erikharb 
First and foremost, you do not need to have a degree or any formal education in the digital marketing field.
Many of the most successful digital marketers in this field studied or started in a different major like History, Economics, Poly Sci or Mathematics.
There are so many opportunities, roles, company types, business models, etc. when it comes to a ‘job’ in digital marketing.
Why not start where most people don’t.
Begin with the end in mind. Develop a prioritized, self-aware approach before you start taking courses, sending resumes and making connections in LinkedIn.
Focus on a digital marketing career. A journey that is focused on the long term value, personal and professional fulfillment.
Do not just focus on a job. Or a means to pay your bills.
Identify your digital marketing career path with these three steps.
First, get some context and perspective on your digital marketing career approach.
Rank these factors from 1 to 6.
1 is the most important to you, 6 is the least important.
- Company: You can not envision yourself working anywhere else.
- Location: Have to be in a specific city or are you all about remote work?
- The Challenge: You want to operate outside you comfort zone? Or are you seeking a cush gig?
- Work/Life Balance: Ready to work hard or do you need to be home by 5p everyday?
- Title: Do you need a manager title or is it about the responsibility?
- Salary: Is there a magic number that you think you need?
Once you complete your ranking, focus on the top 3.
The top 3 factors will drive which companies you research (location, culture), which roles you pursue (salary or title) or the type of opportunity (lateral, advanced, entry level).
Second, Improve your self awareness by understanding your behavior patterns.
Complete a free DISC assessment. 12 questions. Takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
You’ll be provided a summary of your behavior tendencies.
This summary will be extremely helpful when interviewing for your role, integrating with an existing team or collaborating with other vendors or partners.
With these two exercises completed, you can refine which skill sets or capabilities are worth a deeper investment of your time.
Third, start gaining experience in the digital marketing channels that align with your results from step one and two.
There are many ways to get experience through self education, certifications or apprenticeships.
Online Classes by Skillshare | Start for Free Today
GenM – Digital Apprenticeships.
Here are some resources to help you find that first digital marketing career role:
The Muse – Career advice and better job search
Search Results for marketing – Work Remotely brings you the best remote jobs and team members
If you begin with the end in mind, then your digital marketing career path with feel more like a journey and less like just a job.
Happy marketing!
