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How can I build a strong career in marketing without experience?

I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on digital marketing. I have some experience creating social media content and collaborating with brands, but I want to know how I can grow my skills, gain more experience, and find the remote career opportunities while still studying. Any advice from professionals in marketing, branding, or social media would be really helpful!

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Thank you comment icon Start your own podcast interviewing marketers or brands. It’ll give you an excuse to approach anyone and have something to offer them, plus you’ll have content that you can promote yourself. Derek Orth
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MJ’s Answer

You're off to a great start by studying Business Administration with a focus on digital marketing and having some content creation experience. To grow your skills, start by taking free online courses from places like Google Digital Garage, HubSpot, or Coursera—they’ll teach you useful tools and strategies. Practice by creating your own personal brand on social media or helping small businesses or student projects with their marketing. This gives you real experience and content to build a simple portfolio (even just on Google Drive or Canva).

To find remote opportunities, check out platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn, or Facebook Groups for marketing gigs and internships. Start networking gently on LinkedIn by connecting with professionals and commenting on their posts. Follow brands and creators you admire, study what works, and try to recreate those ideas in your own style. Most importantly, stay curious, take small steps, and don’t be afraid to start with small or unpaid projects—they’ll help you grow. You're doing great already—just keep going! 😊
Thank you comment icon Great advice. Leo McKenzie
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Adam’s Answer

Another option is to find a job at an advertising agency. Sometimes positions at brands are harder to get without experience. But agencies usually have higher turnover, so they are always looking for talent. I would target a dozen agencies in your area, learn about their clients, and build some personal experience in those industries. Read everything you can, go to events, do whatever you can to learn about how those companies make money and find customers. Then go chat with the agencies, even if it's just a learning interview. Talk with them about how passionate you are for those brands and industries. They will notice, and when an opening comes up, it will help you be at the top of the list. After you get experience, then you are off to the races.
Thank you comment icon +1 to this! Agencies are a great way to learn a lot and learn fast. There is a lot of opportunity to learn from peers and with the dynamisms in clientele and job responsibilities, you get a lot of experience and practice. Nick Zatta
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Farah’s Answer

Hi Rebecca - You are on the right path if you want to get into Digital Marketing. As a Recruiter who has had experienced hiring for Digital Marketing having hands on industry experience while being current with any of the trending industry changes is key. I would recommend applying to any volunteer, internships, part-time work while you are pursuing your undergraduate degree. The skills and experience you will gain through those roles can really help you land a long-term full time position. Keep your LinkedIn up to date with any projects you have done and that will get you in front of the right people. Colleges have programs that can place you in volunteer or internship roles so I would recommend starting there with your school counselor and career department. Good luck!
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Wong’s Answer

You're already on the right track. You're studying business and digital marketing, you've made content, and you've even worked with brands.

You can start by creating a simple portfolio. This could be a website, a PDF, or even a Google Drive folder that shows your work. Employers and clients want to see what you can do, not just read a resume.

Next, you can build your skills with free online courses. Learn tools like Google Analytics, Canva, social media ad platforms, and email marketing software. You don’t have to be an expert in everything, but knowing the basics will help you stand out.

While you’re still studying, look for small freelance jobs online or offer to help local businesses or nonprofits for free. This helps you practice and gives you real examples to add to your portfolio.

If you want a remote job, make sure your online presence is strong. Update your LinkedIn profile, share your work or thoughts on marketing, and connect with people in the industry.

Hope this helps. All the best!
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Paul’s Answer

Hi Huma! Starting a portfolio on Upwork or similar sites is a great way to showcase your work. Building a LinkedIn profile and linking it to your portfolio is a smart move too. You could also look for opportunities through an agency, just be sure to understand the terms so you know what is paid and what might be volunteer work. You've got this!
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Tricia’s Answer

Hi Huma,

It's fantastic that you're pursuing your degree and thinking about global opportunities! I'm a marketing manager who took an unconventional path and spent three years working abroad. It was a life-changing experience, and I highly recommend it.

Being open to different places and roles really helped me. Casting a wide net gave me more options and led me to opportunities I hadn't thought of before.

Here are some practical steps to boost your marketing skills and prepare for working abroad:

1. Build a Strong Foundation in Marketing

Learn outside the classroom: Check out online courses on platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Coursera. Focus on digital marketing, analytics, and content strategy, as they're important everywhere.
Stay updated: Follow industry blogs, podcasts, and newsletters to keep up with trends and best practices.

2. Gain Real-World Experience

Internships and freelance projects: Even small projects can help you build a portfolio. Offer to assist local businesses or nonprofits with social media or content creation.
Join student organizations or marketing clubs: These provide leadership experience and networking opportunities.

3. Develop Global Readiness

Language and cultural skills: If you have a specific region in mind, learn the basics of the language and research cultural norms. This shows you can adapt.
Follow global brands: See how they tailor campaigns for different markets to learn about international marketing.

4. Network Strategically

Connect with alumni and professionals abroad: Use LinkedIn to reach out to people in roles or countries you're interested in. Ask for informational interviews.
Attend virtual global events: Many conferences now offer online access, which is great for learning and networking.

5. Be Flexible and Open

Your first job abroad might not be your dream role, but it can be a stepping stone. Look for companies with international offices or roles that involve global collaboration.
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Eva’s Answer

Consider looking for an internship, either through your school or by yourself. Companies love hiring interns because they bring new ideas and get valuable experience in return. Sometimes, you can even earn college credits. Even without credits, it's a great opportunity. Plus, it might lead to a job offer after you graduate, as the company will already know your work style and skills. Wishing you the best in your future!
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Jerome’s Answer

Volunteering with local non-profits can help you build your resume, gain references and continue developing your skills.

