Totaljobs.com > Career Advice > Careers in... > Careers in Marketing > Graduate-Trainee job description
Job description: Graduate/Trainee
Graduate/Trainee Marketing executives are involved in all aspects of a marketing campaign including: planning; advertising; promotion; public/media relations; product development; distribution; sponsorship; and research. The role is often challenging, varied and exciting.
Your responsibilities can vary, depending on the size of the organisation and sector, and whether the focus is on selling a product, service or raising awareness of an issue that affects the public.
As many organisations have marketing departments, Graduate/Trainee Marketers can be found in both the private and public sectors: from the banking, retailing and media industries to voluntary and not-for-profit organisations.
You could be referred to as a marketing assistant, executive or coordinator in this role. And there are many opportunities available to you as a Graduate/Trainee to enter a trainee level role. You could follow your interests into a particular sector. Alternatively, you can build up skills and transfer between industries.
Hours/Environment
Your hours will usually be around 35 to 40 a week, Monday to Friday, plus some travel is often a possibility. You may need to put in some overtime on short notice when deadlines are approaching.
Time out of the office could involve liaising and building relationships with a range of stakeholders, e.g. customers, suppliers and colleagues; as well as the media.
Skills and interests
To be a successful Graduate/Trainee in this field, you need to have:
- strong consumer and product awareness
- good organisational and planning skills
- excellent written and verbal communication
- the ability to work on multiple projects at one time
- the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
- good attention to detail and accuracy
- strong IT skills
- good knowledge of marketing techniques
- self motivation
- the ability to be a team player
Entry
As a Graduate, a degree in a relevant subject such as Marketing, Media Studies or Communications would be advantageous. Many employers are looking for strong personal qualities, like confidence and excellent communication skills. For creative positions, you'll need to demonstrate your skills and have a portfolio of work to show.
Experience in a related field is useful and in some cases, for executive positions and higher, it's often essential. As well as any related positions you've held, you can also include work experience, temporary placements and volunteering to this list.
Competition is pretty strong in this area, so getting a suitable qualification such as a Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) certification could greatly improve your chances. Although an additional qualification can be useful, it won't guarantee a job or replace the personal qualities and experience employers seek in any applicant.
Training
Once you enter a company, you will be will trained in a number of ways depending on how they choose to work and the role you take. Often you will shadow senior or more experienced members of staff, receiving one to one guidance as you progress. Training can also include on-the-job training, in-house training or a series of short external courses.
Employers may also decide to send you on a Certificate, Advanced Certificate or PostGraduate/Trainee Diploma in Marketing with the CIM.
There's also the Communication, Advertising & Marketing Foundation (CAM), which offers a qualification made up of six modules. It covers marketing, advertising, public relations, media, research and behavioral studies, sales promotion and direct marketing. Successful candidates can go on to achieve an Advanced Diploma in Communication Studies.
Opportunities
Marketing plays a vital role and crosses virtually every sector, from government and health to commercial and retail. So your options are open, allowing you to work in practically any industry or company - so you can pick an area that you're particularly interested in.
As you take on more responsibilities and gain experience, you will be able to take your career in marketing up to more senior positions. There's also the option to go freelance which is common in creative aspects or marketing, or start up your own agency.
Annual income
Salaries will depend greatly on the kind of role you take, however as a starter you'd often be starting at around £16,000 - £24000. With experience this can rise to between £25,000 to £50,000, but these figures will vary based on your role and location.
Jobs in Marketing
Other Careers in Marketing
