Marketing assistants are responsible for:
compiling and distributing financial and statistical information such as budget spreadsheets
analysing questionnaires
writing reports, company brochures and similar documents
organising and hosting presentations and customer visits
assisting with promotional activities
visiting customers/external agencies
helping to organise market research
They work closely with employees in other functions, such as advertising, market research, production, sales and distribution.
Typical employers of marketing assistants
Public and private sector organisations
Local authorities
Charities
Consultancies
Legal firms
Manufacturers
Retailers
Vacancies are advertised online on TARGETjobs, by careers services and recruitment agencies, in newspapers and in publications such as Campaign, Marketing and Marketing Week and their respective websites. The Chartered Institute of Marketing also produces lists of vacancies.
It is worth making speculative applications to marketing companies or departments – directories such as The Marketing and Creative Handbook contains useful contact information.
Qualifications and training required
Graduates with any degree discipline can become marketing assistants. But degree subjects such as marketing, business or statistics can be advantageous. Some jobs, particularly those in industrial marketing, may require a scientific or technical background.
Relevant paid or voluntary work experience is useful – this can be gained in any commercial area that requires contact with customers or the general public (particularly sales and marketing). Placements and work shadowing may be available with larger employers.
Key skills for marketing assistants
Confidence
Organisational skills
Commercial awareness
Adaptability
Creativity
Good teamworking skills
Communication skills
Numerical skills
IT skills