10 Digital Marketing Career Options for Graduates
There’s no getting away from the fact that most of the western world now lives in a digital age and looks set to hit something more like a ‘virtual age’ in the not so distant future. In addition to the transformative effect this has had on our lives from a social and personal point of view, it has also created an entire industry for graduates. Most companies now include digital marketing in their business plan, but the speed at which technology is advancing means the industry has become incredibly complex.
There are many nuances to digital marketing that require a unique combination of skills, but in general, the most successful are those who are naturally curious, creative, hungry for knowledge, and passionate about communication.
Why Choose a Digital Marketing Career?
No two days in digital marketing are the same with the constant evolution of technology and search engine algorithms. Employers are rarely looking for candidates with lots of experience, because in digital marketing, the game can change overnight. The key, therefore, is to be adaptable, cool under pressure, and intuitive. Of course, there are some careers that require a high level of technological knowledge and expertise, such as an msc computer science degree, but even these people will be continuing to learn throughout their marketing career.
Digital marketing is a complex and diverse industry that requires a wide range of skills and a willingness to continue to learn throughout your career. Almost every business in the world is invested in a digital marketing strategy, and if they are not, they run the risk of being left behind by their competitors. This is good news for graduates, as it means that there are plenty of employers out there looking for various skillsets that no one employee can cover adequately. Some of the skills and knowledge can be gained through experience, while others require a high level of technological expertise.
Here are 10 digital marketing career options that are in increasing demand to give you a sense of the breadth of the industry.
1.Digital Marketing Manager
A digital marketing manager, marketing coordinator, or digital project manager is essential when developing an effective digital marketing strategy. They need to be adept at organization, collaboration, problem solving, and have exceptional interpersonal skills in order to manage a team. The manager will create a timeline with specific objectives that the digital marketing campaign needs to hit, and they may also need to manage budgets.
2. SEO Executive
An SEO, or search engine optimization, executive is responsible for ensuring a business’s website pages appear in the top results in search engines such as Google and Bing. The pages that rank highly on search engines receive more traffic than poorly ranked pages, which can translate directly into more sales. The search engines are continuously adapting their algorithm in order to improve user experience, which means SEO executives also need to continuously adapt their strategy.
3. Content Manager or Strategist
A content manager is often part of an SEO team, but they hold a crucial role. They will research, plan, and create content that aligns with the organization’s values, mission, and commercial objectives. The content should be honed to engage the target audience and possibly encourage readers to take action on the organization’s website. Content managers require excellent writing skills and a solid understanding of SEO, and some will also need to have visual design skills.
4. User Experience Designer
A user experience (UX) designer will develop products, apps, and websites intended to encourage users to complete an action or make a purchase. They do this by using their expertise in design, technology, and consumer behavior. Organizations that need to improve sales, retain customers, and generate sales leads need to prioritize the user experience.
5. Data Analyst
Artificial intelligence and the constantly expanding ‘Internet of Things’ have resulted in masses of information and data that, if it can be stored and analyzed, can be incredibly useful for a business in terms of continued growth. A data analyst is responsible for creating the system that will store the data in an organized way so it can be analyzed and interpreted. The findings can then inform the organization’s digital marketing strategy.
6. AI Specialist
Artificial intelligence has led to the rise of virtual assistants and chatbots on websites, which are designed to make the user experience easier than ever before so that consumers can find the information they need and make purchases with ease. An AI specialist will create the programs that make this possible.
7. Virtual Reality Developer
It’s still early days for virtual reality (VR), but it seems that more and more brands are using it in their digital marketing to draw consumers in and make their products stand out. VR developers need strong technology expertise, creative flair, and commercial instincts.
8. Social Media Marketer
Social media has transformed modern society, including how consumers view and interact with companies. A successful social media marketing campaign can make a brand a household name overnight, but not always for the right reasons. Social media marketers need to be connected to current issues and popular culture and able to tap into what attract customers, engage with them, and build brand loyalty. They also need to be able to tactfully diffuse negativity and manage reputational risk.
9. Email Marketing Executive
Email marketing is one of the older forms of traditional marketing but certainly still has a place in the mix. Email marketing executives will design, create, and analyze email campaigns that are sent to an organization’s database. The contacts on that list may be sales leads and current or past customers. Writing emails for marketing campaigns requires excellent copywriting skills and creativity to ensure the email stands out in the recipient’s inbox.
10. ‘Internet of Things’ Marketing Executive
Most people use smartphones, tablets, wearable technology, and other devices that are connected to the internet, and every time they do, they are leaving data behind. An ‘Internet of Things’ marketing executive will collect and analyze this data in order to craft future marketing campaigns that will be effective for that audience on particular devices.