7 reasons why now is the perfect time for a career in digital marketing
More than half of UK workers aren’t sure if they’re in the right career. Yup, that’s right. So if you’re considering a career change, you’re not alone.
Because no one likes endlessly dragging themselves into work to do a job they just don’t have a passion for anymore.
You’re probably looking for a decent salary, career progression and most importantly, a job you’ll actually enjoy. Well, guess what? Digital marketing offers all these things in abundance. And if you’re looking for a career that just keeps on giving, this is the sector to be in.
It’s safe to say that in the last decade or so, technology and digital innovations have revolutionised everything we do. Digital marketing is at the forefront of this revolution. There’s a huge demand for it, and that’s not going to slow down any time soon. In fact, according to Forrester, US companies will spend nearly $120 billion on digital marketing in the coming years.
The digital takeover simply can’t continue without the talented individuals who drive forward change and innovation – that could be you by the way. And there are jobs galore. Thousands upon thousands of them. Well,150,000 digital jobs predicted in the next couple of years to be exact. Now that’s a thriving industry if we’ve ever seen one. An industry just waiting for you to make your mark.
Now is the ideal time to kick-start your career in digital marketing. Here’s why…
There an enormous skills gap
The skills gap in digital marketing is so wide that companies are crying out for more passionate digital gurus to help drive their business forward. Research has shown that every second organisation surveyed acknowledged that the digital gap is widening. The fact of the matter is, if you train in digital marketing and are good at what you do, there will be a place for you in the digital world.
According to Mondo demand for digital marketing professionals will rise by 38%. Plus, a report by Tech Nation revealed over 50% of business owners in the UK digital tech community reported a shortage of highly skilled employees, while a quarter said sourcing talent was a major challenge.
And interestingly, it’s the soft digital skills that are even more sought after. According to a joint research project by Capgemini and LinkedIn, ‘people with experience in soft digital skills, such as customer-centricity and passion for learning are most in demand by organizations.’
There’s a growing selection of choice
As there are so many job opportunities, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Not only in the number of jobs to apply for, but the range of roles within digital marketing is diverse. And new roles are forming all the time. According to Smart Insights, some of the most in-demand skills last year were digital advertising, content creation, content strategy, and social media.
Shaping your career in digital is like picking sweets in a candy shop, you just pick the different options that suit you the most. For example, if you’re more creative you may go for a content and social media role and the data-driven heroes out there may want a job mixed up of analytics and technical SEO.
A sector in demand means plenty of career progression
Because digital is at the forefront of all things online, the digital marketing career ladder is always extending. Nailed one discipline and running your own content team? Well, the next step could be diving head first into SEO and (literally) climbing the ranks. You’ll be impressed with the long-term career prospects that this ever buzzing industry serves up on a platter.
Money, money, money
Yeah, we know. Money isn’t everything – but it does count for something, right? You want to be paid well for all your badass digital marketing campaigns. We’re with you. If you’re training in digital marketing, don’t fret, you’ve entered a lucrative career. Because digital jobs are well paid, according to PayScale, the average digital marketing manager salary is £31,909.
And, according to the Robert Half 2018 Salary Guide, the four most in-demand roles within digital marketing currently are:
- Integrated graphic designers
- Marketing analysts for SEO and PPC
- Social media content creatives
- Digital brand strategists
Location & industry flexibility
Ever heard of the term ‘digital nomad’? If you are a bit of a globetrotter, but you also want to achieve career domination, then this is the career for you. Because it’s totally acceptable for digital ninjas to also be nomads, travelling the planet whilst holding down a lucrative career.
Though in the UK, there are certain hubs like London, Brighton and Manchester for example and The UK has digital suburbs, not just cities according to Tech Nation. Check out this map that highlights the concentration of digital tech across the UK.
Once you’re qualified and experience in digital, you can cherry-pick which sector you want to work in. Because (nearly) all sectors need digital marketing. FMCG? Why not. Bit of a fashionista? Sure. Got the travel bug? There’s a need for digital strategists in a range of weird and wonderful sectors.
The learning never ends and the fun never stops
If it’s not just a massive pay cheque you’re after, then maybe a job in digital can offer all the satisfaction you need. Because you’ll be constantly learning, growing and adapting to the ever-changing needs of the digital world. Get ready to be kept on your digital toes. This is definitely an enjoyable and exciting sector to be in. Digital marketing is one of the happiest jobs in America, in fact, marketing specialist jobs rank at number one for job happiness.
You can enjoy long-term job prospects
Almost half of the world’s population is on social media and, according to a global survey, UK shoppers have the highest online global spend. There’s little evidence to suggest any of this is going to slow down, which means in the next few decades digital will continue to thrive. And with any luck, you’ll get to work on some mind-boggling future digital tech, like AI or VR for example.
Ready to make that all important career move and immerse yourself into all things digital? Get in touch with us today to discuss our digital marketing courses.
