Routes into marketing: Is an apprenticeship right for you?

National Apprenticeship Week taking place 10-14 February 2025 is the perfect chance to take a look at the different pathways available to aspiring marketers. Marketing apprenticeships provide an accessible entry point into a marketing career, combining real-world experience with structured learning and qualifications, but there are plenty of other ways to become a marketer too.  

For so many, apprenticeships are the perfect blend of learning and doing, but with so many routes into marketing, how do you find out if it’s the right option for you?

Apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships 

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to starting a marketing career and there are so many different career paths within the industry itself. Sometimes it's difficult to know what works best for you until you give it a go. Apprenticeships can be a great way for you to figure that out. 

Marketing apprenticeships have continued to develop over recent years and there are now a wide variety of learning pathways and opportunities across different industries. Starting your career as an apprentice can allow you to navigate the industry and gain a qualification, whilst helping you to understand what you enjoy. 

An apprenticeship can be a valuable way to kickstart your career. It provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, learn directly from industry professionals, and prepare the groundwork for a successful future. Instead of focusing on theory in a classroom setting, apprenticeships place you at the centre of real-world projects, allowing you to learn from those already doing the job whilst developing your practical problem-solving skills.

Why choose an apprenticeship?

• Earn whilst you learn: Take advantage of a funded qualification, as well as a salary as part of an apprenticeship.
  
  
• Industry experience: You’ll get the chance to work on real-time campaigns, use marketing tools, and develop practical business skills.
  
  
• Career progression: Many apprentices go on to develop within their companies even after their training has finished. 

Degree apprenticeships offer these same advantages but with a university-level education, giving you the best of both worlds if you’re struggling to decide between the two.

How else can I become a marketer? 

Junior business and marketing roles

If you’re eager to start a career in marketing but not quite ready to commit to a longer-term study path, junior level roles within a business can be a great stepping stone. Whether its marketing administration, customer service, sales support or more, exposure across a business is highly valued when starting out. 

• Transferable skills: Learning the foundations of a business whilst gaining desirable skills, like organisation, communication and problem solving, are fundamental to having a successful marketing career.  
  
  
• Internal opportunities: Once you’re settled at a company; there’s often the opportunity to grow within your department or even open discussions around developing within a team or role you’d like to be in.  

University and professional study 

Whether you’re leaving school or looking to switch careers, if a more structured learning path is something you’re looking for, exploring formal study routes may be the best choice for you. 

• University: Get your hands on a degree-level education with the chance to get real-world experience through internships and placements. A wide range of degree subjects can open doors to a rewarding career in marketing, including those in business, and social sciences to name a few.
  
  
• Professional study: Unlock new opportunities by studying in your own time. Providers like CIM offer a range of training courses and qualifications that can be studied flexibly and are designed to fit your schedule. Gain valuable skills and industry-recognised credentials while continuing to work.
  
  
• CIM Accredited Degree: Completing a university program that has been accredited by CIM means that you might be able to reduce the number of assessments you need to take from three, down to just one, to get a CIM qualification. Having a degree and a professional qualification can really help you standout when looking for your first marketing role.  
  
  

Enhancing your application 

Once you’ve decided your route, the next step is to make sure you stand out in the market. There are so many ways to enhance your applications to get your foot in the door with your first role. Here are a few top tips:  

• Creating a portfolio: This is a great way to showcase your ideas, skills and potential to employers, and you don’t need to already have a job in marketing to build one. You can share any examples of social media or blog content you’ve created, or dissect a campaign or brand you love as part of your portfolio.  
  
  
• Volunteering opportunities: Many small businesses, charities and student organisations may be open to having a helping hand with their marketing, and it may be as simple as helping them create a video for social media. Whilst this shouldn’t be approached like a full-time job, you may have friends or family that would be willing to let you create an idea or social post for them, which in turn, you can use on a portfolio. 
  
  
• Making your own experiences: Experimenting with ideas and tools can be your best friend when it comes to building out your portfolio when you are starting out. If you have a passion for social media and that’s the field you most want to work in, have a go at creating your own channel about a topic you love. This could be about marketing campaigns you love, or even something like your pets. Working in social media is so diverse, so don’t worry about what the topic is. Showcasing that you can create engaging content that the target audience will love is exactly what is needed in social media. 

Final thoughts

There’s no blueprint when it comes to breaking into marketing and you don’t have to follow a set path. Whether you choose a formal learning journey or jump straight into a corporate career, there is always a route to progress and develop. The key to a successful career in marketing are ensuring you take advantage of the opportunities available to you, as well as staying proactive and engaged in learning and development.

Studying is a great way to expand your industry knowledge, wherever you are in your marketing career. CIM’s globally recognised training courses are a perfect way to enhance your skills, with many subject options and flexible learning styles, find the course that suits you today.