Marketing Career Guides
Marketing Careers: Types of Marketing Jobs and Career Paths
Marketing splits into a handful of specialties, including brand, social, content, SEO, paid media, PR, product marketing, analytics and creative. Most people start as a coordinator or specialist in one of them, move up to manager, then director, and the generalists among them go on to VP and CMO.
- Entry-level marketing jobsThe common entry-level marketing jobs, what each one does, the skills hiring managers check for, and how to stand out without experience.
- How to get into marketingHow to get into marketing or digital marketing as a graduate or career changer, which skills to learn first, and how to prove them.
- How to get your first marketing jobA step-by-step plan for landing your first marketing job with no experience, from picking a target role to proof projects, applications and the offer.
- How to get a marketing internshipWhere to find a marketing internship, when to apply, what to put in the application and how to turn the internship into a job offer.
- Marketing portfolioWhat to put in a marketing or digital marketing portfolio by role, how to write a case study, and how to show results honestly when the work was a team's.
- Marketing resumeHow to write a marketing resume, with a section-by-section structure, bullet formulas, and example lines for entry level, manager, director and CMO roles.
- Marketing skillsThe hard and soft marketing skills employers hire for, which ones matter for each role, and how to prove each one on your resume and in an interview.
- Is marketing a good career?The honest pros and cons of a marketing career, who tends to do well in it, who doesn't, and how to tell whether it's the right field for you.
- Jobs with a marketing degreeThe jobs a marketing degree leads to, from coordinator and social roles to brand, analytics and sales, plus how to turn the degree into a first offer.
- Marketing job titlesMarketing job titles from coordinator to CMO, what each level owns, and the common titles in brand, social, content, SEO, paid media, PR and analytics.
- Marketing manager job descriptionA marketing manager job description you can adapt, plus what a marketing manager really does day to day, the skills it takes and how the role varies.
- Social media manager job descriptionA social media manager job description you can adapt, plus what the job involves day to day, the skills it takes, how it's measured and how it varies.
- Brand manager job descriptionA brand manager job description you can adapt, plus what a brand manager really does, how the role differs in CPG and tech, and how it's measured.
- Marketing coordinator job descriptionA marketing coordinator job description you can adapt, plus what coordinators really do day to day, the skills that matter and where the role leads next.
- Fractional CMOWhat a fractional CMO is and does, when companies hire one instead of a full-time CMO, and how marketing leaders become one and win the work.
- Resume summary examplesResume summary examples for marketing roles from coordinator to CMO, by specialty, plus a simple formula and the mistakes that make summaries get skipped.
- Resume objective examplesWhen a resume objective beats a summary, how to write one in two lines, and examples for students, graduates and career changers moving into marketing.
- LinkedIn headline examplesLinkedIn headline examples for marketers from coordinator to CMO, plus headlines for job seekers, open to work, career changers and freelancers.
- LinkedIn summary examplesLinkedIn summary examples for marketers, with a structure for the About section, templates by level and specialty, and what to put in the opening lines.
- Personal brand statementHow to write a personal brand statement, with a simple formula and examples for marketers, and how to turn it into your headline, About section and pitch.
- Social media manager resumeHow to write a social media manager resume, with the sections to include, bullet examples by level, the skills to list and how to link your work.
- Brand manager resumeHow to write a brand manager resume for CPG and non-CPG roles, with a section structure, bullet examples by level, skills to list and common mistakes.
- Types of marketingThe main types of marketing, from brand and performance to SEO, social, product and lifecycle, what each one involves and the jobs it leads to.
- Freelance marketingHow to become a freelance marketer, from choosing a service and finding first clients to pricing, contracts and going back in-house later.
- How to become a marketing consultantHow to become a marketing consultant, the experience it takes, how it differs from freelancing and fractional CMO work, and how to win first clients.
- MBA in marketingWhether an MBA in marketing is worth it, which marketing jobs favor one (like brand management at consumer goods companies), and the alternatives.
