Struggling to Start my Marketing Career after University
I graduated with a first in Business Management and Marketing Management. I have some experience under my belt with running a social media campaign and work experience I did with my university. Furthermore, I have been improving my knowledge and skills with LinkedIn Learning. I have had a couple of interviews over the months with them not being successful and the feedback I have received has not been very informative. Usually, it is along the lines of "it was a close call" and "there isn't much we can say that was bad". The overarching factor was that I lacked experience. Now, I have worked hard for my first yet even for entry-level and graduate roles I feel so unemployable and that the degree hasn't even helped. I can't afford to do unpaid volunteering or placements and I feel even getting a part-time job is difficult because I'm "overqualified". I just feel I've been marketing myself, perfecting my CV, and improving my skills/knowledge and it still feels like I'm stuck. Any advice would be appreciated on what I could do but it might just be a waiting game.
(edited 1 year ago)
I've known at least a couple of people who entered large firms in different roles (admin support work, such as in human resources) and waited for an opportunity to open up in marketing. Keep going for those marketing roles but be open-minded about other things, as long as the company itself has a marketing department. Or get a job in a completely different work area so you gain employment experience, if you lack it. But, at the same time, develop your marketing skills independently, via social media (nothing contentious of course). You might be able to volunteer your skills in your spare time (eg marketing a local theatre group by helping with their publicity, posters etc). I agree that some employers might see you as 'overqualified' for certain roles, but keep trying.
Reply 2
Original post by NathanR21
I graduated with a first in Business Management and Marketing Management. I have some experience under my belt with running a social media campaign and work experience I did with my university. Furthermore, I have been improving my knowledge and skills with LinkedIn Learning. I have had a couple of interviews over the months with them not being successful and the feedback I have received has not been very informative. Usually, it is along the lines of "it was a close call" and "there isn't much we can say that was bad". The overarching factor was that I lacked experience. Now, I have worked hard for my first yet even for entry-level and graduate roles I feel so unemployable and that the degree hasn't even helped. I can't afford to do unpaid volunteering or placements and I feel even getting a part-time job is difficult because I'm "overqualified". I just feel I've been marketing myself, perfecting my CV, and improving my skills/knowledge and it still feels like I'm stuck. Any advice would be appreciated on what I could do but it might just be a waiting game.
Start up your own marketing agency, I have experience with doing that... it's a long arduous process, but the lessons you will learn coupled with the progress you can make makes it all the more worthwhile.
Reply 3
Original post by Labbvava5st
Start up your own marketing agency, I have experience with doing that... it's a long arduous process, but the lessons you will learn coupled with the progress you can make makes it all the more worthwhile.
How did you go about starting your own agency? I'm also looking to get into a marketing career after finishing uni, but like most, I don't have much experience in actual marketing work. I've been thinking about taking on freelance projects where I can to get at least some experience, but it's far and few to come by.
Reply 4
Original post by NathanR21
I graduated with a first in Business Management and Marketing Management. I have some experience under my belt with running a social media campaign and work experience I did with my university. Furthermore, I have been improving my knowledge and skills with LinkedIn Learning. I have had a couple of interviews over the months with them not being successful and the feedback I have received has not been very informative. Usually, it is along the lines of "it was a close call" and "there isn't much we can say that was bad". The overarching factor was that I lacked experience. Now, I have worked hard for my first yet even for entry-level and graduate roles I feel so unemployable and that the degree hasn't even helped. I can't afford to do unpaid volunteering or placements and I feel even getting a part-time job is difficult because I'm "overqualified". I just feel I've been marketing myself, perfecting my CV, and improving my skills/knowledge and it still feels like I'm stuck. Any advice would be appreciated on what I could do but it might just be a waiting game.
Hey @NathanR21
Sorry to hear you're struggling to land a job after graduating! But I agree with what Lilyanne2 said above, you can always make your way into a marketing role in a large company.
I started working as an admin assistant at Birmingham City University. I got to know the Marketing team, offered to help them out with things when I could and did online training courses and social media bits in my free time. After a year and a half a marketing position came up and I felt like I had so much more experience and that I was ready to apply.
I now work in marketing and love it! I'm really glad that I joined a company as an assistant and got to know the company before moving onto a marketing role, so that might be a good option for you to consider also.
I hope that helps,
Abbie
BCU Staff Rep
Reply 5
Original post by NathanR21
I graduated with a first in Business Management and Marketing Management. I have some experience under my belt with running a social media campaign and work experience I did with my university. Furthermore, I have been improving my knowledge and skills with LinkedIn Learning. I have had a couple of interviews over the months with them not being successful and the feedback I have received has not been very informative. Usually, it is along the lines of "it was a close call" and "there isn't much we can say that was bad". The overarching factor was that I lacked experience. Now, I have worked hard for my first yet even for entry-level and graduate roles I feel so unemployable and that the degree hasn't even helped. I can't afford to do unpaid volunteering or placements and I feel even getting a part-time job is difficult because I'm "overqualified". I just feel I've been marketing myself, perfecting my CV, and improving my skills/knowledge and it still feels like I'm stuck. Any advice would be appreciated on what I could do but it might just be a waiting game.
They're such competitive roles so it's great you've been told that you're a strong candidate - I'd just keep persisting!!
