When considering a career in marketing, there are so many different paths you can choose from, and then climb the career ladder from there.
When starting out, you may benefit from first thinking about the different marketing disciplines you may want to specialise in, such as:
- Social media
- Events
- Pay per click
- Content marketing
- Email marketing
- Digital marketing
- Brand
- Graphic design
Entry-level positions
Entry-level positions typically require either a university degree or a marketing qualification, and a demonstratable passion for marketing (top tip: freelancing, volunteering, or interning is a great way to demonstrate your passion!). Some employers may take you on as an apprentice after leaving school or college and put you through professional qualifications too. A few examples of entry-level marketing positions are:
- Marketing assistant/coordinator/executive
- Social media coordinator
- SEO executive
- Events coordinator
- Account executive
- Graphic designer
During your day-to-day work in job roles such as the above, you will be responsible for areas such as conducting research, planning and delivering small marketing campaigns, and carrying out administrative tasks.
The starting salary for entry-level marketing positions typically starts between £18,000 and £22,000, with marketing executives earning up to £30,000.
Senior-level positions
As you gain more responsibility and marketing experience in your role, you can then look to progress and move up the career ladder. Once you have around four years’ experience, you could be considered for a senior role such as the following:
- Senior marketing executive
- Marketing manager
- Account manager
- Social media manager
- PPC manager
- Brand manager
- PR manager
- SEO manager
To be considered for a senior marketing position at this level you will have a good track record of delivering results and strong leadership skills. Your responsibilities will include managing and mentoring members of the marketing team, creating marketing strategies, researching market trends and competitors, and monitoring budgets and return on investment.
The salary for marketing managers typically ranges from £30,000 to £45,000, depending on the location and type of business you work for.
Director-level positions
At the top end of the scale in the marketing profession are marketing directors. Marketing directors are responsible for the success of the overall marketing strategy, brand, and marketing team in general. They will take the time to assess and analyse the results of marketing strategy and any findings from research or reports produced by the marketing team to make changes if necessary to improve performance. Marketing directors can expect to earn upwards of £45,000.