If you’re thinking about a career in marketing, you might assume that a degree is your ticket in. While some employers still ask for one, and it can often be helpful, the truth is that the industry has changed. The landscape has also changed for young people – getting a degree costs a lot more! You want to be sure it’ll pay off. With changes to student finance meaning around 50% of graduates will end up paying off their student loan during their lifetime, and most paying it off for all of their career, it’s understandable that young people are pausing to ask if a degree is necessary.
The good news is that plenty of people land great marketing jobs in London without a degree, especially if they can show the right skills and enthusiasm. So, let’s consider it in more detail.
Skills speak louder than certificates
Marketing is a skills-driven field. Employers look for people who can write clearly, think creatively, and understand audiences. If you’re good at problem-solving, spotting trends, and communicating ideas, you’re already on the right track. Being digitally savvy is also a huge plus, as marketing is now so heavily online.
Routes without university
There are lots of ways into marketing that don’t involve three years at university. Apprenticeships and entry-level roles are great starting points. You’ll often pick up training on the job, gaining practical experience while you earn. Short professional courses, such as those from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), can also boost your CV without the big university price tag.
The value of real-world experience
Many employers care more about what you’ve done than what you’ve studied. Volunteering to run social media for a local charity, helping a friend with a business launch, or creating your own blog or podcast can all demonstrate your skills and enthusiasm. Showing initiative like this can help you stand out when applying for marketing jobs in London.
When a degree can help
That said, there are times when having a degree makes things easier. Large graduate schemes often require one, as do many larger corporate employers, and some specialist areas like market research or brand management may favour candidates with academic backgrounds. If you’re aiming for those routes, a degree could open more doors. But it’s not the only way. There are also no rules that say you have to get the degree first before you start your career. You can study while you earn or begin your career and go back to studying later.
Finding your path
The best approach is to think about what kind of marketing you’re interested in. Creative roles like content writing or social media management often value portfolios of work over academic certificates. More analytical roles, such as data and insights, may look for qualifications in business or statistics. Either way, there’s room for both paths in the industry.
So, do you need a degree to work in marketing? Not necessarily. Employers care about skills, experience, and attitude just as much, if not more. Whether you’ve studied at university or not, there are plenty of ways to start and grow a career in this field.
Learn more about marketing jobs in London.