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Marketing Graduates: Here’s How to Land That First Role (Even When It Seems Impossible)

August 28, 2024

Let’s face it, the job market can be brutal, especially for fresh marketing graduates stepping out of the academic bubble and into the cold, hard world of job hunting. You’ve got your degree, you’ve got the passion, and you’ve got… crickets. No responses, no job offers, just the eerie silence of rejection emails (or worse, no emails at all).

But wait—before you throw in the towel and start considering a career as a professional cat meme creator (tempting, I know), let me share some insights from a recent conversation I had with a Marketing Lecturer from one of Melbourne’s universities. Trust me, this is worth the read.

The Golden Nugget of Advice: Be Bold and Get Noticed

Here’s the thing: sitting around and waiting for a job to fall into your lap is about as effective as trying to go viral with a MySpace page in 2024. You need to take action, and more importantly, you need to stand out.

So, what’s the magic formula? It’s simpler than you think:

Find Your Tribe: Identify companies or businesses that truly resonate with you. Don’t just follow them on LinkedIn—stalk them (in a non-creepy, professional way, of course). Make it your mission to learn everything about them. Why? Because when you reach out, you want to sound like someone who belongs, not just another candidate.
Make Contact: No, this isn’t about sliding into their DMs. We’re talking about something much more direct and impactful. Find the HR Manager or Head of Marketing, pick up the phone, or craft a well-thought-out email. Tell them who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you’re excited about their company. Yes, this can be nerve-wracking, but it’s also where the magic happens.
Ask About Opportunities: Don’t just send a resume into the void. Directly inquire about the possibility of a marketing graduate role. Even if there isn’t an open position, you’ve just put yourself on their radar. And that’s a win.

What’s the Worst That Can Happen?

You might be thinking, “What if they say no?” And yeah, that could happen. In fact, let’s be real—it will happen sometimes. But here’s the kicker: the worst they can say is, “Sorry, we’re not hiring right now.” That’s it. No catastrophic event, no sudden blacklisting from the industry. Just a polite no.

But do you know what else happens? They remember you. They remember that you had the guts to reach out, that you showed initiative, passion, and a solid work ethic. They might not have a job for you today, but when something comes up tomorrow, guess whose name they’ll think of first? Yours.

Final Thoughts: Take the Leap

So, to all the marketing graduates out there feeling like they’re stuck in job-hunting purgatory, take this advice to heart. Be proactive, be bold, and most importantly, be persistent. The road to your first marketing job might be a little rocky, but trust me—it’s worth every step.

And if all else fails, you could always start that cat meme page. (Kidding… kind of.)