What's the best way to find marketing work without direct prior experience?

[Dave D]

I'm looking to find work in marketing,and I'm attracted to copywriting but I'm really not fussy about the specialty. I haven't worked in a marketing agency or department before, but I have worked in B2B sales and event production.
I see plenty of vacancies advertised, but at the moment, even assistant-level roles ask for 1 year's experience and above. Whats a good way to get on the ladder in this industry?

[Mike Hawk]

Bribes. 'nough said.

[Pat]

Wow I can't believe how unhelpful some of these other answers are. LoL and I'm sorry for you.

Marketing opportunities are broad and abundant in nature, but you're really looking into advertising roles. Copywriting is a very hard path to break into because it requires a strong portfolio and experience; it's your proverbial Catch 22 because you can't get a good job without the experience, and you can't get experience without experience either.

You can probably take one of two approaches. The first is to find an internship (paid or unpaid) for two to three months and build a network in the industry for yourself. Advertising positions are filled from people who know people who know people. That's probably the most important thing about it so you might try writing enticing cover emails to potential contacts and introduce yourself and your goals.

The second approach is to apply for marketing assistant positions. I've seen many that only require a bachelor's degree and minimal work experience. If you're coming right out of school or have very little work experience, that's the route to go, because you'll be able to meet people that can point you in the right direction. Working in CORPORATE marketing would certainly allow you to interact with ad agencies at some point, and these contacts would be able to get you to at least speak directly to the HR at these ad agencies - a difficult feat to accomplish otherwise.

To sum up, I think the most important thing to do is to proactively meet people and expand your network, by any means necessary. This is a field based heavily upon people and relationships, so the stronger yours are, the better chances you'll have.

Good luck!

[jobbend]

If you have a degree, consider talking to the career center at your university. If they are any good, they should be able to connect you to their network of companies, and alumni who may have resources for you.

Also consider doing temporary work at companies (or with temp agencies that work with marketing firms/departments) that have need for your skills/background. If you are a fit and do great work, these jobs can turn permanent. It's like a working interview.

And bottom line, network, network, network! Find marketing associations, meetings trade shows,, and wherever else companies go that you can introduce yourself.

[izibiznetwrk]

My suggestion would be Facebook for advertising / marketing it is really hot for trading. Serious.

Copy writing is brilliant venue and a smart opportunity for you to 'strut' your work so forums are great: like the Warrior Forum and I will give you a couple of tips to start ok?

And place your name and business with oDesk, there are plenty of searches there...

Hey, whatever your endeavors are may it always be successful :-)

[Wayne]

Try searching for "entry level marketing" on the indeed search engine.

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