Know-How Exchange : Career/Training

You really do need to decide what type of marketing and what type of positions you wish to pursue. This can make all the difference in your strategy. There are benefits of obtaining an MBA or similar degree...but let's say you don't want to do that right now. What do you do?

First of all, I would STAY in your current employ since they have given you a chance to not only learn the ropes, but use their company as an entry level basis for your marketing future. Even though the Administration Dept. may not be intellectually rewarding right now, you are gaining EXPERIENCE! Watch what they are doing with regards to marketing, take notes, ask questions.

If the Admin job is "cake" to you, then I assume you have room in your life (and energy) to educate yourself. You may inquiry about AMA workshops. Your interest is indicative of your willingness to devote time to training.

Where do you start? RIGHT HERE! This website has a plethora of information from basic "101" to complicated metrics analysis. Read, Read, Read!!!! You will be amazed at how much you can find out in just a few short hours of online tutorial, articles, etc. This site will keep you tied up for days if not weeks! You can also check out marketing firm sites to see how they present themselves, etc.

Secondly, start interacting in the forum. You asked a question...now try answering one. Marketing is not all about degrees and such. Much of it is creativity and intuition. If you feel like you have a good answer to a posted question, give it a shot! Interacting with other marketers is another valuable "free" resource.

Another suggestion, which is quite a big step but worth a shot, is to start your own marketing firm. Work it online from home after work. Start slow. Ask questions. As you go through the phases of developing your business, you will be "forced" to inquire about certain topics, thereby not only enhancing your education, but your experience as well! In other words, you can't learn how to swim until you get in the water! I'm not saying you can't have "floaties", but I believe hands on experience within your current job along with self education as described above will help you decide if you really need or want to devote the time and money to obtain an MBA or a degree versus self-education.

Good luck with your endeavors!

Well, first of all...beware of asking for or just taking it upon yourself to work outside of your department.

Why? In your mind..you are helping out, showing initiative, trying to learn, etc.

Meanwhile, you boss is thinking...she is unhappy with her current position, where did she find the time to do this stuff?, she must not be focusing on her job, she may leave soon, I wonder what is getting shoved aside...etc.

So PLEASE be careful in that realm.

As far as a position to apply for.,,,? Out of all the things you listed, which do you like the best? Although you are correct in your statement that marketing is a lot of research and analysis, there are other things as well such as copy writing, graphic art, and strategy to name a few.

When I first started, I looked at what I do best and what I thought I would enjoy doing as a marketer. First, I looked at all the aspects, much like you are doing, and looked real hard at myself to decide what matched my current skills and talents. In my case, I picked "artist", "creative", and "problem solver". So I jumped into design, branding and strategy.

In other words, pick out your best personal attributes that could even remotely relate to any of the various arenas of the marketing realm. For example: if yours are "creative", "writer", and "artistic", perhaps you should try copywriting or ad design. These are just examples..not solid formulas.

The hard part of course is "How do I get into that position?" . There are a number of things you can do. All most too many to list.

I tell you what...since you are low on points, keep responding to my posts on this question and keep it open so myself and the others can try to help you find a good starting point and perhaps get you going in the right direction.

So, before we go further, let's start with your attributes as mentioned above along with the areas of marketing you are most interested in. Keep referring back to the articles and tutorials here on the site if you need to.

When you come up with something, post it here and we ( or at least I) will respond back.

Sound good to you? This could be a good learning experience for everyone.

Talk to you soon!

I don't think your boss would either. Hence my comment above.

Kristine, sorry for the delayed response...I run my own business so my time is scattered here and there.

So where do you go from here? Just so everyone knows what we are talking about, please post the same response over into this question.

Don't worry, no one is ignoring you, I was waiting for your response.

I'll am still willing to help you if you want.