Marketing is an exciting field that involves creating and promoting products, services or ideas to target specific audiences.
I’m Tom, and I studied BA (Hon) Marketing at Teesside University. Here are a few reasons why I think you should consider studying marketing.
Marketing can lead to a lot of different career opportunities in sectors such as retail, finance, hospitality or not-for-profit organisations. You can also specialise in areas like digital, social media, brand or even market research – so you can really work to your strengths. You could start up your own business offering your services, or even start a freelancing side hustle to earn a bit of cash on the side while you study.
This sector is constantly evolving, and you need to keep up with the latest trends and technologies to stay relevant. Studying marketing can develop your creative and analytical skills – it involves a strong understanding of consumer behaviour and creating campaigns that resonate with them. You learn how to develop marketing strategies, conduct market research, analyse data and measure the effectiveness of your campaigns. You’ll need to come up with new and creative ideas to differentiate your products or services from competitors. You learn how to identify gaps in the market and develop solutions that meet consumer needs.
Throughout my time at university, I worked on live briefs with lots of clients. This really helped me get an understanding of different companies’ needs and create tailored strategies to fulfil a brief. It could be worth checking if your chosen university offers real-world experience through, for example, a marketing clinic to help you gain experience.
You may also have the chance to travel abroad for work. As businesses expand across countries and cultures, there is an increasing demand for marketing experts who can understand different cultures and consumer behaviours. You could work for a company or agency that has clients across the globe that you would need to adapt marketing strategies for.
As a marketer, you have the choice to work for companies that align with your own beliefs. If your passion lies in being eco-friendly, you could work for a company that promotes sustainable and ethical products or services – one that can make a positive impact on society and the world we live in.
Marketing can offer you so many career opportunities, develop your skills and creativity, present global opportunities and a sense of purpose. It’s important to explore your interests and passions, and consider how they can translate into a fulfilling career. If you have an interest in consumer behaviour, creativity and business, marketing is a field worth considering.
By Tom Hoyle