9 answers
Asked
2190 views
How can a get a remote marketing or accounting job whilst I'm studying my degree?
I'm 30 years old man, studying E-commerce. I'm passionate about digital marketing and basic clerical Accounting.
Login to comment
9 answers
Updated
Wong’s Answer
For marketing, it's important to learn practical skills such as social media management, content creation, SEO, email marketing, Google Analytics, and basic advertising. You can create a small portfolio by managing a social media page, building a simple website, writing sample marketing posts, or creating a mock digital marketing campaign. A portfolio can sometimes be more useful than simply telling an employer that you are passionate about marketing.
For accounting, you need to focus on skills that are commonly needed for entry-level remote work. Become comfortable with Excel or Google Sheets, bookkeeping, invoices, accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliation, and accounting software. You could look for roles such as virtual accounting assistant, bookkeeping assistant, finance assistant, or accounts clerk.
Since you are studying, you can look specifically for part-time, freelance, internship, contract, and remote assistant positions. When applying, make your CV clearly show your E-commerce studies, relevant skills, projects, and any practical experience. You can also contact small businesses directly because they may need help with social media, online stores, administration, or basic bookkeeping.
For accounting, you need to focus on skills that are commonly needed for entry-level remote work. Become comfortable with Excel or Google Sheets, bookkeeping, invoices, accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliation, and accounting software. You could look for roles such as virtual accounting assistant, bookkeeping assistant, finance assistant, or accounts clerk.
Since you are studying, you can look specifically for part-time, freelance, internship, contract, and remote assistant positions. When applying, make your CV clearly show your E-commerce studies, relevant skills, projects, and any practical experience. You can also contact small businesses directly because they may need help with social media, online stores, administration, or basic bookkeeping.
Updated
Dr. Lawana’s Answer
Balancing an E-commerce degree while trying to land a remote entry-level role in digital marketing or clerical accounting is entirely achievable, especially since your major sits right at the intersection of online business operations, front-end marketing, and back-end financial tracking.
Here is a practical, step-by-step roadmap to help you position yourself for remote work:
1. Target Hybrid Roles That Bridge Your Skills
Instead of looking strictly for siloed marketing or accounting departments, look for roles where companies need a versatile hybrid skill set:
E-commerce Assistant / Virtual Assistant: Managing online storefronts (Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce), updating product listings, reconciling daily customer orders or refunds, and handling basic email or social promotions.
Junior Digital Marketer / Content Coordinator: Managing social media scheduling, email marketing (Mailchimp/Klaviyo), basic SEO content, and pulling standard performance metrics from Google Analytics.
Remote Accounts Payable / Clerical Clerk: Handling invoice matching, receipt logging, and basic data entry or bank reconciliation using cloud software.
2. Boost Your Resume with Fast, Free Certifications
Because you are still completing your degree, official certifications are the fastest way to prove to remote employers that you have actionable, up-to-date technical skills:
For Marketing: Complete free courses on Google Skillshop to earn certifications in Google Analytics (GA4) and Google Ads. HubSpot Academy offers widely recognized certificates in Inbound Marketing and Email Marketing.
For Accounting: Complete the free training tracks for QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor or Xero Advisor to demonstrate you can manage cloud ledger workflows.
For Tools: Master intermediate Excel or Google Sheets (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and clean budget formatting).
3. Build a "Proof of Work" Portfolio
Employers hiring remotely often value proof of capability over traditional work history. Create a lightweight portfolio showcasing what you can actually do:
Marketing: Document a mock ad campaign structure, write three sample email newsletters, or write a short digital marketing audit for a local business.
Accounting/Operations: Build a clean, professional financial tracking template or an automated budget spreadsheet to show you understand structured data entry and reconciliation.
4. Where to Find Flexible & Entry-Level Remote Work
Freelance Platforms: Use Upwork and Fiverr to pick up bite-sized gigs (5 to 10 hours a week) like product data entry, ad reporting, or basic social media scheduling to build initial global client feedback.
