Working In Marketing | 5 Things I've Learned

I've been working in marketing for almost 2 years now, and although this is only still the start of my career, I've learned so many things that I didn't really realize before, about working in this type of field. 

I'd say I'm a very driven and ambitious person that likes to keep things organized. I love lists and I've aways had really good time management skills. I've also always been a very creative person with a huge imagination. Marketing has been a great space for these qualities, but also pushed me to strengthen them even more.

Here are 5 things that I've learned since I started working in marketing:

1. Everything happens all at once 

The to-do lists never end, and even when you think the work couldn’t get busier - there’s always more things that comes up as you go along. The question in my head on the way to work is "what fire do we have to put out today?" (haha), but it's very true! Every day is different and there is always lots to think about and execute. I’ve always seen myself as someone who is very efficient, productive and good with time management, but working in marketing really put it in another level of perspective for me just how efficient you really have to be.

2. Never assume anything 

This is an important one. You can never assume that something is completed, received or understood until you confirm it yourself. Never assume that everything is good to go - because it's probably not. Check your work, proofread, follow up on emails, and don't let anything be assumed.

3. Ideas matter and on-the-spot creativity is important 

Your ideas, input and opinions matter. Speaking up in meetings and really sharing your thoughts can be intimidating, but it is really valued and appreciated. Quick creative thinking is also necessary and very valuable. There will always be problems to solve and sometimes an out-of-the-box solution is the way to go.

4. If you think you pay attention to detail, be sure to pay even closer attention

Typos and spelling mistakes happen, and it can be hard to catch every little slip-up, but in marketing it's all about close attention to detail. Keep your eyes peeled for any kind of inconsistency and constantly question things. It's good to have a critical eye and put out the best material possible.

5. You have to make yourself take a break

The things to do in a marketing job never seem to end. Whether that's new strategic ideas, creative concepts, campaigns, copy writing, responding to emails etc., you will always feel like the work never ends. If I wanted to, I could stay at my desk 24/7 and stay busy with different tasks, but that's not realistic (or healthy!) so when it comes to taking breaks, you have to just make yourself step away from the computer and take your mind off the work. I have to admit, I have been really bad at this and have definitely been guilty for eating countless lunches at my desk and even responding to emails over the weekend. Your mind and body really does need a break though, so no matter how chaotic marketing can seem - you owe yourself a break! Take the 30 minute lunch, be sure to leave the office by 5 pm, and let yourself enjoy evenings and weekends as much as you can.

I hope you enjoyed this post! If you work in marketing, what are some things that you've learned?

Thanks for reading today!