Question

Topic: Career/Training

Is This Really Entry Level Marketing?

Posted by aresnik7 on 8/7/2008 at 9:13 AM ET 200 Points
Towards the end of my spring semester I started looking for part-time/intern marketing jobs in the Detroit area. I found a few and this one company stuck out to me for some reason. I sent them my application, and I got a first interview. After my first interview was over, my interviewer asked me to come back for a second interview. So on my second interview he took me out "in the field" to show me what all of the first employees do. They go from house to house or business to business selling coupon books for the area. I did not like this form of direct marketing, but I didn't know if it was just a typical entry level marketing position or not. I was wondering what you guys/gals think.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted on 8/7/2008 at 9:18 AM Accepted
    Run for the hills!

    Hi aresnik7,

    This is NOT entry level marketing. What you have described is door-to-door selling. Not only that, it sounds like (to me) that this is one of those type of businesses that promise people the moon but never deliver. They have a HUGE turnover rate because basically...it is a bogus job.

    Congrats for asking about this. I'll be interested to see if my compadres on the boards agree.

    Best of luck in your career!

    Kris
  • Posted by Inbox_Interactive on 8/7/2008 at 9:22 AM Accepted
    Kris is right...this is not marketing, this is door-to-door selling.

    However, it's possible (not probable, in my opinion, but possible) that it is a requirement for all new hires to go out in the field and experience the front-line of the business first hand.

    Having said that, what kind of "marketing" does a business like this need? What could you aspire to do here once the "training" is over?

    The only other thing the company sells is space in the coupon books, and that's probably just more cold-calling and possibly even door-to-door sales with businesses.

    When looking at these entry level positions, you should be looking for places where you can (1) learn and (2) build your resume.

    I don't think this opportunity offers either.

    Go with your gut. It appears to be serving you well.

    - Paul
  • Posted on 8/7/2008 at 9:23 AM Accepted
    There are as many different types of "entry level marketing positions" as there are companies. But just like not every exit from the highway gets you where you want to go, not every entry level job will take you to the career you have in mind.

    Having said that, you can learn as much or more from the jobs you don't like or didn't expect as from the jobs you love. Maybe you discover that you actually have a talent for selling--good at meeting people, gaining their trust, getting them to share their needs, closing the sale. That is an essential skill no matter what you ultimately choose to do.

    Sometimes, you discover that you absolutely don't like doing something or that you're not naturally good at it and would need extra help. Both are valuable lessons.

    What part of marketing do you really want to do? (Don't say "anything to get your foot in the door"--that's what you got.) If you want to write copy, then only apply for copywriting jobs and turn down anything that isn't copywriting. Ditto for media relations, events coordination, etc. If you'll take "anything" you'll get "anything."

    In a small company, however, people change hats frequently and employees often get great opportunities because there's no one else to do the job. When you interview, try to get a feel for the personality of the company, the flexibility of their job roles, and the chance to grow. Let them know what you ultimately want to do. Often, the job you start with isn't where you end up--if you keep your eye on what you want and constantly maneuver to get the experience necessary to do the job you want.

  • Posted by aresnik7 on 8/7/2008 at 9:43 AM Author
    thanks very much you guys... that was really fast!! i am going to school for sports marketing, but right now i am working as a summer temp at a small bus company and doing EVERYTHING... i have revamped their website, wrote new verbage for the new brochures... the General Manager thinks I'm an angel... just think what would happen if he actually hired someone who has a degree!! But thanks again you guys, I really appreciate the advice. I am going to keep the question open a little while longer to see if anyone else wants to say anything!! Again, THANK YOU!!

    -aresnik7
  • Posted by Mikee on 8/7/2008 at 9:53 AM Member
    I am with the others. Do not settle for a job that would make you unconfortable. There is a chance that this is what they have everyone do, but there are plenty of other companies that do not have people do this.

    You should pursue something with sports marketing. Start by approacing universities and colleges with sports teams, sports venues (stadiums, events centers, etc). These may already have internships in place or be willing to create something for you.

    Mike
  • Posted on 8/7/2008 at 11:35 AM Member
    I'll throw my two cents in and agree with the majority of posters - this is probably not where you want to be. I do note that there are very reputable companies that require their trainees to do cold calling door-to-door. It is, without question, a method to weed out those who don't have the desire to succeed. However, it is not coupon books, or vacuum cleaners or cleaning products.

    I'd write every sports team you can google and find out if you can work for them. Volunteer (if you can afford it) for a sports information office at a college. Get as smart as you can in your field.

    Good luck!

    CVN
  • Posted by Levon on 8/7/2008 at 12:11 PM Member
    You should perhaps approach your job search by locating a company that you would want to make a difference in. A lot of people say "I want to make a difference" in their interview -- but do they mean it? Do they actually believe in the products or services that they want to be employed in to market? If you believe in coupon booklets and think that is something viable and feel passionate about then go for it. Otherwise stick with entry level jobs in industries and companies selling products you feel passionate about and want to make a difference in.
  • Posted on 8/7/2008 at 12:34 PM Member
    aresnik7,

    I think you knew the answer before you asked the question.

    Keep following your gut instinct about the companies you interview for. Remember, you're not the only one who should be evaluated.

    Looks to me like you're well on your way to making a good decision.
  • Posted on 8/7/2008 at 1:22 PM Member
    As much as it is fun to experience new frontiers and getting as much experience as you can so as to have a good leverage when a better job comes around...that fun doen't last long soon you'd get tired of doing the job of seven pple.

    i'd advice...develope ypurself while you can but alongside spread your tentacle to discover better oppourtunities available to you.
  • Posted by Frank Hurtte on 8/7/2008 at 8:56 PM Member
    That scam has been around for so long...

    First of all, it is a college student thing to somehow believe you will be magically whisked into management in a matter of months..

    If you do find yourself as a manager in months, the question becomes who do you manage? If the answer is yourself, then are you really a manager?
  • Posted by michael on 8/7/2008 at 9:06 PM Member
    No...it's sales...entry level sales.

    Nothing wrong with that, but there are easier ways to break into a sales career...if that's what you want.

    Michael
  • Posted by aresnik7 on 8/12/2008 at 10:59 AM Author
    again.. thanks alot you guys. I will go ahead and close the question now.. you guys really helped. Have a good week!!
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