Know-How Exchange : Student Questions

I'm not sure I agree on the computer programmer aspect. The problem with most programmers is that they become specialized on a certain set of languages that "age" and become no longer as high demand over time. Newer entrants to the field start to specialize on the new languages and those become the hot demand. And once a programmer gets busy making money, they don't have time to keep learning the newer languages, so they get stale and in lower demand. I know some great programmers in high demand because they kept up with the latest as they went along.

Same goes for marketing, I think. If you evolve with marketing trends, communication mediums, and are in tune with ALL age groups' consumer behavior styles, then you will keep being successful and in demand.

Personally I think there's a been a shift in the past decade. We've all heard about those typical 50yo marketing execs who've been running the print/tv/traditional media world for decades, then internet came along, they through together some websites and called it a day. Then there was this mad rush of young entrants into marketing as they focused of online strategy, content advertising, viral campaigns and consumer interaction..... But thing's are evening out again. As the real old fogies leave the industry, a lot of seniors are really getting on board with the new methods. I do think however that those say 40odd y.os who've embraced online marketing, as well as have the traditional experience are the real crème of the crop. however I find that if there's any prejudice around age it's these people who are participating. They think the older traditional marketers are outdated and the new guys want to run off their guns with social media campaigns with no concept of the traditional budgeting for above the line media.

Personally, I am only 21. The sole marketing officer at a developing IT consulting company. Everyone is in their 20s here except the director, and the sales guy. Who is set in his ways, cold calls and lunch meetings, and refuses to accept any social media leads I bring in. But I'm still investing into brochures and semi traditional methods.

I think entering a developing company where the majority of employees are new really helped get my career off the ground. Even with 4yrs part time experience, my business (marketing) bachelors degree from one of best Universities in Australia (graduating as valedictorian no less) it was very difficult to get a job. Few established companies take graduates seriously.

To answer your question, I think there is a fair amount of ageism in marketing. Overcoming it is doable once you find a company with like minded people. If you're young, look for a young company. If you're more traditionally experience, don't work for google.