Marketing Job without Qualifications?

audge

Hey, I am currently working in marketing, and my friend, lets call her Mary, is interested in getting into a marketing/media style job too.
Only problem is, although we are the same age, I have HND's in journalism and Media Production - Radio Broadcasting, and a degree in media production and media management, Mary only has a national diploma in media. She completed on year of a two year Media production - radio broadcasting course, so she may have a record of achievement for that too. Basically, are their any entry level positions into Media / Marketing positions that some one like Mary could get into without a degree?
Mary would be willing to start out at administration type level if needs be.
She is an intelligent, creative, determined young woman, who I really believe could do well..............What are her chances???

shepthedog

The best place to start would be www.mii.ie, they have a full database of all the latest marketing positions and opportunities, they will also be able to advise "Mary" about her options. Maybe do a cert at night or something like that..

audge

Thank you, I was afraid no one was replying because there is no chance of her getting a marketing job withou the right qualifications!!!

leftofcentre

It depends is she good looking and friendly?

I know that sounds sexiest but it works for both men and women. Marketing is essentially a job of perception, if you look good, are friendly and see like you know what your talking about then your flying. Confident people do well in marketing, shrinking violets need not apply. The not so good looking people have to rely on good old fashioned hard work and talent

The hardest part is getting your foot in the door, take any job that comes up just so you have something on your CV.

Then if you can survive the narcissistic egomaniacs that you find in adland, your flying.

Its a tough business and only suits a certain type of person, but it can be a lot of fun.

audge

she has been mistaken for sarah michelle geller on more then one occasion, she is a gorgeous girl, who is really outgoing, confident and friendly, I hate to see her talents wasted!

leftofcentre

Oh I forget, she could just try lying.

Make up some experience, eg I had a summer job in America working in sales and marketing. I done ad campaigns for local businesses etc.

To be honest for junior jobs no one ever checks your qualifications, so you could happily say you have qualification in marketing, just say its from some place in england.

Some of the best people i know got where they are by lying through their teeth. Its not being dishonest, marketing is all about spin and perception, I would see it as using your initiate.

"The secret of success is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake these, you've got it made." - Mark Twain

leftofcentre

What age is she?

audge

22, from monaghan originally

leftofcentre

Yeah thats a good starty offy age. Whats about sales promotions? they are always looking people, and it can be a good 'in'.

The account exec jobs definatly go to graduates.

edbyrne

I wouldn't backup Brian's theory on lying. It might get you the job, but you won't last long on a foundation like that. What if your references are checked? What if you can't do simple things you said you could? When that happens it could really damage your career and reputation.

Now, that's not to say you can exaggerate your skills and experience a bit! Spend a short while doing promotions? Then you were a Sales Rep or Merchandising Agent dealing with Consumers and Promoting use and sale of the product. It's just a more 'executive' way of saying what you did.

I would agree with Brian however that a sales job would be a good start. Not too sure about marketing promotions - that's typcially full of students and there no real career advancement in it.

On other note ... if she's really interested in marketing, why not apply to a few small marketing companies and say she'll work for free for 3 months just to get experience. Small/new companies will jump at this, and if she's good she'll get a paid position, and regardless, it'll be experience and a reference for the CV. And any half-decent person will pay her a few euro at the end anyway!

PR

I agree with Brian here to an extent and then with Ed.

If she knows she can do the job at heart, then lying is not a problem. I walked out of school with no gcse's but that was because I was lazy not stupid.

I walked straight into a job because I lied and made them believe it, but as long as you know the job you are walking into, then go for it, they can only sack you!

If she's good looking, then she's got an even bigger bonus, just make sure she's not walking into a job she can't handle.

leftofcentre

'I walked straight into a job because I lied and made them believe it'

PR is actually a heart surgeon in the Mater.

;-)