How to Become a Director of Marketing and Communications?
Steps to Become a Marketing Manager
Marketing managers are essential for helping companies gain new customers and sell their products. To become a marketing manager, follow these steps:Earn a degree in marketing or business administration.
Most marketing managers have a bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, business administration, information technology, or business management. You can also consider a master's degree or MBA. No matter what degree you choose, you should take courses about advertising, public speaking, statistics and data analysis, and business writing.
Gain certifications, like Professional Certified Marketer.
Certification as a marketing manager usually isn't required, but it can help you stand out when compared to other candidates and get a marketing manager job quickly. Certification as a Professional Certified Marketer or PCM is available through the American Marketing Association. You'll need to pass a 210-question exam about marketing strategies and the legal and ethical issues often connected to marketing.
You can also become a Professional Certified Marketer in Digital Marketing by taking a 120-question test about content marketing, web analytics, online advertising, social media, and search engine optimization or SEO. You'll need to renew this certification every three years and earn at least 10 continuing education credits each year. After you become a marketing manager or an executive of a company, you can take the Certified Marketing Executive exam offered by Sales and Marketing Executives International as well.
Get some experience through jobs like marketing assistant.
Before you become a marketing manager, you'll need several years of marketing experience. Before you complete your degree, look for a part-time job or get an internship. That way, you can expand your professional network and ask for a letter of recommendation when you're ready to apply for full-time positions. Look for jobs as a marketing assistant, marketing coordinator, or digital marketing specialist. After you find a full-time position, acquire management experience by asking to lead a project or marketing team. Then, you'll be ready to apply for marketing manager jobs.
Prepare your resume and cover letter.
Your resume should include your education, achievements, experience, and skills. Look at the job description for the position you want, and use the same words and phrases in your resume when possible. Many companies use software to find the best resumes by searching for keywords, so a hiring manager may not see your application if it doesn't have the right phrases. It's a good idea to quantify your achievements by supporting them with statistics as well. For example, you can say that your marketing campaign increased sales by 20% instead of just saying that sales increased.
You should also personalize your cover letter. Talk about why you want to work at the company, and mention one or two achievements of the organization that you admire.
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