Making a career change to do work you’re passionate about can be life-changing. For me, transitioning from an unfulfilling sales job to digital marketing completely transformed my life and career.
In this article, I’ll share my journey of how I went from working in a toxic environment to landing my first digital marketing job by age 21. You’ll learn the steps I took, resources I used, and strategies that helped me switch careers and accelerate my marketing success.
Whether you’re looking to break into digital marketing or progress within the field, I hope my story inspires you and provides actionable tips to find marketing roles you’ll love. Let’s dive in!
Discovering A Passion for Digital Marketing in University
In 2013, I began studying for my business administration bachelor’s degree in Finland. During my first year, I took an introductory digital marketing course taught by an amazing professor. Although it focused on theory, those classes sparked my interest in marketing.
I soon started devouring digital marketing books in the library, reading top blogs like Moz and ahrefs to learn about content marketing and SEO. I also researched marketing leaders that inspired me, consuming their interviews and podcast episodes.
After graduating with my bachelor’s, I naively assumed companies would be eager to hire me. However, I was met with rejection after rejection. Feeling defeated, I moved back home and knew I needed to continue my education.
Securing My First Marketing Internship
In 2016, I was accepted into a Finnish university’s master’s in marketing program. But I didn’t want to just focus on classes – I needed real-world experience.
So I browsed local companies in search of a marketing internship and emailed one explaining my goal of gaining hands-on skills. After no reply, I called and reiterated my interest to the salesperson who answered. He suggested emailing the CEO directly, which sounded daunting but I went for it.
The CEO invited me for a chat and assigned a test article about digital marketing trends. Two anxious weeks later, he offered me an unpaid 6-month internship – the maximum allowed during my program!
Though I knew almost nothing about marketing, I performed at 300% capacity in hopes of a full-time job offer. My professors let me work remotely and submit assignments online so I could fully commit to the internship.
Transitioning from Intern to Full-Time Marketing Specialist
Thanks to going the extra mile at my internship, the company offered me a paid marketing specialist role after graduation!
I loved digital marketing and wanted to keep progressing, so I made it a point to:
- Go above and beyond on every assignment, dedicating extra hours to deepen my skills
- Link my ideas and projects directly to revenue and the company’s bottom line
- Continuously educate myself and share new marketing knowledge with colleagues
Within a few years, my drive and strategic mindset earned me promotions to marketing manager and then team leader, managing an entire marketing unit!
My Key Takeaways:
- Don’t wait for job listings – reach out to companies yourself offering your skills
- Persist through rejection – follow up with calls and office visits if needed
- Offer to do free work or test assignments to gain experience
- Perform at 110% capacity as an intern to get a full-time offer
- Always tie your marketing work to revenue to be seen as strategic
- Never stop learning and share your knowledge to stand out
Working in Marketing Agency Customer Success
Today, I work in customer success at a B2B marketing agency after 5 years as an in-house marketer. Interacting with diverse clients and projects now teaches me new things daily – and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Conclusion:
I hope my story of transitioning from an unfulfilling sales role to launching a thriving marketing career by 21 resonates with you. While it took proactivity, persistence, and a relentless drive to learn, it was all worth it to land a career I love.