- Brand vs performance marketingBrand marketing vs performance marketing explained for job seekers, with the jobs on each side, how interviews differ and how to move between them.
- In-house vs agency marketingIn-house vs agency marketing from a career view, covering what the work is like at each, how to move between them and how the interviews differ.
- Marketing director job descriptionA marketing director job description you can adapt, plus what a marketing director does, how the role changes with company size and how it's measured.
- CMO job descriptionWhat a CMO does, a chief marketing officer job description you can adapt, how the role differs by company and how CEOs and boards judge it.
- Product marketing manager job descriptionA product marketing manager job description you can adapt, plus what a PMM does day to day, how the role differs by company and how it's measured.
- SEO specialist job descriptionAn SEO specialist job description you can adapt, plus what an SEO specialist does day to day, the tools and skills it takes and how the role is measured.
- Digital marketing manager job descriptionA digital marketing manager job description you can adapt, plus what the role involves day to day, the channels and skills it covers and how it's measured.
- Marketing analyst job descriptionA marketing analyst job description you can adapt, plus what a marketing analyst does, the tools and skills it takes and how the role is measured.
- Social media jobsThe main types of social media jobs, from coordinator to head of social, what each one does day to day, and how to get hired into your first or next one.
- Social media coordinatorWhat a social media coordinator does, a job description template you can copy, the skills and tools to show on a resume, and how to get hired.
- Social media specialistWhat a social media specialist does, how it differs from coordinator and manager, a job description template, skills and tools, and how to get hired.
- Social media strategistWhat a social media strategist does, a job description template, the skills and tools that matter, how to move into the role and the interview questions.
- Social media internshipHow to get a social media internship, what social media interns really do, and what to put in your application, cover letter and portfolio to get picked.
- UGC creatorWhat a UGC creator does, how brands use the content, how to build a portfolio, find brand deals, handle usage rights and disclosure, and price your work.
- Influencer marketing jobsThe jobs in influencer marketing, what an influencer marketing manager does, a job description template, skills, FTC disclosure rules and how to get hired.
- Community managerWhat a community manager does for a brand, a copyable job description, skills and tools, career path and how to get hired without the title.
- Social media manager portfolioWhat to put in a social media manager portfolio, a case study template, the best formats, and the mistakes that make hiring managers click away.
- Google Ads specialistWhat a Google Ads specialist does, a job description you can copy, the skills and certifications that matter, and how to get hired without the title.
- PPC specialistWhat a PPC or paid search specialist does across Google, Microsoft, Amazon and paid social, a copyable job description, skills, and how to get hired.
- Media buyerWhat a media buyer does at an agency or in-house, digital vs traditional and programmatic buying, a job description template, and how to become one.
- Media plannerWhat a media planner does, how the job differs from a media buyer, a copyable job description, the skills and tools, and how to get into media planning.
- Performance marketing managerWhat a performance marketing or paid media manager does across search, social and programmatic, a job description, skills, career path and interviews.
- CRM managerWhat a CRM manager does in marketing, a job description template you can copy, the skills and tools that matter, and how to get the job.
- Email marketing managerWhat email marketing specialists and managers do, a job description template for each level, the skills and tools that matter, and how to get hired.
- Lifecycle marketing managerWhat a lifecycle or retention marketing manager does, a job description template, the skills and tools, and how the role differs from CRM and email.
- Marketing automation specialistWhat a marketing automation specialist does, a job description you can copy, the platforms and skills that matter, and how to get into the role.
- Marketing operations managerWhat a marketing operations manager does, a job description template, the systems and skills involved, and how to move into marketing ops.
- Demand generation managerWhat a B2B demand generation manager does, a job description template, the skills and tools that matter, and how to get into demand gen.
- Brand managerWhat a brand manager does, how people get into brand management, the skills hiring managers look for, and how to land the role.
- CMOWhat a CMO does, the paths people take to the chief marketing officer role, the skills that matter and how to land your first CMO job.
- Content strategistWhat a content strategist does, the usual routes in from writing, SEO or editorial work, the skills you need, and how to build a portfolio that gets you hired.
