I chose to study marketing as an apprenticeship rather than a university course as I wasn’t sure if it was 100% what I wanted to do, and learning on the job appealed to me more: being a home bird and a believer in hands on experience.
And although this year has helped me decide I would love to continue a career in marketing, I’m happy I learnt everything I have this year while working on the job, as it’s helped me understand new concepts and put them straight into practice. As my first year as a marketer has flown by, I thought I’d share with you 10 things I’ve learnt so far…
1.
It really is my 3 A-Level subjects rolled into one! After studying English Language, Media Studies, and Business Studies over GCSE and A-level, marketing has highlighted skills I’ve learnt in all three subjects. Luckily none of the trickier business content that used to make me stress cry has cropped up!
2.
There’s more to marketing than just social media – even though a large part of my current role is using social media, there’s a whole world of marketing activities out there!
3.
Search Engine Optimization (or SEO for us marketers) is a big deal. After creating countless mind maps and following my way through YouTube videos – I think I have a pretty good idea of the do’s and don’ts!
4.
Internal events are great for content and getting colleagues to have a laugh and destress – but it’s bloody hard to get some people involved!
5.
Networking is promoted as key here there and everywhere, but the networking I’ve undertaken at local marketing workshops have helped me so much. Talking to other marketers or those looking to start their marketing and passing on ideas was one of the first times I’ve felt professional and properly grown up – which doesn’t happen very often!
6.
Trends change all the time. Whether it’s Facebook algorithms or the rise of Instagram TV – us marketers have to stay on our toes and be ready for what’s new, which can be quite tricky without a flexible strategy.
7.
Screen headaches are a regular occurrence for me but I’ve learnt when to take breaks or go back to my school roots and do some hand drawn mind maps to help my noggin! - I love a good mind map!
8.
Pay day treats are a real thing and are starting to take over my life slightly – but hey at least it’s motivation!
9.
Even though I’ve woken up at the same time for about 9 years now I still can’t hack mornings and don’t fully function until 10 o clock.
10.
Marketing is definitely right up my street! Coming up with content ideas, drafting social media posts, designing graphics (Canva has been a life saver!), editing a website, creating internal documents, developing brochures, planning events, taking photos, planning staff events, and working as part of a small marketing team have all been a part of my first year of a marketeer. I’m looking forward to developing my skills and seeing what else marketing has to offer!
University vs Apprenticeships
I hope this has either given you a little insight into marketing! Uni isn’t for everyone, it definitely wasn’t my cup of tea and I don’t regret not going. Learning while you earn is another route to consider if you’re like me and couldn’t stand the pressure of schools promoting Uni as the one and only option* but I’m looking forward to starting my second year in marketing and can’t wait to keep learning as I work!
*not knocking it, Uni is fantastic for most people, just not home birds like me! (Love you Harbados, you'll do just fine for now xo)
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