The marketing department of a business or company is responsible for a variety of tasks, including developing advertising strategies, designing logos, creating mailers and posters, creating brochures and other promotional materials, writing press releases, designing advertisements for a variety of media, and essentially promoting the business or brand name. Many people who work in the department start with marketing apprenticeships in which they learn the skills and techniques necessary to be successful in the field. Marketing apprenticeships are usually only offered to qualified candidates who either hold a college degree or are working toward one.
A degree in English or whatever language is spoken in a particular country or region is a great qualification for securing marketing apprenticeships, as are advertising or marketing degrees, communications degrees, or business degrees. Such programs will prepare the candidate for the rigors of the job and provide the candidate the skills necessary to perform the most basic job functions. Various private companies as well as government entities will offer marketing apprenticeships, and the potential candidate will need to do some research into the various requirements for application and acceptance. Some apprenticeships are designed specifically for students, while others are geared toward graduates who can take part in the apprenticeship long term to transition into full-time work.
Before heading into an interview for marketing apprenticeships, the best thing a candidate can do is prepare for the interview by learning as much as possible about the company and the markets it serves. This will ensure the employer can be confident in the candidate's ability to be successful in the position; it is important to remember that employers are looking to increase profits and name recognition, so the job candidate should be sure to focus on ideas as to how he or she intends to help the business achieve these goals. The interview is the most important step in securing an apprenticeship, and the more preparation one does beforehand to know the market and the business, the more likely he or she will be to get the position.
If the candidate is still enrolled in a degree program at a college or university, he or she may have career placement services at his or her disposal. This student should check with an academic advisor or career placement services to find the most appropriate internships for his or her qualifications. The career placement services department may also be able to help the candidate prepare a resume and fill out application materials appropriately.