As a marketing specialist, you develop, execute and monitor marketing plans, consulting, monitoring, adjusting and advising based on the performance of the marketing campaign.
Working collaboratively with marketing managers, coordinators and other marketing professionals, you oversee marketing campaigns and initiatives, focused on particular tasks. You work across marketing departments with a variety of stakeholders to accomplish your goals.
The way marketing departments operate continues to shift as technology makes it easier to work from anywhere. While most marketing specialists work standard office hours, you may be able to work remotely on occasion. Most marketing specialists work standard office hours, but may be required to attend marketing events and put in extra hours to meet project deadlines. You will typically report to a marketing manager or senior marketing professional.
As a marketing specialist in Canada, you can expect an average salary in the $50,000 per year range. In your first year, you can expect a starting salary of about $40,000 annually. With 5 or more years of experience as a marketing specialist, you can make up to $70,000 or more. Some positions may also include yearly bonuses, profit sharing, commission, and other opportunities to boost your salary.
A marketing specialist’s typical day can vary greatly. There are some tasks that you’ll do daily, such as check email, monitor current campaigns, and interact with clients. However, there are many other things that will be part of your role. Among the many hats you wear, you’re responsible for:
There is no limit to where you can work in Canada or the type of industry. All companies require marketing specialists to help conduct campaigns. This means you could work for a large corporation, small or medium sized business, or an agency anywhere in the country.
As a marketer, you’ll need a combination of marketing, business, and communication skills to be successful. The skills you need to succeed as a marketing specialist include:
Marketing Specialists usually have a university degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or business. A post-graduate degree, like a master’s in marketing or related fields is a bonus and can give you an advantage over other candidates apply for the same jobs as you.
Since a marketing specialist is not an entry level position, having several years of successful marketing experience in an entry level role or as an intern is an asset. Taking marketing certification courses such as the Certified Marketing Management Professionals (CMMP), or Certified Marketing Specialist from the Canadian Marketing Association will help you develop your skills and prove you want to excel in your career, something companies are looking for in candidates.
Companies that see the value in a robust marketing strategy – in particular, companies in large urban centers – hiring marketing specialists to brainstorm, implement new strategies and help them reach new markets.
For many marketing specialists, the next step up in their career involves moving on to more senior marketing positions, including marketing manager, product marketing manager, marketing communications manager, and other related management positions. Many marketing specialists also go on to open marketing agencies or take a senior role at smaller marketing companies.