- CopywriterWhat a copywriter does, how to become one with or without a degree, the portfolio hiring managers want, and how to land your first job.
- Creative directorWhat a creative director does, the path up from designer, copywriter or art director, the skills that matter and the portfolio that gets you hired.
- Digital marketing managerWhat a digital marketing manager does, the path up from specialist roles, the skills you need, and how to land your first manager job.
- Marketing analystWhat a marketing analyst does, the skills and tools you need, how to prove them without a job, and how to land your first marketing analyst role.
- Marketing directorWhat a marketing director does, the usual path from manager to director, the skills that make the jump possible, and how to win your first director role.
- Marketing managerWhat a marketing manager does, the usual path from coordinator or specialist, the skills you need, and how to land your first marketing manager role.
- PR specialistWhat a public relations specialist does, the usual routes into PR, the skills and samples employers look for, and how to land your first PR specialist job.
- Product marketing managerWhat a product marketing manager does, the common routes into product marketing, the skills you need, and how to land your first PMM role.
- Social media managerWhat a social media manager does day to day, the usual path into the role, the skills and tools that matter, and how to land the job.
- SEO specialistWhat an SEO specialist does, how to learn SEO and prove it without a job, the skills and tools that matter, and how to land your first SEO specialist role.
- Marketing coordinator resumeHow to write a marketing coordinator resume, with bullet examples for campaigns, events and reporting, a summary template, skills to list and mistakes.
- Entry-level marketing resumeHow to write an entry-level or intern marketing resume with no experience, turning projects, coursework, clubs and part-time jobs into marketing bullets.
- Content creator resumeHow to write a content creator resume for in-house, agency or UGC roles, with bullet examples, a summary, the skills to list and how to link your work.
- Product marketing manager resumeHow to write a product marketing manager resume, with the sections to include, launch and positioning bullet examples by level, skills and mistakes.
- SEO specialist resumeHow to write an SEO specialist resume, with the sections to include, technical, content and link bullet examples by level, tools to list and mistakes.
- Content marketing resumeHow to write a content marketing resume, with the sections to include, bullet examples by level, the skills to list, how to link samples and mistakes.
- Digital marketing resumeHow to write a digital marketing resume or digital marketing specialist resume, with sections, bullet examples by channel and level, skills and mistakes.
- Sports marketing jobsThe jobs in sports marketing at teams, leagues, brands and agencies, what each one does, what makes the industry different, and how to get your first role.
- Fashion marketing jobsThe jobs in fashion marketing, from brand and PR to social, influencer and e-commerce, what each does, how the season calendar works and how to get hired.
- Beauty marketing jobsThe jobs in beauty marketing, from brand manager to creator, education and retail roles, the claim rules beauty marketers follow and how to get in.
- Healthcare marketing jobsThe jobs in healthcare and pharma marketing, what each does, the FDA, FTC and HIPAA rules that shape the work, and how to get hired from outside health.
- Music marketing jobsThe jobs in music and entertainment marketing, at labels, streaming, live events, studios and agencies, what each one does and how to get your first role.
- Digital marketing specialistWhat a digital marketing specialist does each week, a copyable job description, the skills and tools, and how to get hired without the title.
- Growth marketing managerWhat a growth marketing manager does, how the role differs from performance and digital marketing, a job description template and how to get hired.
- Chief growth officerWhat a chief growth officer, VP of growth or head of growth does, how it differs from a CMO, a job description template and the path to the role.
- CRO specialistWhat a conversion rate optimization specialist does, a copyable job description, the testing and research skills, and how to become one.
- AEO specialistWhat an AEO, GEO or AI search specialist does, how it differs from SEO, the skills and tools, a job description template and how to move into the role.
- Brand strategistWhat a brand strategist does at an agency or in-house, a copyable job description, skills and tools, career path and how to get hired without the title.
- Creative strategistWhat a creative strategist does on a paid social or DTC team, a job description template, skills and tools, and how to get hired without the title.
