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Working in Marketing

Working in Marketing

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Working in marketing

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Marketing is an innovative, collaborative and growing field which offers rewarding and challenging careers. Marketers promote brands, products and services, generate business enquiries and engage with current clients.

It is an industry that allows people’s creativity to flourish but, at the same time, sticks to strict test and measure principles. Working in marketing can be very fulfilling as the scope of tasks and opportunities can lead to varied and encapsulating careers.

403 survey respondents who work in professional services
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Lisa Broderick - Director

Lisa has worked with a diverse portfolio of clients across Ireland, the Middle East and Australia. She returned to Ireland as a Director of our Cork business (Tech, Engineering, FS, Accounting, Office Support, Commercial) in 2017. Her role now includes leadership of our HR, Office Support and Marketing recruitment teams based in Dublin. With 18 years of recruitment experience and a previous business background, Lisa has a strong focus on culture, delivery and a customer-centric attitude. Lisa helps Cpl and our customers to attract and retain the best people.

Lisa Broderick - Director

What are the best pathways to a career in marketing?

Obtaining a marketing degree and gaining real-world experience through an internship or graduate programme are the best ways to begin your marketing career. Many leading companies in FMCG, technology, utilities, and financial services industries offer 2-year graduate programmes. These opportunities are fantastic for gaining the experience you need to apply for jobs at large marketing agencies or in-house roles.

Another pathway to a career in marketing is to become a freelancer. Freelancers should build their portfolios as much as possible before applying for full-time roles. Freelancing is a great way to hone your skills, gain experience, and build your network within the marketing community. This freelancing could include helping small businesses get online and improving their social media.

​What are the top soft skills needed for a career in marketing?

First and foremost, marketing requires excellent communication and creative skills. Successful marketers need to communicate a brand vision or a campaign concept clearly and concisely.

Marketing requires ingenuity, out-of-the-box thinking, problem-solving capabilities, an eye for detail, leadership qualities, and adaptability.

​What benefits can marketing candidates expect to be offered?

Depending on the sector and size of the organisation, the most common benefits include:

  • Medical insurance or an allowance of €1,000- €2,000 per annum

  • Employer pension contributions

  • Annual bonuses of up to 10%

What is the difference between SMB and enterprise benefit offerings in marketing?

​ The main difference between Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) and enterprise offerings is salary. SMB salaries tend to be approximately €5,000 less than enterprise offerings. Furthermore, medical insurance and company pension contributions may be slightly higher in larger organisations.

185 survey respondents who work in professional services

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What flexible working arrangements can a marketing candidate expect?

Most marketing roles include flexible working arrangements. The most common schedule is to work two days from home and three days in the office. Some contract positions are 100% remote, but candidates for Irish roles are more likely to be considered if located in Ireland. Most companies are seeking candidates for permanent roles with a hybrid work schedule.

How does company size affect marketing salaries?

​Larger companies can usually offer higher salaries and better benefits packages, including pensions, healthcare, life insurance, and bonuses. But it is important not to discount an opportunity from an SMB until you know the offering. ​

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How do years of experience affect marketing salaries?

​Experience is crucial in your marketing career, especially in your first ten years. For instance, if you only have two to three years of experience, an acceptable base salary offering is around €35K- €45K annually. Someone with five to six years of experience should expect an offering of approximately €60K annually. After you've worked in the field for ten years or more, your salary becomes based on seniority and responsibilities instead of years of experience.

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How does higher education or other learning and development affect marketing salaries?

Employers consider advanced degrees when vetting candidates, and most candidates have at least a master's degree when they enter the marketing profession. However, experience is extremely important to employers. Experience may be preferred over a master's with no experience. For most marketing jobs in Ireland, having a master's degree should allow entry to the industry at around €30-35k.

What are the expected salary growth levels in marketing?

​In SMBs, employees can expect the following base salary when vetting marketing jobs in Ireland:

  • ​Entry level: €30k + annually

  • ​2-4 years' experience: €35k- €45k annually

  • ​5-6 years' experience: €50- €60k annually

In Enterprises, employees can expect the following:

  • Entry level: €35k- €40k + annually

  • 2-4 years' experience: €45k- €50k annually

  • 5-6 years' experience: €65k + annually

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Ready to begin your marketing career?

Marketing is a fast-growing industry with a wide array of opportunities. If you are creative and enjoy a challenge, marketing may be the perfect fit for you. Visit our live marketing jobs to learn more about marketing positions in Ireland. Get career advice delivered directly to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter today.