How to gain marketing experience

Google makes it fairly easy to learn how to set up marketing analytics and obtain a certification you can put on your resume with their Google Analytics Certification Exam. The study materials include four units with three to five videos per unit.

Assessments are included at the end of each unit to make sure you know your stuff. The exam currently has around 70 multiple-choice questions. A score of 80% or higher is required to pass. Similarly, Google has the Google AdWords Certification Exam.

This is another way to show that you are willing to put in the work and go the extra mile to learn the skills you need for a career in marketing. It is also a great way to stand out to a potential employer because AdWords is known to be rather difficult to learn and can be intimidating to some.

Another important step in gaining marketing experience is to practice and develop your writing skills. Content creation is a big part of marketing, which makes good writing an important part of any marketing effort. But, most people don't like writing, so developing your writing skills is an easy way to set yourself apart from other new marketers.

Ideas to improve in this area include: keeping a journal, starting a blog, entering writing contests (you'll be surprised how many exist in your area), or making it a habit to spend ten minutes each day completing a creative writing prompt. Pick your favorite brand and pretend that you are responsible for creating their next ad campaign.

Practice making ads with engaging copy and stunning images. There are hundreds of tutorials on how to use Photoshop. If you don't have Photoshop, use Pixlr software (it's free). If Pixlr is too much to handle for your current skill level, then try out Canva, another free resource. Creating your content and making a portfolio shows initiative and will be helpful when applying.

You should also consider getting a mentor. It is highly recommended to find a mentor in your field. Mentors can help you answer difficult questions, give you feedback on your work, connect you with other marketing experts and help you develop some essential marketing skills.

Not to mention, these days, getting a job is often less a matter of how good your resume is and more the result of who you know. So, if you can find a decent mentor (and they agree) you can use them as a reference which can help you to get your foot in the door with a marketing agency or other company.