- Brand designerWhat a brand designer does on a marketing team, how it differs from graphic design, a job description template, skills, portfolio tips and career path.
- Public relations managerWhat a public relations manager does, how it differs from a PR specialist, a copyable job description, skills and tools, career path and interview questions.
- Communications managerWhat a communications or marcom manager does, a copyable job description, skills and tools, how to get the job and the interview questions to expect.
- Marketing project managerWhat a marketing project manager does, a copyable job description, the skills and tools that matter, and how to move into the role from marketing.
- Content marketing managerWhat a content marketing manager does, how it differs from a content strategist, a job description template, key skills and tools, and how to get hired.
- Field marketing managerWhat field and event marketing managers do, in B2B and consumer brands, a job description template, the skills that matter and how to get hired.
- Shopper marketing managerWhat shopper and trade marketing managers do at consumer brands and retailers, a job description template, the skills and data, and how to break in.
- Head of marketingWhat a head of marketing does as a startup's first marketing hire, how it differs from CMO and marketing director, and how to get the role.
- Nonprofit marketing jobsThe marketing jobs at charities, foundations, museums and other nonprofits, what each one does, what makes the sector different, and how to get hired.
- B2B marketing jobsThe jobs in B2B and SaaS marketing, from demand generation to product marketing, what each one does, how B2B differs from consumer marketing, and how to get in.
- Real estate marketing jobsThe marketing jobs at brokerages, developers, property managers and proptech companies, what each one does, the fair housing rules, and how to get hired.
- Hospitality marketing jobsThe marketing jobs at hotels, restaurants, travel brands and tourism boards, what each one does, what makes hospitality different, and how to get hired.
- Retail marketing jobsThe marketing jobs at retailers, ecommerce brands and marketplaces, including the ecommerce marketing manager role, what each does and how to get hired.
- Social media analystWhat a social media analyst does, the tools and skills, a job description template, how to get into the role and the interview questions to expect.
- Marketing technologistWhat a marketing technologist does, how martech jobs differ from marketing ops, a job description template, the tools and skills, and how to move into martech.
- Affiliate marketing managerWhat an affiliate or partner marketing manager does, the skills and tools, a job description template, FTC disclosure basics and how to get the job.
- Channel marketing managerWhat a channel marketing manager does, how account-based marketing roles compare, a job description template, the skills and tools, and how to get the job.
- Marketing resume keywordsThe keywords to put on a marketing resume, by role and specialty, where each belongs, and how to use them so recruiters and screening software see them.
- Digital marketing certificationsThe digital marketing certifications worth your time, free and paid, from Google, Meta, HubSpot, Microsoft, Amazon and Salesforce, and which fit your role.
- Marketing career pathThe marketing career path from coordinator to CMO, the specialist and generalist tracks, how to move between them, and what gets you to each next level.
- How to get a job in digital marketingHow to get a job in digital marketing, for newcomers and career changers, with the channels to pick, proof to build and where to apply.
- SEO vs SEMSEO vs SEM (and SEO vs PPC) explained for marketers choosing a path. The difference, a side-by-side table, which suits you and how to switch.
- Marketing vs advertisingThe difference between marketing and advertising, the jobs in each, a side-by-side table, which career suits you and how to move between them.
- Demand gen vs lead genDemand generation vs lead generation explained for B2B marketers: the difference, a side-by-side table, the jobs in each and how interviews test them.
- Marketing vs salesMarketing vs sales explained for job seekers: how the work differs, a side-by-side table, which career suits you and how to move from sales to marketing.
- Art director vs creative directorThe difference between an art director and a creative director, side by side: the work, skills, pay data, career path and how to move from one to the other.
- Account manager vs account executiveAccount manager vs account executive at agencies and B2B companies: what each does, how seniority differs by industry, skills, pay data and which suits you.
- PR vs marketingPublic relations vs marketing compared: what each team does, how it is measured, the skills and jobs in each, pay data and how to move between them.
- Product marketing vs product managementProduct marketing manager vs product manager: who decides what gets built, who takes it to market, skills, metrics, pay data and moving between them.
