5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started My Marketing Career in My Early 20s
When I first started my marketing journey, I really didn’t have much figured out! 🙃 I studied Psychology and Sociology in my undergrad, did a post grad in Industrial Sociology, and the only marketing I knew was content creation for brands via trade exchanges for campaigns.
But I’ve actually learned some valuable lessons that I wish someone had told me when I was just starting in 2019. Here’s what I’d share with every marketing enthusiast in their early 20s:
🎓 Never Stop Learning
Marketing evolves fast. The strategies that worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. Yesterday’s “demure, cutesy, mindful” trend is already old news. So, stay curious! Whether it’s keeping up with new tools, reading industry news, or testing new tactics—your willingness to keep learning will set you apart.
🤝🏽 Networking is Everything
They say, “It’s not just what you know, but who you know,” and it’s true. Building relationships early on in your career is crucial. Join marketing groups, attend virtual events, and don’t be afraid to send a LinkedIn message to someone you admire. The connections you make today could open doors tomorrow.
🔍 Find Your Niche
Marketing is a vast field, and trying to do it all can be overwhelming. Digital marketing is where we generally start in this career path but whether it’s content creation, social media, or data analytics, find what excites you the most. Having a specialty makes you stand out and ensures that your work feels rewarding. This is why I’ve personally focused on Social Media and Content Marketing, as well as SEO.
🤕 Mistakes Are Part of the Process
We’ve all been there—hit “Send” too soon, misread data (I put my hands up for this one), or launched a campaign that didn’t land. But mistakes are how you grow. Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. Embrace your missteps, learn from them, and keep moving forward.
💅🏽 Confidence Will Take You Places
You bring fresh ideas to the table, and they matter. Speak up in meetings, share your thoughts, and trust your voice. Confidence is a skill, and the more you practice it, the stronger it becomes.
So, to all the aspiring marketers out there, remember: you’re at the start of an incredible journey. Embrace the challenges, stay open to learning, and don’t forget to have fun along the way!
What’s one thing you wish you knew when you started your career? Let’s share and learn from each other in the comments below!👇🏽
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