Does anyone work in marketing/know anything about it?

[bratnav]

I am thinking about a change in career (actually getting one) as the last DD starts school in September.

I want to do something creative where I can use my brain and DP suggested marketing (he is a media type).

Any insights/thoughts/experiences good or bad gratefully received

Oh BTW, I do appreciate that I will have to start at the bottom

[bratnav]

Thanks Ruby, do you think a degree is a necessity if I went in at say a marketing assistant level?

I am trying to decide if people would look at my work experience and age and think it was a good thing (mostly legal/paralegal work) or think I was too old (nearly 30).

I am willing to work full time, but do you end up working silly hours all the time?

My sense of the absurd is very well developed, my DP as I said is in media so it has rubbed off a bit

[intheskywithdiamonds]

Hello, I was wondering about the same thing. I have been working in Market Research for 4 months and HATE it (the hours are insane, no-over time and I am very jealous of all the marketers who I meet and wish I had their jobs!)It was always going to be a stepping stone into marketing but I think I am ready to make the jump much sooner than planned.

I have a degree in graphic design, but am finding it hard to find entry level jobs with a semi-respectable salary.

[squeaver]

A good way might be to work at assistant level either in big company with a big marketing dept. Or in e.g. a direct marketing agency. That way you could look to get a promotion. But you will have to be flexible on salary and up against some very know-it-all just graduated grads.

Why not also look at an evening class?

[bratnav]

Thanks to you both, it's really helpful. I suppose salary is not hugely important, DP earns just about enough to cover the month to month stuff. My salary would be to cover childcare and extras like holidays weddings (yeah right and savings.

Re the know it all graduates, working as a paralegal I am used to loads of them. My SIL does direct markerting and is pretty high up where she is, I just wasn't sure if that was the same thing, mmm must do some research

[bratnav]

I am lovely......

So do you think there are others like you out there, or would I be better sticking with what I know (which pays better but bores the tits off me)

[bratnav]

I am very rarely drinking on a school night and adore my DP so all good there

[whinegums]

Bratnav, have you thought about which area you'd like to work in? I'm a marketing director, and I've worked in arts, culture, charity, legal, financial and events. Professional services pay best, arts and culture worst, and the job market extremely competitive in that area, but most enjoyable and rewarding.

I don't have any marketing qualifications, but due to experience I have chartered status, and am also pt lecturer in marketing - so qualifications not necessary. I've found in the past that marketing grads often have no clue, but someone who has a bit of experience in any kind of job is miles ahead.

If you have a few hours to spare a week, is there any way you could do any voluntary work, say in the marketing dept of an arts organisation or a charity? I was always delighted to get a volunteer, and even if it was just stuffing envelopes or data entry, it would get you a little experience and give you an idea of what goes on.

[greenday]

I was in the marketing industry too - was doing regional marketing communications for a tourism commission of a a very popular continent. I loved it!
One disadvantage though, IMO is that it isn't a family-friendly industry and you have to start young and junior and work your way up. Its also an industry that favours the young, energetic and creative.
I left that job to move here with my DH and could not find a job of similar level or profile here in London. After having my 1st DD, it was even harder to get into that industry. Sigh!

[bratnav]

I love you all for your helpfgul replies!

Am off to put DDs to bed and will read your advice more carefully after that

[bratnav]

OK, well RubyRioja to answer your query, I am NOT eye candy, I mean I wont break mirrors or anything, but I am definitely not a simpering giggly 20 something in a tiny skirt!

whinegum-well I suppose that the most logical stepping stone for me would be professional services as I have worked in the legal industry for so long. (also, gizza a job!)

Voluntary is a nice idea, but TBH if DPs next career move comes off we will be in London where I will have to bring in some sort of salary, but perhaps it might be a possibility short term.

[whinegums]

Hi again Bratnav. Yes, if you have a professional services background, that would certainly help I think. Spread the word through all your contacts that you are looking - I have had more work through word of mouth/contacts than applying for advertised jobs. You could also try registering with a specialist marketing agency, but you have to keep nagging them!

I would give you a job, but I'm on maternity leave now!

Good luck.

[WheresTheAuPair]

Hi Bratnav. I worked in Financial services marketing before I had my DS. I do part time consultancy work now as I couldn't face going back to the city while my DS was so young. The CIM do a very good entry level qualification that could help you:

www.cim.co.uk/ProfessionalDevelopment/Qualifications/Qualification/Introductory%20Certificate%20in%2 0Marketing.aspx

I have a degree but not in marketing as I went into marketing via a very good agency in London (Crone Corkill). I have taken my CIM exams along the way and they are widely recognised. Hope this helps

[bratnav]

Thanks whinegums and wherestheaupair, will look into the courses and agencies

[MissingMyHeels]

Could you afford to work full time on a salary of 16k? I recruit in marketing in London and this is the sort of money you would be looking at.

[bratnav]

Yes that would be just about do-able, why do you have something???

[MissingMyHeels]

I am on mat leave but working one day per week from home and have a client looking for a marketing assistant. When do you become avail? She isn't looking just yet as she is getting rid of current ditzy grad which is proving to take a while.

[bratnav]

Planning on moving in the next couple of months, when I start work is a pretty movable feast really.

Can you give me an idea of geography/area of marketing please? Ooh I love MN!

[MissingMyHeels]

They are based in Blackfriars and are a media company. Don't want to give too much away on here! Email me on lauren _ b25 at hotmail dot com and I'll get you a job spec. Role prob won't be for another couple of months though but can see what else we have on at moment if you want something sooner.

[bratnav]

Will do, thank you so much

[bratnav]

Missingmyheels, I have emailed you