- Marketing vs communicationsMarketing vs communications compared: what each team does, how they're measured, the jobs and skills in each, pay data, degrees and how to move between the two.
- UGC creator vs influencerUGC creator vs influencer explained: who owns the audience, how each gets paid, the skills and disclosure rules, and which path suits you.
- Copywriter vs content writerCopywriter vs content writer explained for job seekers, with what each writes, how they're measured, the skills, the career paths and how to switch.
- Brand manager vs marketing managerBrand manager vs marketing manager explained: what each owns, how each is measured, the skills, the career paths and how to move between them.
- B2B vs B2C marketingB2B vs B2C marketing explained for job seekers: who you sell to, how success is measured, the jobs on each side, and how to switch between them.
- Marketing manager resumeHow to write a marketing manager resume, with a summary template, bullet examples for campaigns, budgets and teams, skills to list and the mistakes to fix.
- Marketing assistant resumeHow to write a marketing assistant resume, with a summary template, bullet examples for social, email, events and admin work, skills to list and fixes.
- Marketing specialist job descriptionA marketing specialist job description you can adapt, plus what marketing specialists do day to day, the main types, skills and where the role leads.
- Marketing assistant job descriptionA marketing assistant job description you can adapt, plus what a marketing assistant does day to day, the skills it takes, the types of role and where it leads.
- Marketing intern job descriptionA marketing intern job description you can adapt, plus what marketing interns do, the types of internship, the skills teams look for and what you'll learn.
- Remote marketing jobsWhich marketing jobs are most often remote, where to find real openings, how to stand out, and how to spot postings that aren't marketing at all.
- Part-time marketing jobsWhich marketing jobs work well part time, who hires part-time marketers, part-time vs freelance and fractional, and how to find a role that fits.
- High-paying marketing jobsWhich marketing jobs pay the most, with US pay from BLS data, why some roles pay more, and practical steps toward higher-paying marketing work.
- SaaS marketing jobsThe marketing jobs at SaaS and tech companies, how product-led and sales-led teams hire, the metrics you'll own, and how to move into software marketing.
- Entertainment marketing jobsMarketing jobs in film, TV, streaming, gaming, publishing and live events: what each role does, how release campaigns work, and how to break in.
- Pharmaceutical marketing jobsThe marketing jobs at pharma and biotech companies and their agencies, how promotion rules and review shape the work, and how to get into pharma.
- Ecommerce marketing jobsThe marketing jobs at online stores, DTC brands and marketplaces, what an ecommerce marketing manager does, the numbers you'll own, and how to get hired.
- Brand ambassadorWhat a brand ambassador does, the different kinds (event, retail, campus, social and employee), how they're paid and how to become one.
- Brand ambassador resumeHow to describe brand ambassador work on a resume, with bullet examples for event, retail, campus and social roles, a summary template and skills.
- Marketing associateWhat a marketing associate does, how the role differs from coordinator and associate marketing manager, a job description, skills and next steps.
- Marketing executiveWhat "marketing executive" means in the US and UK, how marketing titles rank from coordinator to CMO, what the job involves and how to get there.
- Marketing representativeWhat a marketing representative does, the main types (field, promotions, development, medical), how to spot a sales job in disguise and where it leads.
- Event marketing managerWhat an event marketing manager does, a job description template, the skills and KPIs that matter, how it differs from event planning and how to get hired.
- Trade marketing managerWhat a trade marketing manager does, how it differs from shopper and brand marketing, a job description, the skills and KPIs that matter and how to get hired.
- Gaming marketing jobsMarketing jobs in video games: product marketing, user acquisition, community, influencer and live ops roles, what each one does, and how to break in.
- Food and beverage marketing jobsMarketing jobs in food and beverage: brand management, trade and shopper marketing, restaurant marketing, social and innovation roles, and how to get one.
- Startup marketing jobsWhat marketing jobs at startups involve, from the first marketing hire to growth and product marketing, how they differ from big companies, and how to get one.
