Developing your skills
Digital marketers work across several communication channels, so having a broad skill set is essential. As well as possessing excellent written skills in order to produce great content, strong verbal communication skills are needed in order to articulate your ideas to clients.
You'll also need to have analytical skills, be creative, highly organised and have at least a basic understanding of HTML, databases and SEO.
Internships and work experience
Digital agencies can be found in most large towns and cities across the UK and are usually open to being approached for internships and work experience.
Enquiring about experience will work best if you can show that you developed some relevant skills, and have passion and curiosity about brands, culture and the digital world, along with a willingness to learn.
We run a Digital Marketing Academy in autumn term, to help you gain the skills and experience needed to get that vital 'foot in the door'.
A large proportion of Nottingham Internship Scheme roles also require digital marketing skills. All are paid opportunities with local employers which fit around your studies.
If you are a masters or PhD student, a postgraduate placement might be useful.
Develop a digital portfolio
Being able to demonstrate examples of writing for the web is essential. Use sites such as Creative Pool to showcase your work and make contacts. Also consider writing articles for student publications which have an online presence such as IMPACT or LeftLion, or write a blog.
You can enhance your digital portfolio by building a digital profile. Having a presence on Twitter and LinkedIn allows you to follow organisations you would like to work for, keep up-to-date with industry news and find out about local networking events such as NottTuesday.
You can also keep up with current trends by reading industry blogs and journals such as Creative Review, The Drum, and locally, The Creative Quarter.
Volunteering
Once you have taught yourself some basic skills, get in touch with local voluntary organisations and charities such as Skillsbank, who could do with help in creating web content, communicating with service users and some simple online marketing strategies.
Research local digital agencies
If there is a role that interests you, make contact with the person working in that role, and ask them lots of questions. You never know, a conversation like this could lead to the offer of work experience or mentoring.
Investigate opportunities with larger companies
If you're keen to learn more about the work of digital marketing in large organisations, consider applying for summer internships.
Application deadlines for most corporate internship schemes will fall between November and March.
Join relevant societies
Societies such as MadSoc may offer training and networking opportunities.
Join the Institute of Digital Marketing (IDM)
The IDM have a DMA Talent website looking to attract people to the sector through mentoring, workshops and training opportunities.
Digital Humanities Centre
The University's Digital Humanities Centre provides training, experience and networking opportunities for humanities students interested in digital media in the arts. You can choose an area of interest, one of which may include PR, marketing and social media.
Join the Nottingham Writers' Studio
The Nottingham Writers' Studio, and other local organisations, sometimes offer courses around blogging and social media.
Sign up for a free online course
Sign up to free course through FutureLearn to enhance your existing knowledge, plug gaps on your CV and prepare you for job applications. Courses last from a few days to a few weeks and are offered by hundreds of universities around the world.
You can also learn more and boost your digital skills through Google courses including Digital Garage, AdWords and Analytics.
Unitemps
Unitemps advertise paid temporary roles, many of which are roles within the University and may allow you to become familiar with web content management systems.
Career Mentoring
Consider applying to be mentored by an industry professional and Nottingham alumni by applying to the Career Mentoring scheme.
Professional courses
Doing a professional course is not a pre-requisite for entry to these jobs, and relevant experience is often more important. However, if you wish to consider a course, the following options could be relevant.
Further internship vacancy sources
Inspiring Interns
Creative Access (specifically for black, Asian and other non-white minority ethnic candidates)
Indeed
Ratemyplacement
Target Jobs