What does a marketing coordinator do?

Marketing is an everchanging landscape, but the path to becoming a coordinator is relatively straightforward. Here’s a quick guide on how to get started.

Earning a degree in marketing or another business-related field is a first step to becoming a marketing coordinator. This allows you to understand marketing fundamentals and build skills to succeed in this role. Taking marketing courses online can also be beneficial.

In whichever program you choose, you should learn about marketing basics, such as market research, branding and product management. You should also gain an understanding of digital marketing tactics like SEO and social media advertising.

Gaining professional experience is the next step while or after earning your degree. You can do this through:

• Internships: This is a great way to gain insight into the industry and build your skills and network. Internship programs are usually short-term commitments of three to six months, but they’re also a way to learn more about the role and decide whether it is the right fit for you.
• Freelancing: Freelancing also provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience in marketing and build your portfolio. Whether creating content for blogs, designing graphics or developing marketing strategies, taking on small projects can help you hone your skills and add depth to your resumé.
• Entry-level positions in marketing agencies, corporations or nonprofits: Working with an established team will allow you to learn from your peers, build relationships and gain industry know-how.

Additionally, attending conferences, trade shows, educational seminars and other events related to marketing can help you network with professionals in the field, sharpen your skills and gain valuable insight.

Though it is not required, earning industry certifications in digital marketing or social media may help your resumé standout. Certification is different from University of Phoenix certificates. Certifications, and their required exams, demonstrate that you have a comprehensive understanding of the evolving digital world and are equipped with the necessary skills for staying current and using trends to your organization’s advantage.

Popular certifications include:

• Meta Blueprint Meta Certification — This offers specific instruction and training in Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp marketing.
• Hootsuite Social Selling Certification — If you’re looking to learn more about how to use social media to help you save time and generate leads, this course provides tutorials.
• HubSpot Academy Inbound Marketing Certification — This is a valuable way to show you know how to attract and convert leads through mindful content and tailored experiences.

These are just some of the certifications available in the industry, and the right one for you will depend on your goals and research.

Though it is not required, earning industry certifications in digital marketing or social media may help your resumé standout. Certification is different from University of Phoenix certificates. Certifications, and their required exams, demonstrate that you have a comprehensive understanding of the evolving digital world and are equipped with the necessary skills for staying current and using trends to your organization’s advantage.

Popular certifications include:

• Meta Blue Print Meta Certification — This offers specific instruction and training in Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp marketing.
• Hootsuite Social Selling Certification — If you’re looking to learn more about how to use social media to help you save time and generate leads, this course provides tutorials.
• HubSpot Academy Inbound Marketing Certification — This is a valuable way to show you know how to attract and convert leads through mindful content and tailored experiences.

These are just some of the certifications available in the industry, and the right one for you will depend on your goals and research.

Once you have the necessary skills, experience and certification, it’s time to find a job. There are plenty of resources out there for this as well, such as:

• Job boards — Sites such as Indeed.com or LinkedIn® are popular ways to search for jobs.
• Career websites — Professional career websites provide job postings for specific fields, such as marketing or digital media.
• Social media networks — Use your social networks to connect with professionals in the field and inquire about job openings.
• Professional associations — Join professional industry organizations, like the American Marketing Association, and attend their events for networking opportunities.

Venturing into a new career can be intimidating. That’s why it’s important to take the necessary steps to prepare for a given role; doing so can lessen job search and interview anxiety.

If you’re still on the fence about becoming a marketing coordinator, ask yourself these questions:

• Is there enough demand for this job?
• Do this role’s responsibilities align with my skills and interests?
• Is there room for advancement and, if so, does that next step sound interesting to me?

If you answered yes to the questions above, then becoming a marketing coordinator may be right for you. However, even if you can’t say yes to them all right now, remember that you can always learn the skills you need for the role. With patience, commitment and a strong work ethic, you can better prepare for a role as a marketing coordinator.