I wish I'd known this before changing careers...

A few years ago, I decided to make the leap into digital marketing. My original career (journalism) had been my dream job since I was old enough to pick up a pen, but sadly some things just don’t work out.

I decided that working with content and social media would be the next best thing. The digital marketing sector looked varied, challenging and fast-paced, with plenty of opportunity to use the writing skills I loved so much. It was almost perfect!

I’d run social media and analytics before, I’d read all the blogs I could get hold of and I’d even been on a seminar or two. But still, every job application I sent out seemed to disappear into a black hole.

Getting experience

In the end, it took me almost 12 months, setting up a personal blog and a doing fair bit of freelancing on Upwork (whilst working a full-time role) to finally land that sought-after job. My time seemed to be absorbed with gathering as much experience as I could lay my hands on.

My problem? I had no way of proving my skills.

I knew I could work in digital marketing. But, after leaving my previous role I’d made the mistake of not emailing myself the progress I’d made with the company’s social. I hadn’t got a single fact or figure to prove that my skills were valuable to that business. I have never made that mistake since!

How to get qualified?

One day I got talking to a new colleague, who was doing a classroom-based marketing qualification whilst working in temping roles. Whilst she chatted to me about her syllabus I looked on in envy, assuming I could never afford to work part-time whilst paying for an expensive course. I did some research, but found that I was right – time and money would not allow me to get that name on my CV. So, I went back to my blogging and freelancing…

However, as it turns out, I was wrong. Getting a qualification doesn’t have to mean taking time out to study in a classroom. You don’t need to change your work or move to a cheaper flat to start your studies. This is the beauty of learning online.

Studying from your own computer doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality either! Well-respected industry bodies are now putting their names to online qualifications, so you can still add those precious letters to your CV.

Start your journey

Looking to make the switch to a new career? e-Careers offers a range of professional online and classroom-based courses to give you the extra experience you need. Just visit www.e-careers.com and browse our range.

Call us on +44 (0) 20 3198 7700 to speak to one of our Career Consultants today, to discuss your career goals or get started.