5 Tips for Making a Career Change into Digital Marketing

Are you thinking about making a career change into digital marketing? Not really sure what one is or how to achieve it? We’ve got everything you need to know!

A career change is a shift in your career path, usually prompted by a change in interests or skills. There are a variety of reasons to make a career change, but the most common one is that you’re no longer interested in your current career path and want to find something new. If you’re feeling burnt out, unfulfilled, or like you’re in a career rut, it might be time for a change. When it comes to having a career change, there are a few essential steps you need to take in order to ensure a smooth and successful transition. 

Fun fact…I recently made a career change into digital marketing after leaving the NHS, so I know first hand just how daunting a big change can be! Luckily for me, the team at Bronco were all very welcoming, supportive and patient so I can say confidently that having a friendly team makes a huge difference! I’d always had an interest in, and felt like I already had a good idea about digital marketing before I started…. especially after listening to my husband Matt, aka Bronco’s Digital Marketing Manager, talk a lot about his job during our time together. 

Once I knew I wanted to make the change I started to look into what I needed to do and voila….here I am, loving my job and happier than ever! So what do you need to do to successfully make the big jump?

Here are five tips to help you make a successful career change into digital marketing:

1. Determine what your skills and interests are

When looking at your skills and interests, there are a few key things to think about. First, think about what you like to do and, importantly, what you’re good at. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What do you enjoy doing most? This is always a good place to start!

It’s always a good idea to get some qualifications behind you if possible as a lot of employers look for this on your CV. You can do a lot of courses online specific to different roles, but it’s always a good idea to start off with a basic online marketing course and branch out from there. Before I started my new job, one of the courses I found really useful was the Social Media Marketing course provided by the Shaw Academy. If you don’t already work for a company that has access to these resources you may need to pay for one yourself so it’s important not to waste money on irrelevant courses, make sure you find the right one for you!

2. Do your research

Next, consider how your skills and interests could be applied to the digital marketing field. Could you see yourself working in social media marketing, digital media/content marketing, PPC or the technical SEO route? There are lots of digital marketing career paths to choose from and it can be a little overwhelming knowing which one is right for you, so it’s important to find one that aligns with your skills and interests.

3. Get connected

Once you’ve done those first few steps and have started to get your foot in the door from a knowledge perspective, it’s time to get your foot in the door! Start networking with people in the digital marketing industry, attend events if you can, connect with people on social media, and reach out to your network of contacts. The more connected you are, the better your chances of getting your dream job.

4. Land the job

When you’re ready to start applying for jobs, be sure to put your best foot forward. Tailor your CV and cover letter to each position, and highlight your relevant skills and experience, and make sure to mention any digital marketing courses or certifications you have. Don’t worry about not having any relevant experience directly to marketing, even just including experiences from your previous jobs and talking about how they can be applied to a new career is a great start! Remember, everyone has to start somewhere and the fact you’re willing to learn by doing courses independently says a lot! 

5. Hit the ground running

Once you get the job…and you will… It’s time to start working hard and making the most of your career change. Get involved in projects, learn as much as you can, ask for help and build relationships with your colleagues. The more you put into your career change, the more successful it will be. Everyone will know you’re new so don’t be too hard on yourself, ask lots of questions, carry on with your own learning and development and you will be well on your way! 

Making a career change can be a big undertaking, but if you follow these tips, you’ll be on your way to a successful new career in digital marketing!