Remote Job Boards: Search for part-time, internship, or contract listings using platforms like Wellfound (great for early-stage startups), We Work Remotely, and Remote.co.
Direct Outreach: Identify small e-commerce brands or growing businesses on LinkedIn, and pitch yourself directly for part-time remote support combining digital operations and clerical bookkeeping.
5. Lean Into Your Life Experience
At 30 years old, you bring professional maturity, reliability, time management, and communication skills that younger entry-level applicants often lack. Frame your return to higher education as a deliberate, focused choice to formalize your career in modern digital commerce.
Here is a practical, step-by-step roadmap to help you position yourself for remote work:
1. Target Hybrid Roles That Bridge Your Skills
Instead of looking strictly for siloed marketing or accounting departments, look for roles where companies need a versatile hybrid skill set:
E-commerce Assistant / Virtual Assistant: Managing online storefronts (Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce), updating product listings, reconciling daily customer orders or refunds, and handling basic email or social promotions.
Junior Digital Marketer / Content Coordinator: Managing social media scheduling, email marketing (Mailchimp/Klaviyo), basic SEO content, and pulling standard performance metrics from Google Analytics.
Remote Accounts Payable / Clerical Clerk: Handling invoice matching, receipt logging, and basic data entry or bank reconciliation using cloud software.
2. Boost Your Resume with Fast, Free Certifications
Because you are still completing your degree, official certifications are the fastest way to prove to remote employers that you have actionable, up-to-date technical skills:
For Marketing: Complete free courses on Google Skillshop to earn certifications in Google Analytics (GA4) and Google Ads. HubSpot Academy offers widely recognized certificates in Inbound Marketing and Email Marketing.
For Accounting: Complete the free training tracks for QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor or Xero Advisor to demonstrate you can manage cloud ledger workflows.
For Tools: Master intermediate Excel or Google Sheets (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and clean budget formatting).
3. Build a "Proof of Work" Portfolio
Employers hiring remotely often value proof of capability over traditional work history. Create a lightweight portfolio showcasing what you can actually do:
Marketing: Document a mock ad campaign structure, write three sample email newsletters, or write a short digital marketing audit for a local business.
Accounting/Operations: Build a clean, professional financial tracking template or an automated budget spreadsheet to show you understand structured data entry and reconciliation.
4. Where to Find Flexible & Entry-Level Remote Work
Freelance Platforms: Use Upwork and Fiverr to pick up bite-sized gigs (5 to 10 hours a week) like product data entry, ad reporting, or basic social media scheduling to build initial global client feedback.
Remote Job Boards: Search for part-time, internship, or contract listings using platforms like Wellfound (great for early-stage startups), We Work Remotely, and Remote.co.
Direct Outreach: Identify small e-commerce brands or growing businesses on LinkedIn, and pitch yourself directly for part-time remote support combining digital operations and clerical bookkeeping.
5. Lean Into Your Life Experience
At 30 years old, you bring professional maturity, reliability, time management, and communication skills that younger entry-level applicants often lack. Frame your return to higher education as a deliberate, focused choice to formalize your career in modern digital commerce.
Updated
Kara’s Answer
Hi Edmund, I'd suggest looking for a paid internship/internships while you're still getting your degree. Many companies offer these (and many won't be hiring for regular positions before you've graduated) and they're a great way to get a really wide range of experiences. Since internships are usually shorter term (ex: 3 months), it's a way to try out various types of companies across a range of industries and roles, and find out what really clicks with you. Plus, you meet and work with many different people, helping you build a network while you're still working towards a degree. The internship might lead into a permanent job, or it will be a good stepping stone and help you gain valuable experience.
Your school might have leads on internships, so it's worth asking a professor or administrator if they can recommend you. Good luck! :)
Your school might have leads on internships, so it's worth asking a professor or administrator if they can recommend you. Good luck! :)
Updated
Komal’s Answer
Target hybrid remote roles such as E-commerce Virtual Assistant, Junior Bookkeeper, or Marketing Coordinator where your combined skills are in high demand.