- Marketing agency jobsThe jobs at marketing agencies, from account coordinator to creative, media, social and SEO roles, how the agency career ladder works, and how to get hired.
- Customer marketing managerWhat a customer marketing manager does, from advocacy and case studies to retention and expansion campaigns, a job description template, and how to get the job.
- Partner marketing managerWhat a partner marketing manager does, how the role differs from channel marketing, a job description template, the skills you need and how to get hired.
- Marketing jobs for introvertsThe marketing jobs that suit introverts, from SEO and analytics to content and marketing operations, plus how to network and interview in a way that fits you.
- Marketing specialist resumeHow to write a marketing specialist resume, with summary templates, bullet examples for digital, email and content specialists, skills to list and fixes.
- Marketing intern resumeHow to write a marketing intern resume with little or no experience, with objective templates, bullet examples from school and side projects, and keywords.
- Marketing analyst resumeHow to write a marketing analyst resume, with summary templates, bullet examples for reporting, testing and attribution, the tools to list and common fixes.
- Content writer resumeHow to write a content writer resume, with summary templates, bullet examples for blogs, SEO and freelance work, the skills to list and how to link samples.
- CMO resumeHow to write a CMO resume that reads like an executive record, with summary templates, bullet examples for growth, brand, teams and boards, and what to cut.
- Marketing director resumeHow to write a marketing director resume, with summary templates, bullet examples for strategy, budgets, teams and revenue, and the mistakes to fix.
- Social media coordinator resumeHow to write a social media coordinator resume, with summary templates, bullet examples for posting, community, content and reporting, plus skills to list.
- How to become an influencerHow to become an influencer: pick a niche and platform, post consistently, build a media kit, pitch brands, plus TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Amazon rules.
- Micro influencerWhat a micro influencer is, how nano, micro, macro and mega tiers compare, why brands hire smaller creators, and how to land brand deals as one.
- How to become a content creatorHow to become a content creator: what the job is, the skills and gear you need, a step-by-step start, and the routes to getting paid, freelance or in-house.
- Make money as a content creatorHow content creators make money: brand deals, UGC, affiliate links, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram programs, your own products, and how to price your work.
- Content creator jobsWhat content creator jobs at brands and agencies involve, the titles they're posted under, where to find them, and how to get hired with a portfolio.
- LinkedIn content creatorHow to become a LinkedIn content creator as a marketer, what to post, which creator tools LinkedIn offers, and how posting leads to jobs and clients.
- Social media manager jobsThe kinds of social media manager jobs at brands, agencies and startups, how to find remote and entry-level openings, and what gets you the interview.
- Freelance social media managerHow to become a freelance social media manager: what the work covers, how to package and price it, where to find clients, and the contract and tax basics.
- Digital marketing jobsThe jobs in digital marketing, by channel and seniority, what each one does, where to find openings, which are remote, and how to get hired.
- Experiential marketing jobsThe jobs in experiential marketing, from brand ambassador to agency strategist and producer, what each one does, where to find them and how to get hired.
- Digital marketing degreeWhat a digital marketing degree covers, associate vs bachelor's vs master's, online programs, how to check accreditation, and when certificates are enough.
- Marketing manager jobsThe kinds of marketing manager jobs, by specialty and company type, where to find remote and specialist openings, and what gets you the interview.
- Marketing assistant jobsWhat marketing assistant jobs involve, the titles to search for, where to find entry-level and remote openings, and how to get hired without much experience.
- Marketing coordinator jobsThe kinds of marketing coordinator jobs, the titles to search for, where to find entry-level and remote openings, and what gets you the interview.
- Marketing director jobsThe kinds of marketing director jobs, how senior roles are really filled, where to find remote and specialist openings, and what wins the final round.
- Email marketing jobsThe kinds of email marketing jobs, the titles to search for, where remote and entry-level roles are posted, and what gets you an interview.
- Affiliate marketing jobsThe real affiliate marketing jobs at brands, agencies and networks, how to find remote and entry-level roles, and how to spot "affiliate" offers that are scams.
