Director of field marketing skills for your resume and career

Students often underestimate the importance of soft skills. To succeed in a marketing career, you need to be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, work well in a team environment, use critical and creative thinking, and get along with others. On an individual level, successful marketers are typically good time managers, decisive, adaptable to change, good listeners, and open to feedback. Emotional intelligence plays a significant role in one's career progression and success.

As a science and an art, marketing utilizes both soft skills and technical skills on a daily basis. While some technologies are industry-specific, having an understanding and basic mastery of data analysis, statistics, data visualization, digital marketing, marketing research, and customer relationship management will position a candidate well.

Taking a gap year is a deliberate act, not flying by the seat of one's pants, i.e., just figuring things out as you go along. It entails establishing a plan prior to that year. Determining how the time will be spent is key to realizing a successful outcome. It is highly recommended to have a strategy on the specifics of what will be done during the year; otherwise, risk being unproductive. Reasons for taking a gap year are varied. Perhaps to reflect (on the past, present, future), ponder potential goals, and/or recalibrate. It is also a viable way to manage burnout. The gap year offers an opportunity to travel (experience other cultures), volunteer (for a cause of interest), learn new skills by experimenting with different types of jobs, etc. However, a gap year is not without its pitfalls. For example, it may be difficult going back to regular life, reinforcing the importance of having a plan at the outset.

If the events of 2020 have taught us anything, it is the importance of resilience and flexibility. New graduates will need to remain alert, curious, and ready for inevitable change. Communication skills like active listening, teamwork, and writing will never go out of style and are consistently valued by organizations of all sizes and industries. In light of increasing globalization and emphasis on gender and racial diversity, successful professionals will have high cultural intelligence (CQ), contributing to strong negotiation and interpersonal skills.

Business communication graduates will need to possess comfort with technology, including the ability to self-teach the new and proprietary applications they will indeed be expected to use. Finally, they should be prepared to support why communication initiatives are vital to business outcomes strategically. Effective communication practices have been connected to organizational innovation, efficiency, and profitability; communication professionals should have the capability to make that case using data and evidence.

Graduates must not be complacent and assume their skill base will endure over a long period; they must continue to engage and learn in order to understand changes in the landscape and add value. Beyond listing specific computer software or hardware skills, we know from working so closely with employers to place our students that they are looking for students who possess excellent communication skills - including technical communication. Along the lines of communicating, employers seek graduates with the ability to analyze and succinctly synthesize sometimes ambiguous information. Finally, showcasing flexibility and an interest in learning will be important to employers.