I am sure you have many small businesses around you who don’t know much about marketing: you could build an affordable package and offer to help set-up or improve their process. Having a well rounded portfolio will make it easier to interview and share your value.
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Vladimir’s Answer

Build a portfolio now with your social media work and any brand collabs, even small ones! show results and metrics. Take on freelance or volunteer projects to gain real examples. Learn in-demand skills (SEO, ads, email marketing, and latest AI use in marketing) and get free certifications (Google, HubSpot, Meta). Share your learnings on LinkedIn to grow visibility and network with peers in marketing. Look at remote-first startups and internships while still studying, even small projects or side experiments (like running a niche Instagram or testing ads) make you stand out as a self-starter.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. I am glad to see your passion and commitment on your future career path.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Try to build your own profile on social media. Employers may look at your profiles
2. Explore any research or projects in colleges that cooperated with business corporation
3. Explore any intern opportunities to work in marketing department of business corporation
4. If there is any organisation you have interest, send your own CV to their HR department with email providing your background and intention
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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Camille’s Answer

Hello Rebecca, I'd say you're doing amazing work towards gaining that Marketing experience already! I spent about 4 years recruiting for the Marketing departments at two healthcare companies and I'd say that companies are typically open to providing opportunities to those with little to no experience as long as they see the efforts in your current path to reaching your goals. Look for opportunities in internships with companies that may offer guidance on Marketing -- this can help strengthen your already incredible resume and you'll have the opportunity to shadow/be mentored by someone who has experience in this area. Your drive in all of this will take you places! Keep it up!
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Fil’s Answer

You've made a great start! To get to the next level, I recommend harnessing the power of AI by building a pet project from scratch. The goal is to gain practical experience by walking through every step of developing and marketing a product, with AI as a partner.

Project Idea: Develop a Signature Cookie
A simple but effective concept is to develop a signature product, like a line of gourmet cookies. Use this idea to explore all the necessary business steps:

Product Development: Bake and refine your cookie recipe.

Branding & Design: Come up with a compelling name and design attractive packaging.

Market Research: Interview potential customers to find out what they value in cookie products.

Marketing Strategy: Go through all the marketing steps required to launch a new item.

The AI Advantage
Use AI throughout this entire process: from brainstorming names and packaging concepts to summarizing market research and drafting marketing copy.

While actually launching the product isn't mandatory, going through these steps will provide you with invaluable, real-world experience in the age of AI. This kind of hands-on practice will be a huge asset.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest in Digital Marketing.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Select Marketing or Digital Marketing courses in colleges
2. Pay attention on the marketing scheme of famous brands and learn their techniques
3. Find out more information on digital marketing techniques online
4. Explore any intern opportunities working in marketing department of large media corporations
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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Audrey’s Answer

Hi Huma! It can be intimidating to want to go into a career that you think you have little experience in. However, it sounds like you are already putting in the hard work and dedication to gain experience where you can. Continue working with and reaching out to small companies or local businesses that you could lend your marketing and social media services to - this is a great way to build your portfolio and add experiences to your resume. I also recommend setting up informational interviews with professionals in the marketing world. Tap into your network - find alumni from your school, talk to local community members, or connect with professionals on LinkedIn who are in a field you're interested in. A well-worded email can go a long way and people are almost always happy to speak to you and share more about their experiences. Good luck!
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robert’s Answer

I would continue collaborating with brands making social media content you can add links to businesses in content that you make, which you can gain revenue from while increasing exposure for yourself and brands while marketing the brands product and services.

Make sure to introduce yourself by name to give yourself credit while making marketing content.

Good luck you'll be amazing
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Leah’s Answer

Hi Huma!,

This is such a great question. Here's what I'd do if I was in your shoes!

1.) Create a LinkedIn. Make connections with those that are in roles that you'd be interested in. You can also follow companies that you have an interest in working at to see what the trajectory of their business. Don't be afraid to ask questions to those in fields you're interested in! Ask about their career journey. This can help you see commonalities between each career field and can give you a place to start. Adding a portfolio to your profile will also make you stand out amongst your peers.

2.) Take classes on topics you're interested in. There's a ton of resources for you to improve your skill set in digital marketing, social media management, content writing, sustainability, etc. LinkedIn Learning, Khan Academy, Coursera, and YouTube videos are all great places to start! From there, you can create different projects on your own or for local businesses as was suggested by another reply.

3.) Create a portfolio. I'd recommend using WIX as it's a great way to set up a website with the previous work I've done in the past. You can upload previous assignment, briefs, school projects, etc. to showcase what you've accomplished. You can also add an "about me" section where you can input the skills you excel at and your career desires.

I hope this helps! Good luck!
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Huma!

With Business Management and Administration, you can become involved in entrepreneurial ventures.

Networking is a great way to get noticed, and there are many ways to do it. Try using platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn, join networking groups, and make the most of social media. Attend seminars and answer questions to connect with others. Build a database of friends and professional contacts, and consider joining industry groups.

You can also attend conventions and conferences, send emails to new contacts, and set up informational interviews. Offer help where you can and attend group events to introduce yourself. Online communities and forums are great places to meet people too. Meet for coffee or reach out through emails or social media. Ask friends to introduce you to their contacts.

Stay in touch with former coworkers and attend social gatherings. Join public speaking groups like Toastmasters. Consider volunteering. You can also give talks at local schools to inspire the next generation. People can revolutionize your life, enhancing cash flow.

Many people worry about AI taking jobs, but you can stay ahead by specializing in areas that are specific, like Python coding. I call centripetal [center-seeking]. This skill can help you design programs for data management. That is specialized, but you can generalize as well.

I call this centrifugal [center-fleeing]. At the same time, be open to learning other skills to ensure cash flow and job security. You could help people find information online, conduct research for academic institutions, or consult for businesses to boost their success.

Wishing you the best!
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