Job Hunting Techniques
Just starting out in professional services?
Like a good Shiraz, a successful career in professional services takes time to mature, requires care and attention and the right conditions in which to flourish. The good news for young marketers establishing their careers in professional services is that opportunities are vast and varied (and it doesn't require you to step into an oak barrel for ten years), according to senior marketers in the sector.
The bad news: there isn't any as long as you have energy, enthusiasm, an open mind and a solid work ethic, along with a pinch of creativity. Your career is important - after all we spend the majority of our time at work and so we want to be engaged, challenged and working within an environment that fits our personalities. So what can you do to build your career and make the most of the opportunities that present as well as sniff out those pathways that are less obvious?
To help you out, we sort the advice of Heads of Marketing by asking for their top tips. Common threads weaved together the responses and patterns quickly emerged.
Be patient and build your skill base
"Recognise that there is a learning curve which is consistent regardless of technological savvy, intuition or communications ability." Learning is continuous - even when you have 20 areas in which you can improve. Learning keeps you on your toes, sparks productive enquiry and generates innovation. To remain flexible and adaptable develop broad marketing skills and recognise that experience gained from both within and outside professional services is valuable and transferable.
"A skilled marketer will be able to work as effectively in professional services as in any other field". Develop your soft skills - how to influence and remain resilient - in addition to building your technical capabilities.
Ask lots of questions and be prepared to listen
The best way to build on your knowledge is by asking questions - and lots of them! According to one head of marketing "It's OK, in fact often better, to say you don't know something". And be prepared to listen to the answers and the information being shared by those more experienced. Also, "be clear about what you want to achieve and speak up" and take responsibility for working towards your goals and achieving outcomes.
Learn about the industry and your new employer
Understanding broad industry trends will help you to piece together and better understand internal strategies. It is up to you to find out as much as you can about the industry in which you operate and where your firm fits within it. Some particularly sage advice is to "make friends with PAs because when armed with lots of knowledge you "can then adapt and learn to excel in your new environment".
Build internal networks and find a mentor
The best way to thrive is to make use of the resources that surround you on a daily basis - your colleagues and work mates. Build a network of people with whom you can bounce ideas off and seek professional advice. Some firms have formal mentoring programs - if so, sign up and participate! If not, take the initiative and identify someone you trust. Building a relationship with a trusted advisor is an invaluable resource and something you can take with you from job to job.
Undertake professional development
Informal networks have a lot to offer and so does more formal learning channels. "Look for opportunities to expand your skill base whilst committing to mastering the skills of your current role". Take relevant short courses to build specific skills - comprehensive communications, powerful presentations, nifty negotiations - and explore further study. Balancing study and work can be a challenge but a worthwhile one that will keep you motivated and up-to-date with new ways of thinking.
Stretch yourself
As pretty as they may be, don't be a wall flower! Be proactive and "put your hand up for a challenging new assignment". Such opportunities challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and help you to build skills in areas that you may not focus on in your daily work.
Get solid experience in various areas
Whilst it isn't wise to "jump around too much", it is equally important that you gain varied experience. When asked what they would do differently if our heads of Marketing were to revisit their earlier careers, they noted that they "would move roles more frequently" and "gain offshore experience". The world of professional services marketing may be niche, but it also functions on a global scale. Gaining overseas experience opens you to new perspectives, cultural frameworks and more diverse challenges. Not to mention a whole lot of fun and frequent flyer points!
To coin a well used adage, as an early career Professional Services Marketer 'the world really is your oyster' as long as you are prepared to learn and develop your experience and skill set. Asking questions; researching the industry; building networks stretching yourself; undertaking further study; gaining broad and global experience; and seeking out a mentor are all ideal ingredients to turn you into a well developed and mature marketer - just like a tasty bottle of Grange.
