Overview of the UK's marketing, advertising and PR sector
Discover how to get a job, whether experience is needed and what trends you need to be aware of in order to be successful in this fast-paced, exciting sector
What areas of marketing can I work in?
Elements of marketing, advertising and PR exist in most businesses and across all sectors. Employees help clients to connect with their audiences, promoting brands, products and sending messages using a range of techniques. Marketing is the overall process, while advertising and PR are both individual sub-components.
You could choose to work in:
- account management and customer support
- advertising
- affiliate marketing
- brand management
- campaign metrics and research
- communications and public relations (PR)
- community involvement
- content marketing
- copywriting
- database management and analysis
- direct marketing
- display advertising
- distribution
- email marketing
- event management
- market research
- media planning
- mobile marketing
- product pricing
- public affairs
- sales promotion
- sales strategy
- search engine marketing (SEM) and pay-per-click (PPC)
- search engine optimisation (SEO)
- social media
- web design and development.
The industry is broadly divided into those who work in-house for an organisation and those who work for an agency. The latter are appointed to provide specific services to paying clients. However, just under a quarter of marketing professionals work on a freelance basis.
Those working in advertising will almost always work for agencies, while those working in PR are often employed by larger organisations.
Traditionally the majority of jobs were found in London although MediaCityUK in Salford being home to the BBC, ITV and many specialist agencies has meant that the North West is well represented as a regional creative hub.
For examples of specific roles in this sector, see jobs in marketing.
Who are the main graduate employers?
Many employers, from retailers to pharmaceutical firms, offer graduate-level opportunities. Other organisations, including charities, may have vacancies that aren't specifically targeted at graduates.
Companies that do offer marketing graduate schemes include:
- Associated British Foods
- Centrica
- Diageo
- Nestle
- Newton Europe Virgin Media.
Well-known digital marketing, advertising and communications agencies include:
- adam&eveDDB
- AMV BBDO
- BD Network
- Leo Burnett
- Mother
- Publicis Worldwide UK
- Saatchi & Saatchi
- VCCP
- WCRS
- We Are Social.
Notable PR consultancies include:
- BCW
- Brunswick Group
- Edelman
- Finsbury Glover Hering
- FleishmanHillard
- Freuds
- FTI Consulting
- Grayling
- Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K)
- TEAM LEWIS
- MHP
- MSLGROUP UK.
Global names in market research include:
- B2B International
- Growth from Knowledge (GfK)
- Ipsos MORI
- Kantar
- Mintel
- TNS.
Why work in marketing?
Graduates looking to work in marketing, advertising and PR can expect:
- to work primarily in an office, with some travel to visit clients and attend events
- to be part of a young, dynamic and sociable team, working in a fast-moving, well-paying and highly creative industry
- to work in a sometimes highly stressful and pressurised, yet incredibly rewarding environment
- to join an in-demand sector with the chance to work with the latest digital communications technologies
- salaries to vary greatly depending on role, region and type of organisation
- an opportunity to work alongside some of the most popular and recognisable brands
- plenty of career choice and the flexibility to specialise in a particular area or transition into a related field
- freelancing to be a viable option, particularly in PR, exhibitions and copywriting.
To find out more about typical salaries and working conditions search marketing, advertising and PR job profiles.
How do I get a graduate job in marketing, advertising and PR?
This sector is extremely competitive. Vacancies are often open to all graduates with many organisations promoting their opportunities through university careers services and careers fairs.
The following sites have dedicated sections listing jobs in marketing, advertising and PR:
Building up your network of contacts is also important, as smaller businesses and digital marketing agencies may use informal recruitment practices to find candidates. Check company websites early in the academic year to find information on their marketing graduate schemes.
Creating and maintaining a profile on LinkedIn is another way to find employers and potential work. Many companies advertise graduate opportunities on social media, so ensure that you regularly check the Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages of marketing-related organisations that you'd like to work for. Read all about using social media to job hunt.
To improve your chances of landing a job with a leading employer, explore the idea of securing a summer marketing internship during your degree. Already having worked for a business is often advantageous when you come to the graduate application process, as you'll already be equipped with marketing skills.
For more tips on landing a role with a marketing or advertising agency, see how to get into digital marketing. Alternatively, get some tips on starting a career in PR.
Search graduate jobs in marketing, advertising and PR.
Which marketing skills do employers want?
Employers in the creative industries typically seek graduates with:
- a good understanding of digital marketing techniques
- analytical and numerical skills
- commercial awareness
- communication, interpersonal and teamworking skills
- creativity, innovation, initiative and imagination
- customer service skills
- flexibility
- negotiation skills
- organisational skills
- the ability to work under pressure
- the confidence to pitch, present and justify your ideas.
How do I get marketing experience?
Marketing is a highly competitive field to break into and many struggle to secure marketing experience. If you can't find any marketing internships or placement opportunities, there are other ways to improve your prospects.
A significant part of many marketing roles - such as advertising copywriter or social media manager - is producing effective copy and campaigns, so in growing your social media presence and building an online portfolio you'll demonstrate the skills and marketing experience that employers are looking for. Find out more about job hunting with social media and how to gain media work experience.
You should also consider taking a proactive approach to your job search - prove your drive and enthusiasm for entering the sector by sending speculative applications to companies you'd like to work for, even if you're just looking into short-term work shadowing opportunities.
Do I need a marketing degree?
Degrees in marketing or related subjects aren't usually necessary, as employers tend to favour particular skills, attributes and any relevant work experience that you have. Graduates who've studied courses that require creativity and excellent communication skills often find that they fit these roles, although digital skills are a must.
However, if you do hold a degree in digital marketing, advertising, PR, media, journalism, communications or event management, this demonstrates interest in the industry, and may prove to be advantageous, as well as aiding career progression.
See marketing courses to discover ways to get your own marketing skills up to scratch. Alternatively, explore what's involved in a marketing apprenticeship.
Marketing trends
As technology becomes more sophisticated, companies are investing in new ways - for instance, video and virtual reality - to better understand and communicate with clients.
Offline marketing methods such as radio and print advertising are still used, but social media and mobile devices are cheaper and often more effective ways of delivering brand and product messages to audiences.
A range of skills are welcomed within the marketing industry. Journalistic skills are highly regarded and the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) reports an emerging desire to integrate marketing with PR. As analytics has never been more important for understanding consumer behaviour, with databases being used to better understand segments of the market and move towards direct marketing, graduates with numerical and analytical skills are in high demand.
Find out more about journalism courses, and discover the top tips for starting a career in PR.