quite a few skills in this area by marketing my own band for the past 4 years. I have put on my own events and successfully marketed them through print and digital media. It may sound lame but this is an area I am passionate about and I find myself constantly analysing how companies market themselves and how the consumer will react. I also think that I have picked up skills that will transfer well from my education background (an eye for detail, proof reading etc). Do you have any advice or suggestions?"
Our Response:
Thank you for sharing your situation. It sounds like you are really clear about wanting to get into Marketing and about making a career change. This, although it may feel rather challenging, is a great position to be in. If you are passionate about what you want to do, you will have a lot of energy and enthusiasm to make that shift happen, which is what will really help you to drive this career change.
The fact that you are actively seeking ways to build up your experience and to gain skills in this area is excellent. It will show future employers that you are dedicated to this field, have a real interest in it and are also willing to do what it takes to succeed. This is very powerful in itself for establishing yourself in the field and as a serious contender to getting a role within it.
What I would suggest as a way forwards, is for you to maybe have a think about which area within Marketing is right for you? What do you find most interesting? Which bit suits you the best? Is it digital marketing – and if so – which aspect of digital marketing do you want to focus in on? Digital Marketing is a very big field in itself – so the clearer you can get about where you want to fit in within it, the better chance you will have of getting it. So - how focused can you get around exactly the type of role, company, agency, tasks – you really want to be getting involved in? You also mentioned thinking about wanting to work for a small local company. That’s great. Ok so – why, what type exactly? How small is small? How local is local? I would encourage you to try and be as specific as possible in what you are aiming for so that you can focus all of your efforts into this area.
What you may also find interesting to read is our 100 Essential Career Change Tips ebook. I hope that this is helpful.
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