Reply 6
Original post by NathanR21
I graduated with a first in Business Management and Marketing Management. I have some experience under my belt with running a social media campaign and work experience I did with my university. Furthermore, I have been improving my knowledge and skills with LinkedIn Learning. I have had a couple of interviews over the months with them not being successful and the feedback I have received has not been very informative. Usually, it is along the lines of "it was a close call" and "there isn't much we can say that was bad". The overarching factor was that I lacked experience. Now, I have worked hard for my first yet even for entry-level and graduate roles I feel so unemployable and that the degree hasn't even helped. I can't afford to do unpaid volunteering or placements and I feel even getting a part-time job is difficult because I'm "overqualified". I just feel I've been marketing myself, perfecting my CV, and improving my skills/knowledge and it still feels like I'm stuck. Any advice would be appreciated on what I could do but it might just be a waiting game.
Keep looking for opportunities and applying. I believe with a constant effort you can achieve success. For preparation, this might help - it's a really good guide, giving you the right answers:
-
Read morehttps://www.interviewgold.com/advice/marketing-interview-questions-and-answers/
Wish you good luck!
Reply 7
Original post by NathanR21
I graduated with a first in Business Management and Marketing Management. I have some experience under my belt with running a social media campaign and work experience I did with my university. Furthermore, I have been improving my knowledge and skills with LinkedIn Learning. I have had a couple of interviews over the months with them not being successful and the feedback I have received has not been very informative. Usually, it is along the lines of "it was a close call" and "there isn't much we can say that was bad". The overarching factor was that I lacked experience. Now, I have worked hard for my first yet even for entry-level and graduate roles I feel so unemployable and that the degree hasn't even helped. I can't afford to do unpaid volunteering or placements and I feel even getting a part-time job is difficult because I'm "overqualified". I just feel I've been marketing myself, perfecting my CV, and improving my skills/knowledge and it still feels like I'm stuck. Any advice would be appreciated on what I could do but it might just be a waiting game.
Do you have blockchain knowledge/experience?
Reply 8
Look at going into an area allied to Marketing, such as Advertising, Account Management or Business Development, as they often offer better career paths than marketing. Good sectors to go for include Recruitment, Luxury Fashion, and Real Estate.
Reply 9
Original post by NathanR21
I graduated with a first in Business Management and Marketing Management. I have some experience under my belt with running a social media campaign and work experience I did with my university. Furthermore, I have been improving my knowledge and skills with LinkedIn Learning. I have had a couple of interviews over the months with them not being successful and the feedback I have received has not been very informative. Usually, it is along the lines of "it was a close call" and "there isn't much we can say that was bad". The overarching factor was that I lacked experience. Now, I have worked hard for my first yet even for entry-level and graduate roles I feel so unemployable and that the degree hasn't even helped. I can't afford to do unpaid volunteering or placements and I feel even getting a part-time job is difficult because I'm "overqualified". I just feel I've been marketing myself, perfecting my CV, and improving my skills/knowledge and it still feels like I'm stuck. Any advice would be appreciated on what I could do but it might just be a waiting game.
I can completely understand how helpless this must be—you try so hard, and something like this feels like being stuck in a rut. A few ideas:
Show impact: Practical results should be emphasized, especially from your social media campaign or your experience in the university – employers are always interested in seeing outcomes.
Portfolio: Some of the ideas might help you give life to your ideas, and create your own small projects, for instance, the mock social media campaign.
Networking: It is always about who you know- use linked in to identify people in your field and then request for advice.
Short-term roles: Sometimes people do not want to apply for part-time or contract jobs because of perceiving themselves as being below your level of education; nevertheless, you should remember that these jobs can help to gain experience.
It’s hard, but you have been doing a lot great job already. In some cases, it actually does seem to be as simple as who will keep trying harder longer. Anyone else have tips?
Reply 10
Try doing internships and apprenticeships, as these will help you stand out, and you will get valuable links to a sector and a network of contacts. Some internships do turn into careers.
For every marketing job advertised on my companies website we are getting over 100 applications!
Our basic selection criteria (in order)
1) Work experience - best candidates have lots of this. The better the candidate the more they have. Stacking shelves is not rated. Volunteer work is of interest.
2) Sector or industry focus - how committed to a career in the industry is the person
3) Personality - some people just can't communicate or work with people
4) Work ethic - how determined and driven is the person - university team sports are excellent for this plus work experience
5) University attended. More interest in why chosen regardless of university rank. Is there a logical process for choice or is it ego?
6) Degree subject - why did they choose that subject and university? Undergraduate business degrees - is it from a noted Triple accredited school or not?
7) Lastly, grade of degree - 20% of university graduates have a 1st.
We look for motivated, engaging, personable, intelligent, and those with a very strong work ethic. Some graduates think we are lucky to be interviewing them...they don't succeed.
For every marketing job advertised on my companies website we are getting over 100 applications!
Our basic selection criteria (in order)
1) Work experience - best candidates have lots of this. The better the candidate the more they have. Stacking shelves is not rated. Volunteer work is of interest.
2) Sector or industry focus - how committed to a career in the industry is the person
3) Personality - some people just can't communicate or work with people
4) Work ethic - how determined and driven is the person - university team sports are excellent for this plus work experience
5) University attended. More interest in why chosen regardless of university rank. Is there a logical process for choice or is it ego?
6) Degree subject - why did they choose that subject and university? Undergraduate business degrees - is it from a noted Triple accredited school or not?
7) Lastly, grade of degree - 20% of university graduates have a 1st.
We look for motivated, engaging, personable, intelligent, and those with a very strong work ethic. Some graduates think we are lucky to be interviewing them...they don't succeed.
(edited 5 months ago)
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