The marketing profession has changed a great deal in the last 20 years as digital approaches have slowly eclipsed many of the more traditional analog techniques. A degree in digital marketing can help ensure that you are prepared to work with the most up-to-date technology and tools with an underpinning of time-tested knowledge and theories about the best marketing techniques whatever the medium.
How to Pay for College
One of the biggest concerns some people may have is how to pay for college. Some may have savings, or their parents may have put away money for college. Even with savings, most people use a combination of money earned while working in college, grants, scholarships and loans. The first step is usually to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which lets potential students know what grants and federal loans they may be eligible for. Many students supplement this with private student loans. You may be able to get private loans from your local bank, your credit union or online lenders. Many online lenders offer a streamlined process with a quick response.
Choosing a School for Digital Marketing
One thing to consider is how much general coursework in the business school you want to pursue versus courses strictly in digital marketing. The former can give you a broader base of expertise but the latter can make you more of a niche expert. When you’re pursuing a degree in a field as fast-changing as digital marketing, it’s important to make sure that the faculty and the courses you’ll take are fully engaged with these changes. Making a campus visit can help you get a chance for the feel of a school, but virtual tours and opportunities to connect with former and current students online can help you get a sense of the culture and atmosphere if a visit isn’t possible. Some other things to consider are the size of the school, its location and whether it is primarily a commuter school or if most students live on campus.
Digital Marketing: What to Expect
Digital marketing’s roots are in traditional marketing, but tech skills are helpful as well. Try to use your time in school to develop such soft skills as writing and communication alongside a solid grasp of working with search engine optimization and analytics even if you decide that you want to primarily focus on one or the other. You may want to concentrate on a few areas of specialty, such as social media, video and audio production or mobile marketing.
You might also want to look at the fast-growing area of interactive technology, which includes artificial intelligence, virtual reality and augmented reality, since this could represent the future of digital marketing. In addition to your classes, talk to your professors and peers about the field, opportunities available and whether there are any professional organizations you should join. Your college’s career office might have information on internships or summer or part-time jobs in the field. Your school may also offer job fairs, and this can be an opportunity to talk to potential employers about what they are looking for.