Earn quick, free certifications like QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor, Xero Advisor, or Google Ads to immediately validate your technical capabilities.
Start freelancing for flexibility by using platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to pick up 5 to 10 hour per week gigs in data entry, ad reporting, or store management.
Apply via remote-first job boards by searching part-time, internship, or contract listings on Wellfound, We Work Remotely, and LinkedIn.
Showcase practical coursework by building a simple portfolio featuring mock marketing campaigns and spreadsheet reconciliation models to demonstrate hands-on competence.
Earn quick, free certifications like QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor, Xero Advisor, or Google Ads to immediately validate your technical capabilities.
Start freelancing for flexibility by using platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to pick up 5 to 10 hour per week gigs in data entry, ad reporting, or store management.
Apply via remote-first job boards by searching part-time, internship, or contract listings on Wellfound, We Work Remotely, and LinkedIn.
Showcase practical coursework by building a simple portfolio featuring mock marketing campaigns and spreadsheet reconciliation models to demonstrate hands-on competence.
Updated
Lekan’s Answer
Start by securing an internship at a company to gain experience. Use your existing skills, as they will be valuable and mean you're not starting from zero. While applying for internships, consider volunteering with startups to enhance your portfolio. This approach worked well for me. Good luck!
Updated
Ben’s Answer
Echoing some of the other comments I would say an internship is a great way to get started within the accounting field. Personally this is how I started out my career and I've been an accountant for over 5 years at this point.
While I was still in college I applied to start ups as they are usually looking for college students who want to gain experience and it a great way to get your foot in the door. Expectations are generally low for past knowledge of accounting so the people working at the company will usually be very understanding and happy to train you on anything you need. The experience is truly invaluable and can be taken with you throughout your career even if you end up going to a different industry such as digital marketing.
Once you demonstrate your value and knowledge to the company there is even a possibility you will be asked to join as a full time employee. I was lucky enough to have this happen in my case and its great to start a full time role already knowing the people on the team and having an idea of how the company works
While I was still in college I applied to start ups as they are usually looking for college students who want to gain experience and it a great way to get your foot in the door. Expectations are generally low for past knowledge of accounting so the people working at the company will usually be very understanding and happy to train you on anything you need. The experience is truly invaluable and can be taken with you throughout your career even if you end up going to a different industry such as digital marketing.
Once you demonstrate your value and knowledge to the company there is even a possibility you will be asked to join as a full time employee. I was lucky enough to have this happen in my case and its great to start a full time role already knowing the people on the team and having an idea of how the company works
Updated
Saurabh’s Answer
Here is a step-by-step roadmap tailored to your background in E-commerce, interest in digital marketing and accounting, and need for remote flexibility:
1. Leverage Your Unique Combination (E-commerce + Marketing + Accounting)
Your degree in E-commerce is a strong advantage because online businesses constantly need people who understand both front-end growth (marketing) and back-end operations (tracking numbers/cash flow).
Consider roles that bridge these areas:
E-commerce Operations / Virtual Assistant: Managing Shopify/Amazon store listings, reconciling daily orders/refunds, updating inventory, and running basic email/social promotions.
Junior Digital Marketer / Content Assistant: Managing social scheduling, email newsletters (Mailchimp/Klaviyo), basic SEO copywriting, and tracking Google Analytics metrics.
Remote Bookkeeper / Accounts Clerk: Handling Accounts Payable/Receivable (AP/AR), invoice matching, receipt logging, and basic reconciliation in QuickBooks or Xero.
2. Earn Free & Fast Industry Certifications
To stand out without prior full-time experience in these specific tracks, certifications validate your skills immediately:
For Digital Marketing:
Google Analytics (GA4) Certification (Free via Google Skillshop)
Google Ads Search & Display Certifications (Free via Google Skillshop)
HubSpot Inbound Marketing & Email Marketing (Free via HubSpot Academy)
Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate (Meta Blueprint)
For Accounting & Clerical:
Intuit QuickBooks Certified User / ProAdvisor (Free training and certification via QuickBooks Online Accountant)
Xero Advisor Certification (Free via Xero Central)
Advanced Excel / Google Sheets: Pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and financial modeling basics.