- Content marketing jobsThe kinds of content marketing jobs, the titles to search for, where remote and entry-level roles are posted, and what to show to get an interview.
- Freelance marketing jobsThe most common freelance marketing jobs, where to find clients and projects, how to win your first ones, and what to sort out before you start.
- Brand manager jobsThe kinds of brand manager jobs, from assistant brand manager to head of brand, where they're posted, remote and entry-level options, and what gets you hired.
- Product marketing manager jobsThe kinds of product marketing manager jobs, from associate PMM to director, in SaaS, gaming and consumer tech, remote options, and what gets you hired.
- Marketing analyst jobsThe kinds of marketing analyst jobs, from digital and data analyst to marketing technology roles, remote and entry-level options, and what gets you hired.
- Marketing specialist jobsThe kinds of marketing specialist jobs, from digital, email and SEM to content and automation, remote and entry-level options, and what gets you hired.
- Account manager job descriptionAn agency account manager job description you can adapt, what the job involves day to day, duties by level, skills, and how it differs from in-house roles.
- Account executive job descriptionAn agency account executive job description to adapt, what an AE does at an advertising or marketing agency, and how it differs from a sales AE.
- Account coordinatorWhat an account coordinator does at a marketing, PR or ad agency, a job description template, a typical day, key skills and the path to account executive.
- Account directorWhat an agency account director does, a job description template, where it sits in the agency ladder, pay data from BLS and how to get there.
- Client servicesWhat client services means at a marketing or advertising agency, the jobs in the department, what a client services manager does and the skills it takes.
- Account manager resumeHow to write an agency account manager resume, with summary templates, bullet examples for clients, scope and growth, keywords and mistakes to fix.
- Art directorWhat an art director does at an agency and in-house, how it differs in film and publishing, the skills and portfolio it takes, and the usual path in.
- Art director job descriptionAn art director job description template for agency and in-house roles, with duties, skills, qualifications, levels and how to read a posting.
- Art director resumeHow to write an art director resume that works with your portfolio, with a summary template, bullet examples for agency and in-house work and skills to list.
- Copywriter resumeHow to write a copywriter resume, with a template, summary and bullet examples for agency, in-house, SEO and freelance copywriters, and what to put first.
- Copywriter job descriptionA copywriter job description template with duties, skills and qualifications for agency, in-house, SEO and social copywriters, and the levels from junior up.
- Creative director job descriptionA creative director job description template for agency and in-house roles, with duties, skills, qualifications and how the role differs by level and setting.
- Creative director titlesThe agency creative ladder explained, from junior copywriter and art director to associate, group and executive creative director and CCO, and how to move up.
- Billable hoursHow billable hours work at marketing and ad agencies, from timesheets and utilization targets to retainers and SOWs, and what to ask about them in an interview.
- Advertising agency structureHow an ad agency is organized, from account, strategy, creative and media teams to production and new business, plus the types of agencies and who owns them.
- Agency lifeWhat working at an ad or marketing agency is like day to day, from pitches and client feedback to deadlines and burnout, and how to spot a healthy agency.
- How to get into advertisingHow to get into advertising and land a job at an ad agency, by route: account, creative, strategy or media, with entry-level titles, internships and portfolios.
- Account plannerWhat an account planner or strategist does at an ad agency, brand vs comms vs cultural strategy, the creative brief, and the path to strategy director.
- Media directorWhat a media director and associate media director do at an agency or in-house, the media career ladder, the skills each step needs and how to move up.
- Paid media specialistWhat a paid media specialist and paid media manager do across search, social and programmatic, agency vs in-house, the skills and how to get hired.
- Programmatic traderWhat a programmatic trader does in a DSP, agency trading desks vs in-house, deal types and metrics, skills, and how to find programmatic advertising jobs.
- Account executive resumeHow to write an agency account executive resume: a summary template, bullets for clients, projects and budgets, skills, and how it differs from sales.
What are the main types of marketing jobs?
