More data released by graduate-jobs.com shows that Marketing is the second most popular career choice for graduates.
Nearly a third of graduates are looking for careers in Marketing, according to new data released by graduate-jobs.com. While Management remains the most popular choice for graduates, with 29 per cent pursuing a career that sector, Marketing follows closely behind at 27 per cent.
Over a five year sample period, the data indicates Marketing attracts graduates from various disciplines. The variety of careers available to graduates in Marketing may be one cause for its popularity.
Nicole Burns, a History graduate from Goldsmiths University of London, is the Social and Public Relations Manager at Spinnaker, an innovative marketing agency. She says the causes of Marketing's popularity is due in part to its representation in the media.
"There is a certain glamorous air around Marketing. It's probably something to do with Mad Men and other cultural references around the industry-not all of them 100 per cent accurate," she says.
Marketing can be an attractive career for more concrete reasons. Nicole says there are many benefits to a position in the sector.
"The perks in general are pretty good depending on what section of the discipline you work in, what industry you specialise within and who your employers are," she says. "Expect to see a lot of free films and attend media launches if you work in the movie industry or rub shoulders with celebrities if you work with brands that have celebrity collateral."
Nicole says graduates do not need to come to the sector from a Marketing degree subject, or even possess experience in the field.
"I was initially drawn towards Marketing after spending my first year post-university working in the sales department of a luxury magazine publishing house. I wanted to be involved in the stage before placing the advertisement."
"I was excited by the prospect of working on campaigns from the grass-roots, creating memorable moments for a targeted audience."
The range of opportunities available in Marketing allowed Nicole to specialise according to her interests.
"After launching the UK's first official Charity Retail Instagram in 2014, I decided to work exclusively in Social Media and Public Relations, which is another reason why I believe Marketing is such a desirable avenue for Graduates," Nicole says.
"The scope of Marketing is so wide, you can easily mould your strengths and weaknesses into becoming a successful Marketing Executive, as it's not nearly as 'tick every box' other professions."
There are two main fields available in Marketing, working with agency and working in-house.
"In-house means that you are working for, and directly employed by, the business that you are marketing," Nicole says. "Agency means that you work for a business not directly associated to the campaigns you are working on but have been employed as specialists by Brands to market them."
For graduates unsure to whether to work in-house or at an agency, Nicole recommends following passion for the work.
"Pick something you are truly interested in and it will make your life a lot easier. This, particularly for your first job, may not be possible," she says. "However try to make sure you do not loathe what you are trying to sell people. With the best will in the world, you aren't going to have fun promoting peanuts if you're allergic."
Nicole advises gaining developing skills and gaining qualifications as early as possible.
"Take advantage of every opportunity for learning like a Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) or a Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) qualification. They are like gold dust especially earlier in your career."
Hopeful graduate Marketers should be patient with their career ambitions. Nicole says it took time for her to land a job she really loved.
"Don't worry too much about your first job being exactly what you want to do with the rest of your life. I've tended to side step, slowly getting into a position that I aspired to be in," she says.
"Go for a steady Marketing Assistant role and look to be promoted or move onto a higher level job within the first 18 months. Then you can work towards your dream area when you've got your foot in the door."