Finding a job
Marketing & PR
There are various routes into this highly competitive industry. Employers expect recruits to have an understanding of new media, and they particularly value creative, innovative individuals. Journalistic skills are also highly regarded. Analytics have never been more important in this sector and the increase in social media use has created a huge dataset that marketers can utilise to improve analysis of consumer behaviour. Databases are used to better understand segments of the market and move towards direct marketing, helping to build long-term customer relationships. Graduates with numerical and analytical skills who are able to exploit databases are therefore in high demand.
The industry is broadly divided into those who work for specialist agencies, and those who work in-house for an organisation, the latter of which could be across sectors as diverse as finance, technology, charitable organisations, educational institutions or local government (to name but a few).
On this page, you will discover key types of opportunities in this sector, useful job sites to be aware of, and top tips for securing a graduate role!
Types of opportunities
Although small in number some large companies run graduate schemes which provide a direct route into the sector. However, competition is fierce and places on the schemes are frequently highly oversubscribed, which can mean that many talented applicants are turned down. Typically graduate schemes are advertised in September and the application window is generally between September and January, so start early to explore options and be well prepared and ready to apply. Look for graduate schemes at:
Jobs boards on websites, such as those listed below, provide details of available vacancies. Most entry-point opportunities for graduates are trainee positions such as publicity assistants, press officers, or trainee account executives. It is useful to remember that many companies will often advertise their vacancies through their own website before they turn to other methods; this is where your own research into companies you might want to work for is vital to help you to identify opportunities.
Where to look
Use to below job sites to kick start your search for a role in marketing & PR.
Are you looking for a role in Hampshire? Our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy can help!
If you're in the final year of your degree, you can register for support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy. They work with over 3,000 employers in the local area to place our students into fantastic graduate careers.
Tips for finding a job
- Check advertising and marketing agencies' websites in September to see if graduate schemes are available and to find out deadlines for applications.
- Make sure your application is tailored to each agency. If you can show you have some insight about what makes them different – or what accounts they have – they are likely to be impressed.
- Most companies have an X, Linkedin and/or Facebook account, register with them as this is often a place where new opportunities are posted, and where you can keep in touch with their current activities or advertising campaigns.
