Marketing graduate trying to make it

It's been 1 year and a half since I graduated with a 2.2 in an Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations degree. I know I totally shot myself in the foot with my classification, because the majority of companies I'd say about 60-70% require 2.1. However, I've worked hard for over a year completed 3 internships and 2 voluntary placements as well as working part time and running family businesses. I know I have enough of my CV now to put me in advantage but most importantly know that it is the right career for me. I haven't succeeded in any interviews so far. Feedback was very positive but some said I lacked a little on confidence, so I have taken that on board. Definitely not happening again! The interviews I got were through recruitment agencies.

I am fully adamant that this is the career path for me and will not stop till I achieve my dream. I would like to know if anyone in my position has struggled like I have? And if anyone can give me any tips in looking for work or adding anything to my CV that will put me at an advantage? I would appreciate any advice at all.

At the moment I am looking to attend networking events within the marketing industry and connecting with profressionals on Linkedin.

Reply 1

marketinguni

Hi there,

It sounds like you've got loads of great experience and you're working on your interview technique so that's brilliant. It's a tough job market out there but even if you're not happy with your degree classification, you've got a solid CV. There are loads of free online courses you can take from companies like HubSpot and Google to improve your marketing and advertising techniques and add it to your CV if you want extras. It's also important to work on your personal brand with things like LinkedIn, maybe start a Twitter for professional purposes? A lot of recruiters use social media so that's one option.

Good luck!
Stacey
Marketing Uni

Reply 2

Cindi Mayweather

5

Original post by ripabg

It's been 1 year and a half since I graduated with a 2.2 in an Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations degree. I know I totally shot myself in the foot with my classification, because the majority of companies I'd say about 60-70% require 2.1. However, I've worked hard for over a year completed 3 internships and 2 voluntary placements as well as working part time and running family businesses. I know I have enough of my CV now to put me in advantage but most importantly know that it is the right career for me. I haven't succeeded in any interviews so far. Feedback was very positive but some said I lacked a little on confidence, so I have taken that on board. Definitely not happening again! The interviews I got were through recruitment agencies.

I am fully adamant that this is the career path for me and will not stop till I achieve my dream. I would like to know if anyone in my position has struggled like I have? And if anyone can give me any tips in looking for work or adding anything to my CV that will put me at an advantage? I would appreciate any advice at all.

At the moment I am looking to attend networking events within the marketing industry and connecting with profressionals on Linkedin.

Hi there - may I ask if you're looking for a marketing, PR or advertising job? I work in PR if I can be of any help on that side of things...feel free to pm me.

Firstly, Don't give up hope! A degree classification isn't the be all and end all. Try targeting smaller, boutique agencies that need an entry-level role to support them as the larger companies often have rigid entry requirements e.g. degree class and you'll be competing against lots of others for few permanent roles at the end of the internship. Contact them directly rather than going through an agency. While you're there, the key is to make yourself invaluable to the team in some way. You'll most likely be first pick when their next role comes up.

Secondly, think about the industry sector that most interests you. Rather than just thinking 'I want to do PR' for example, think 'My main interests lie in travel and food, so that's the sector I'd most likely to be involved in a PR capacity'. Then have a google and target agencies that specialise in food/travel PR. Chances are if you're already interested in travel and food you'll already be engaged in some way, whether it's reading travel and food blogs, reading travel/food magazines, loving to cook, knowing about the best local restaurants and food trends, following your favourite chefs on twitter and knowing what they're up to, watching travel/food programmes etc etc. It's much more impressive to demonstrate a genuine passion for something that interests you than stating your grades or how many weeks/months of work experience you racked up at previous companies. You can learn all the skills on the job but you can't teach passion.

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 3

samsonsh1

My story is similar to yours and I eventually made it after not giving up. Hang in there!

I totally agree with samsonsh1, hang in there! Someone will notice how valuable your skills are eventually. Just don't let your passion for the field wane in the time it takes to happen. And do look into promoting yourself online or starting an advertising blog, for example. It'll give you the edge above competition :smile:

Marketing graduate trying to make it

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