3. Build a "Proof of Work" Portfolio
Instead of just listing courses on your resume, show what you can actually do:
Marketing: Create mock ad campaigns, run a niche blog/newsletter, audit an existing small brand’s social/SEO presence, or document an e-commerce case study from your degree.
Accounting: Build interactive Excel budget templates, financial dashboard sheets, or sample reconciliations.
4. Where to Find Remote Entry-Level & Flexible Work
Freelance / Micro-Gigs (Best for building fast experience & flexible hours)
Upwork & Fiverr: Offer specific, bite-sized services such as "Shopify product listing & basic SEO", "QuickBooks bank reconciliation", or "Canva social media graphic creation & scheduling".
Contra: A growing commission-free platform for freelance digital marketers and remote specialists.
Remote-First Job Boards
LinkedIn & Indeed: Filter by Remote, Part-time / Internship, and keywords like Junior Marketing Coordinator, Accounts Payable Clerk, or E-commerce Assistant.
Wellfound (formerly AngelList): Ideal for remote roles at early-stage startups and DTC (direct-to-consumer) e-commerce brands looking for versatile team members.
We Work Remotely, Remote.co, & FlexJobs: High-quality remote job listings with dedicated sections for Marketing, Sales, and Finance/Admin.
Direct Outreach to Local / Small E-commerce Brands
Reach out directly to small e-commerce stores or local businesses via LinkedIn or email. Offer 10–15 hours/week of remote support for bookkeeping, order processing, or social media scheduling.
5. Position Your Age and Experience as an Asset
Being 30 while studying gives you real-world maturity, reliability, and communication skills that younger entry-level applicants often lack:
Emphasize reliability, time management, and problem-solving skills.
Frame your return to education as a deliberate, driven choice to specialize in modern digital commerce.
1. Leverage Your Unique Combination (E-commerce + Marketing + Accounting)
Your degree in E-commerce is a strong advantage because online businesses constantly need people who understand both front-end growth (marketing) and back-end operations (tracking numbers/cash flow).
Consider roles that bridge these areas:
E-commerce Operations / Virtual Assistant: Managing Shopify/Amazon store listings, reconciling daily orders/refunds, updating inventory, and running basic email/social promotions.
Junior Digital Marketer / Content Assistant: Managing social scheduling, email newsletters (Mailchimp/Klaviyo), basic SEO copywriting, and tracking Google Analytics metrics.
Remote Bookkeeper / Accounts Clerk: Handling Accounts Payable/Receivable (AP/AR), invoice matching, receipt logging, and basic reconciliation in QuickBooks or Xero.
2. Earn Free & Fast Industry Certifications
To stand out without prior full-time experience in these specific tracks, certifications validate your skills immediately:
For Digital Marketing:
Google Analytics (GA4) Certification (Free via Google Skillshop)
Google Ads Search & Display Certifications (Free via Google Skillshop)
HubSpot Inbound Marketing & Email Marketing (Free via HubSpot Academy)
Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate (Meta Blueprint)
For Accounting & Clerical:
Intuit QuickBooks Certified User / ProAdvisor (Free training and certification via QuickBooks Online Accountant)
Xero Advisor Certification (Free via Xero Central)
Advanced Excel / Google Sheets: Pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and financial modeling basics.
3. Build a "Proof of Work" Portfolio
Instead of just listing courses on your resume, show what you can actually do:
Marketing: Create mock ad campaigns, run a niche blog/newsletter, audit an existing small brand’s social/SEO presence, or document an e-commerce case study from your degree.
Accounting: Build interactive Excel budget templates, financial dashboard sheets, or sample reconciliations.
