Supporting Students Seeking Careers in Search Marketing & Digital Marketing

While digital marketing courses have found their way into some schools, we know that the best way for students to learn about digital marketing is to become immersed in your local community. We’ve compiled here our top tips of ways to help you break into the industry and begin your career.

6 Tips for Students Looking to Break Into the Digital Marketing Industry

1. Network, Network, Network

We know you’ve heard this one before, but the effort you put into networking pays off greatly down the road. The number of times we hear this phrase is crazy:

“...and then they connected me with so-and-so who offered me a job.”

The field of digital marketing relies heavily on who you know, so put yourself in a position to grow your professional network.

2. Request Informational Interviews

When you open yourself up to new communities of similarly passionate professionals, you’ll often find these people love to chat about their industry. If a topic piques your interest, ask for 30 minutes to talk more about it.

Come to these conversations prepared with questions. Remember, networking is a two-way street; it’s helpful to consider both an ask and a give that you can offer.

Pro tip: don’t ask for a job. This is a surefire way to end the conversation early.

3. Seek Out Internships and/or Mentorships

Nothing teaches faster than hands-on experience. Marketing internships often have a variety of focuses, giving entry-level individuals a chance to try different disciplines and test out what they find interesting.

Seeking mentorship is a less formal—but equally valuable—way to get experience in marketing. Mentors can be especially helpful in working through career-defining decisions when planning long-term marketability.

4. Become a Voracious Learner

To be successful in any marketing role, professionals need to embrace the mindset of continual learning. As you’re getting started, it helps to have a curiosity for the “why” behind tactics to understand how digital marketing disciplines work together.

Digital marketing is a multifaceted industry, and successful results come when we can paint a bigger picture through strategic direction.

5. Attend Local Events

Many companies, consultants and professional marketing organizations host events about specific aspects of marketing. Not sure where to find events relevant to your interests? Start here:

  • Use Eventbrite to find events that focus on areas you want to grow.
  • Follow local marketing businesses and nonprofits on LinkedIn to spot any niche educational presentations.
  • Lastly, search for local marketing associations and check their event calendars for upcoming opportunities.
MnSearch also offers monthly events and an annual conference that focus on high-quality educational experiences and a welcoming environment that encourages networking.

6. Join an Industry-Based Organization

As with most things in life, you get out what you put in—professional development is no exception. Call us crazy like a fox, but we’re going to give a shout-out to joining MnSearch here! Jump in and become a member of a digital and search marketing organization to get access to events, grow your skillset and meet equally passionate people.

Still Have Questions?

Then we encourage you to attend our next event to chat with members of our community. See you soon!