Most marketing jobs sit in one of nine areas. Each has its own entry-level titles, its own skills and its own route to the top, though people move between them more than job titles suggest.
| Area | What the work is | Typical path |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Deciding what the brand stands for and making sure every campaign, product and channel says it | Brand coordinator → assistant brand manager → brand manager → brand director → VP brand |
| Social media | Running a brand’s accounts, community and creator partnerships | Social media coordinator → social media manager → head of social → director of social |
| Content | Planning and producing articles, video, email and other material people choose to read or watch | Content writer or coordinator → content strategist → content marketing manager → head of content |
| SEO and search | Getting a site found in Google, Bing and now AI answers | SEO specialist → SEO manager → head of SEO → director of search |
| Digital, paid and performance | Buying and optimizing ads on search, social and other platforms against a cost target | Paid media specialist → digital marketing manager → head of performance → VP growth |
| PR and communications | Earning press coverage, handling reputation and managing internal and executive messaging | PR coordinator → PR specialist → PR manager → director of communications |
| Product marketing | Positioning products, launching them and arming sales with the story | Product marketing associate → product marketing manager → director of product marketing |
| Analytics | Measuring what marketing does: attribution, testing, forecasting and reporting | Marketing analyst → senior analyst → marketing analytics manager → head of marketing science |
| Creative | Concepts, design, copy and art direction | Junior designer or copywriter → senior → art director → creative director |
How does a marketing career usually progress?
It usually goes coordinator or specialist, then manager, then director, then VP or CMO. The jumps get harder as you go, and they change what the job is.
- Coordinator or specialist. You execute: you schedule the posts, build the reports, run the campaigns someone else planned. You’re judged on accuracy and speed.
- Manager. You own a channel or a program and its results. You may manage one or two people or an agency.
- Director. You set the plan for an area, own a budget and hire. Most of your output is other people’s work.
- VP and CMO. You decide where the money goes across every channel, sit with the leadership team and answer for growth. Generalists reach these roles more often than deep specialists, which is why many people rotate through two or three areas on the way up.
Some specialists never take the management track. A senior SEO, analyst or copywriter can stay hands-on for a whole career and still progress, especially at larger companies with an individual-contributor ladder.
Which marketing jobs lead to the top roles?
Brand, product marketing and performance marketing are the most common routes to VP and CMO, because they touch revenue and strategy directly. That said, there’s no single path. Plenty of CMOs came up through social, content, communications or analytics and broadened later.
If you’re aiming high, pick an area to get good at, then deliberately take on work outside it: a budget, a launch, a channel you’ve never owned. Wherever you’re starting, the next step is usually one project bigger than the last. See how to become a CMO and how to become a marketing director for the details.
Career guides by role
Each guide covers the day-to-day work, the usual path, the skills that matter and how to land the role.
- Social media manager
- Brand manager
- Marketing manager
- Marketing director
- CMO
- Product marketing manager
- Digital marketing manager
- SEO specialist
- Content strategist
- Copywriter
- Creative director
- PR specialist
- Marketing analyst
Starting out? Read entry-level marketing jobs and how to get into marketing.
What do marketing jobs pay?
Pay rises sharply from specialist to manager and again from manager to director. Our marketing salaries pages show US government figures for each occupation, by percentile and by state.
FAQ
What is the best type of marketing job to start in?
The one closest to work you already do well, which means you probably have a head start somewhere. Writers do well in content and copy, analytical people in SEO, paid media and analytics, and people who live on social apps in social. You can move later; the first job is mainly about learning how marketing teams work.
Do I need a marketing degree to work in marketing?
No. Many marketers studied something else. What hiring managers look for is evidence you can do the work: a portfolio, results from a side project, or a relevant skill you can show in the interview.
How long does it take to become a marketing director?
It varies a lot by company size and area. Most people spend several years as a specialist and several more as a manager first. Moving between companies can speed it up; staying put at a fast-growing company can too.
Is marketing a good career?
It suits people who like a mix of creative and analytical work and don’t mind that results are public and measured. It’s also broad enough that you can change direction without starting over.