A GROWING MARKET FOR WORK

Sell yourself on a new career path, writes Melanie Burgess

ADVERTISING and marketing have become big business for workers, with jobs growing markedly in the past decade and showing no signs of slowing down.

Across Australia, the workforce has increased by 54 per cent since 2007, jumping from 41,000 workers to 63,100 workers in February, Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows.

SEEK Australia and New Zealand managing director Michael Ilczynski says in the 12 months to January, job ads for marketing and communications professionals grew 2 per cent.

Digital and search marketers, with an average advertised salary of $84,752, are the most in-demand marketing and communications professionals on SEEK – followed by marketing communication specialists ($85,621) and marketing assistants and co-ordinators ($60,689).

Mantra Group marketing coordinator Rachel Bromley outlines five things she has learnt since starting in November.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

“As a marketing professional, you are an important representative of the company,” Bromley says.

“Seemingly simple tasks such as constructing a professional email can determine the longterm relationship with an important stakeholder.”

ALWAYS BACK YOURSELF

“It’s important to be innovative and speak your mind about new ideas you may have,” she says.

“Your boss will respect the fact that you are thinking outside the square.”

BE ORGANISED & PREPARED

“I would suggest creating a calendar and planning out your deadlines week-to-week or month-tomonth,” Bromley says.

“Sleep is also an important aspect of being prepared.”

SEPARATE WORK & YOUR PERSONAL LIFE

“It is easy to fall into the trap of stressing when you leave work over that email you didn’t send or that particular skill you are still trying to master,” she says.

“Focus your attention on a particular hobby or exercise routine after work, as this can destress the mind instantly.”

LISTEN THEN SPEAK

“Listen to what your boss and coworkers have to say before speaking, as this is usually an insightful way of learning to communicate effectively,” she says.