If you want to become a marketing executive, the important thing to remember is not to expect to sit in a big-windowed office right away, even if you've earned a degree in the industry. Still, being driven to achieve the career goals you want is crucial since marketing is a results-oriented, proactive field. If you want to become a marketing executive, you'll have to first and foremost sell your skills to employers.
If you can't sell your skills persuasively in cover letters, resumes and in-person meetings with employers, no one is likely to hire you, as good marketers know how to represent brands effectively, especially themselves. Even if your marketing experience is minimal, you'll need to highlight what you have done on your resume. Listing everything in point form beginning with a verb is a great way to do this for several reasons when you want to become a marketing executive.
First, point form, or bullets, are often used in marketing copy as a way of making information easy to read and attention-getting. Second, starting with a verb not only makes your words jump out more from the page and create an impression, but hiring managers looking for marketing personnel typically want someone who is "hands on," motivated and active in their work. So instead of writing "I crafted a great marketing campaign for my college's annual fundraiser" you would start with a bullet point, use point-form and begin with a verb and add stronger, specific words to write something more like "• Created successful marketing campaign for Henderson College's annual Casino Night fundraiser." The more specific and detailed you can be when listing your accomplishments, the more powerful the communication becomes; this style of writing is important to master if you hope to become a marketing executive.
To get an entry-level executive job such as an assistant to a marketing director, at least a bachelor's degree is usually necessary. If you want to become a marketing executive such as a director or manager, a master's of business administration (MBA) degree may be required. Choosing a degree program or school with student internships at marketing agencies or corporate marketing departments can be a good way to break into the industry and possibly develop future contacts. Internship job contacts may lead to an entry-level assistant executive position.
Working well both as part of a team and individually is essential if you want to become a marketing executive. You have to be results-driven, but also deadline-oriented to be at the top in marketing. Understanding not just branding, but the entire marketing mix of product, place, price and promotion is crucial; you should study all aspects of these components as well as learn to strategically construct campaigns. Joining a reputable marketing professionals organization can provide you with industry knowledge as well as contacts and a great point to list on your resume.
