So, I have a first-class degree in Politics and International Relations with French yet I’m Social Media Marketer who has always worked in the wonderful world of marketing. I know what you’re thinking: “Miss girl, where’s the correlation?” Girl, I know! At a glance, it seems as if I’ve wasted over £40K in a degree that I don’t even work in but actually, it has been the complete opposite for me.
I’m gonna spill the tea on how my degree has helped me get into my digital and social media marketing bag 💰 First thing’s first…
Let’s talk about communication
We all know that politics and international relations involve a lot of talking, debating, and presenting ideas. One of the most important lessons I took from my degree is having the ability to craft persuasive arguments and express complex concepts, which demonstrates your exceptional communication skills. And guess what? With marketing, communication is everything! From writing engaging blog posts to crafting compelling social media campaigns, having the ability to captivate audiences and convey messages clearly is the secret weapon to your success.
Research and analytical skills
Boy, I remember all the research essays and critical analysis I had to do during my four-year degree, and I’m glad I held onto my research and analytical skills because they have come in so handy when navigating my marketing career. Understanding how to gather and analyse information, spot trends, and interpret data has and continues help me make informed marketing decisions, optimise campaigns, and measure success like an absolute pro. Plus, I’m forever learning: one of the aspects I loved about my degree, and what I love about my career.
Political and social awareness
My degree has blessed me with a keen interest and understanding of political and social issues that shape our world, which is pure gold in the marketing world. Why? Because staying up to date with current events and societal trends is key when creating campaigns that align with relevant causes, when engaging in purpose-driven marketing, and when navigating potential controversies or sensitivities with finesse.
Parlez-vous français ?
I do – thanks to my degree! With French being spoken by millions worldwide, my language proficiency means that I can opens my doors to French-speaking markets and international marketing roles (something I’m looking to do as we speak). I see this as my chance to work with global brands or target audiences that other marketers might struggle to reach. It’s the ultimate trump card in the marketing world. Plus, I’m someone who loves learning and speaking in different languages, like Dutch and now Italian (random, I know) but I live by the phrase: ‘pourquoi pas?‘ (‘Why not?’)
Cross-cultural understanding
This actually ties in nicely with my last point. While I was studying my degree, I was able to delved into different cultures, societies, and global dynamics, particularly while I studied in Brussels, Belgium. Having that global perspective will give you a unique advantage in the digital marketing realm. With diverse audiences and international clients becoming the norm, I’ve found that my ability to navigate cross-cultural nuances has helped me to become open-minded and create marketing strategies that truly resonate with people from all walks of life.
Adaptability and problem-solving
Let’s be forreal right now. When it comes to politics nothing is ever smooth-sailing, problems are always arising. ALWAYS. Studying politics and international relations requires you to be adaptable, quick on your feet, and adept at problem-solving; all of which you need in marketing. With trends and technologies evolving at lightning speed, your ability to think outside the box, adapt to change, and find innovative solutions will make you an invaluable asset to any marketing team.
There you have it! The next time someone asks me if I regret my degree despite working in marketing, I’ll just redirect them here. For me, having a degree in Politics and International Relations with French is a unique asset to ever-evolving marketing career.
Don’t worry if you’re interested in pursuing a career in marketing despite coming from completely different background! Just make sure you do the following things, and you’ll be sweet:
1. Be sure to highlight the transferable skills you gained during your studies and demonstrate your passion for marketing through your experiences and knowledge.
2. Be persistant and proactive with your interest in marketing.
3. Build a personal brand online to showcase your skills and passions. That’s what I’ve done!
Never be afraid to venture off the beaten path. Your journey might just lead you to marketing adventures you never imagined possible! Until next time mes amours!
Bisous bisous!
Elda xx