How A Digital Marketing Certificate Can Help You Get Ahead
The job market and the economy have their ups and downs, but there’s always one constant: Businesses have to promote their products, and they need skilled people to help do so.
Today’s marketing strategies often revolve around digital marketing or have a large component dedicated to digital. Because nearly every business’s growth and operations strategy includes digital marketing, green and seasoned professionals alike are turning to colleges for the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Community colleges offering marketing degrees and digital marketing certificates are leading the way in comprehensive, affordable courses for professionals.
NUMBER 1: THE DEMAND IS HIGH FOR DIGITAL MARKETING PROFESSIONALS
No one knows that better than Neil Kokemuller, Professor of Marketing at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), who has seen his students get snapped up by organizations that need digital marketing gurus. “Several of our students have gone on to work in marketing and advertising agencies or corporate communications positions; others are doing digital work for real estate agents, which is a hot industry right now. Realtors are looking for professionals who can help with social media and digital marketing needs so agents can focus on selling properties.”
- Websites and their role in company operations and marketing strategy
- Digital Advertising
- Social Media
- Search Engine Optimization and Marketing (SEO and SEM) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Writing and crafting presentations
Kokemuller particularly loves the CRM course because of the holistic view; it allows students to understand the role of marketing within an organization. “Students often come in to class uncertain about what CRM is. By the end, they understand the purpose, strategy and results a robust CRM system can offer an organization.”
Kokemuller’s students perform research within a company that emphasizes customer relationship management, outlining how their CRM fits within their operational functions and organizational goals. This helps students learn how to integrate data while making connections in the classroom and on-the-job.
NUMBER 2: CONTENT IS KING
A marketing degree, and a digital marketing certificate in particular, can help prepare professionals for any field because it emphasizes content creation. “A lot of people don’t realize marketing is about writing,” says Kokemuller. “Clients want content that maximizes SEO, but is also well-written and intelligible. Both technical and lingual skills are needed for success in this field.”