How to become a marketing executive
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by private training organisations
University
Marketing and digital marketing roles are open to graduates of all subjects. You could choose a specialist foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in subjects like:
- marketing communications
- digital marketing
- advertising
- business and management
Some degree courses are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).
Other particularly relevant courses that will give you some of the skills that are important for a career in marketing include:
- psychology
- humanities
- media, art and design
- English language or literature
- languages
- computer studies or IT
With a degree you could join a company marketing graduate scheme.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could take a course to help you get into trainee marketing executive roles. These include:
- Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Marketing
- Level 3 Certificate in Digital Marketing and Analytics
- T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
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Apprenticeship
You may be able to get into this role through the following apprenticeships:
- marketing assistant advanced apprenticeship
- digital marketer advanced apprenticeship
- marketing executive higher apprenticeship
- digital marketer degree apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could join a company's marketing department as an administrator or assistant. This could give you enough experience to work your way up to become a marketing executive or digital marketer.
Volunteering
Direct Application
You can apply directly to employers if you've got business and marketing skills. You may get these through jobs like sales, customer service or public relations work. Some employers may ask for a degree qualification though it's not always essential.
Other Routes
You can do professional marketing, digital marketing and communications qualifications that may help your job prospects, through:
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Career tips
Developing your own online presence or 'brand' can be useful to raise your profile with potential employers. You could:
- create a blog
- set up your own website
- network with marketing influencers or high profile companies through social media channels
Professional and industry bodies
You can join The Chartered Institute of Marketing and the The Institute of Data and Marketing to do professional qualifications and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a marketing executive from The Chartered Institute of Marketing.