4. Where to Find Remote Entry-Level & Flexible Work
Freelance / Micro-Gigs (Best for building fast experience & flexible hours)
Upwork & Fiverr: Offer specific, bite-sized services such as "Shopify product listing & basic SEO", "QuickBooks bank reconciliation", or "Canva social media graphic creation & scheduling".
Contra: A growing commission-free platform for freelance digital marketers and remote specialists.
Remote-First Job Boards
LinkedIn & Indeed: Filter by Remote, Part-time / Internship, and keywords like Junior Marketing Coordinator, Accounts Payable Clerk, or E-commerce Assistant.
Wellfound (formerly AngelList): Ideal for remote roles at early-stage startups and DTC (direct-to-consumer) e-commerce brands looking for versatile team members.
We Work Remotely, Remote.co, & FlexJobs: High-quality remote job listings with dedicated sections for Marketing, Sales, and Finance/Admin.
Direct Outreach to Local / Small E-commerce Brands
Reach out directly to small e-commerce stores or local businesses via LinkedIn or email. Offer 10–15 hours/week of remote support for bookkeeping, order processing, or social media scheduling.
5. Position Your Age and Experience as an Asset
Being 30 while studying gives you real-world maturity, reliability, and communication skills that younger entry-level applicants often lack:
Emphasize reliability, time management, and problem-solving skills.
Frame your return to education as a deliberate, driven choice to specialize in modern digital commerce.
Updated
Jaycelle’s Answer
If you're interested in digital marketing, start with entry-level roles like social media assistant, digital marketing intern, e-commerce assistant, or content assistant. To shine, create a small portfolio. Try making a sample social media campaign, an e-commerce marketing plan, or email marketing content. These projects show employers what you can do, even if you haven't worked in marketing before.
For accounting, look for positions such as bookkeeping assistant, accounts payable/receivable assistant, billing assistant, finance administrator, or data-entry clerk. Excel skills are very helpful, and learning accounting programs like QuickBooks or Xero can boost your résumé.
Here are some tips for breaking into these fields:
Create separate resumes for marketing and accounting jobs. Highlight the specific skills and courses that fit each role instead of using the same résumé for all applications.
Gain experience in any way you can. Volunteer work, school projects, freelance gigs, or helping a small business can all add valuable experience to your résumé.
Enhance your LinkedIn profile and portfolio. Clearly list your skills, studies, completed projects, and the opportunities you're looking for.
Think beyond traditional full-time jobs. Look for internships, part-time roles, contract work, and freelance projects. Use search terms like "remote marketing assistant," "e-commerce assistant," "digital marketing intern," "remote bookkeeper," and "accounts payable assistant."
Check location requirements carefully. A "remote" job might still require you to live in a specific country. If applying internationally, seek employers who accept candidates from your country or hire globally.
For accounting, look for positions such as bookkeeping assistant, accounts payable/receivable assistant, billing assistant, finance administrator, or data-entry clerk. Excel skills are very helpful, and learning accounting programs like QuickBooks or Xero can boost your résumé.
Here are some tips for breaking into these fields:
Create separate resumes for marketing and accounting jobs. Highlight the specific skills and courses that fit each role instead of using the same résumé for all applications.
Gain experience in any way you can. Volunteer work, school projects, freelance gigs, or helping a small business can all add valuable experience to your résumé.
Enhance your LinkedIn profile and portfolio. Clearly list your skills, studies, completed projects, and the opportunities you're looking for.
Think beyond traditional full-time jobs. Look for internships, part-time roles, contract work, and freelance projects. Use search terms like "remote marketing assistant," "e-commerce assistant," "digital marketing intern," "remote bookkeeper," and "accounts payable assistant."
Check location requirements carefully. A "remote" job might still require you to live in a specific country. If applying internationally, seek employers who accept candidates from your country or hire globally.
Updated
Roger’s Answer
look for part-time remote internships or entry-level roles in accounting or marketing while studying. I’d use LinkedIn and job boards, tailor my résumé to each role, and highlight relevant coursework, Excel/marketing skills, and any volunteer or project experience.