Coming from a finance background and finding it hard to transition to creative marketing roles. What steps in between should I be taking?

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  • Hi Ida,

    First things first I would stress out that lots of people in mareting has no marketing education, so even if yours not in marketing you already a step ahead.

    Otherwise I would recommend simply learn things yourself, there are a few jobs in what the experience is a massive plus but marketing is not one of them.

    On a practical level to get a job it might help to take like an online course to tick the boxes for HR and from hthem your chances are similar than for a junior in marketing.
  • Hi Ida, networking really helps in these situations. I'd connect with people you'd like to work with and ask if you could have a chat with them, then you start a relationship with someone who might be able to help you more as time goes on.
  • Hi Ida

    So funny as I hear lots of marketers wishing that they had much more of a finance background so that they can understand the commercials behind a campaign!

    I’d play on your background.

    Seeing the world through a more commercial lens is a powerful differentiator as a marketer. Think through the times that you have been really creative in your role ie put together a deal, worked through a challenge and come out with a powerful solution.

    Then, break that down. That’s the formula through which you look at the world and can see marketing solutions. That’s your brand of creativity. And selling that in your interviews or meetings is your secret sauce.

    In other words, get your hands on some
    business briefs or challenges and then work through them with your specific angle/skill. Then, share them with other ‘creative’ marketers in your network (or on here!) - share your approach to how you’d tackle the brief and hear theirs. That way, you’ll start to see how others tackle the briefs and start to blend more creativity with your commerciality.

    Speak to people in media planning and buying so you’re in the know on the latest trends and stats in media - weave those into your mix (it’s usually a good blend of logic and magic).

    See who’s doing what across social media channels and think about how they’re solving a specific creative challenge.

    Wrap all of these approaches up and make your blend. Whatever you do though, don’t lose the finance lens and, if anything, play up to it a bit as it will really help you keep a point of difference.

    I have some free masterclasses on www.unleashtheboom.com that you can sign up for that will help you shape your value and personal skills.

    Stay Boom!

    S

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