I wish I'd known this before changing careers...
4.7 out of 5 based on 13876 reviews
4.7/5 from 13876 Reviews
A few years ago, I decided to make the leap into digital marketing. My original career (journalism) had been my dream job since I was old enough to pick up a pen, but sadly some things just don’t work out.
I decided that working with content and social media would be the next best thing. The digital marketing sector looked varied, challenging and fast-paced, with plenty of opportunity to use the writing skills I loved so much. It was almost perfect!
I’d run social media and analytics before, I’d read all the blogs I could get hold of and I’d even been on a seminar or two. But still, every job application I sent out seemed to disappear into a black hole.
In the end, it took me almost 12 months, setting up a personal blog and a doing fair bit of freelancing on Upwork (whilst working a full-time role) to finally land that sought-after job. My time seemed to be absorbed with gathering as much experience as I could lay my hands on.
My problem? I had no way of proving my skills.
I knew I could work in digital marketing. But, after leaving my previous role I’d made the mistake of not emailing myself the progress I’d made with the company’s social. I hadn’t got a single fact or figure to prove that my skills were valuable to that business. I have never made that mistake since!
One day I got talking to a new colleague, who was doing a classroom-based marketing qualification whilst working in temping roles. Whilst she chatted to me about her syllabus I looked on in envy, assuming I could never afford to work part-time whilst paying for an expensive course. I did some research, but found that I was right – time and money would not allow me to get that name on my CV. So, I went back to my blogging and freelancing…
However, as it turns out, I was wrong. Getting a qualification doesn’t have to mean taking time out to study in a classroom. You don’t need to change your work or move to a cheaper flat to start your studies. This is the beauty of learning online.
Studying from your own computer doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality either! Well-respected industry bodies are now putting their names to online qualifications, so you can still add those precious letters to your CV.
Looking to make the switch to a new career? e-Careers offers a range of professional online and classroom-based courses to give you the extra experience you need. Just visit www.e-careers.com and browse our range.
Call us on +44 (0) 20 3198 7700 to speak to one of our Career Consultants today, to discuss your career goals or get started.
