How to Get Into Digital Marketing Without a Degree & Skills in 2026

Is it possible to become a marketer without a degree?  

Yes, if you are passionate about marketing and determined to succeed, you can potentially enter the field without a degree, especially if you have a clear plan. Although the majority of marketers possess a bachelor's degree, statistics from Zippia indicate that about 5 percent of marketing professionals have only a high school diploma and no college degree [1].   

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Ways to enter marketing without a degree

While entering the marketing field without a degree may be more challenging, it is achievable. Consider trying several of these strategies to enhance your prospects.  

1. Hone your marketing skills. 

No matter the job, an employer wants to fill it with a qualified candidate. Even without a degree, you can show you're qualified for a marketing position by honing certain technical and workplace skills. 

Important technical skills for marketing professionals include:

• Data analysis

• Graphic design

• Search engine marketing (SEM)

• Search engine optimization (SEO)

• Social media marketing

• Writing and editing

Important workplace skills for marketing professionals include:

• Attention to detail

• Communication

• Creativity

• Critical thinking

• Problem-solving

• Time management

2. Consider boot camps or certificates.

To improve your marketing skills, consider enrolling in boot camps or getting marketing-related certificates. Boot camps typically last about four months, and certificate programs last four to 12 months. 

These types of training differ in terms of college credit. While you likely won't get college credit for a boot camp, you can get college credit for a certificate program, even if it's offered outside a college or university. 

3. Build your professional network.  

Networking with professionals in the marketing industry allows you to make valuable contacts, and some of these contacts might have information about job openings. You can find opportunities to build your professional network by:

• Frequenting marketing-related events 

• Optimizing your professional social media profile

• Joining a professional marketing association

• Attending marketing industry job fairs

specialization

Digital Marketing

Drive Customer Behavior Online. A six-course overview of the latest digital marketing skills, taught by industry experts.

4.6

(17,179 ratings)

372,437 already enrolled

Beginner level

Average time: 3 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Customer experience strategy (CX), Keyword Research, Dashboard, Strategic Communication, Marketing Analytics, Marketing Communications, Marketing, Campaign Management, Analytics, Data Analysis, Content Marketing, Data Storytelling, Case Studies, Data Visualization, Search Engine Marketing, Digital Media Strategy, Digital Marketing, Email Marketing, Marketing Management, Marketing Strategies, Digital Transformation, Global Marketing, Business Transformation, Marketing Channel, MarTech, Business Strategy, Innovation, Customer experience improvement, Consumer Behaviour, Artificial Intelligence, Personalized Service, Emerging Technologies, Data Ethics, Augmented Reality, Social Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, Target Audience, Marketing Automation, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Collection, Search Engine Optimization, Performance Analysis, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Online Advertising, Web Analytics and SEO, Customer Analysis, Advertising Campaigns, Web Content, Business Analytics, Performance Measurement, Information Privacy, Trend Analysis, Fraud detection, Advanced Analytics, Blockchain, Cross-Channel Marketing, UI/UX Strategy, Social Media Strategy, Marketing Strategy and Techniques, Marketing Planning, Driving engagement, AI Personalization, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software, Social Media Marketing, Brand Management, Digital Advertising, Content Creation, Generative AI, Web Analytics, Customer Insights, Marketing Effectiveness, Paid media, Customer Engagement

4. Create a stellar resume and portfolio. 

The quality of your professional resume and portfolio can play a big part in getting the marketing position you want. Make sure your resume contains all essential information by including the following elements:

• Name and contact information 

• Introductory paragraph (a few sentences explaining who you are, why you want the job, and what you can contribute)

• Any relevant work history

• Any relevant education (including online courses, bootcamps, and certificates)

• Any marketing-related skills

Your portfolio offers a potential employer an illustration of your marketing skills. When creating your marketing portfolio, make sure it contains:

• A homepage with a professional headshot and a catchy personal branding statement 

• An "About You" page offering a short professional biography

• Digital samples of your work (projects from courses you've taken, freelance work, or hypothetical projects)

6. Apply for an internship.

Consider applying for an internship to gain valuable skills that can help you get a marketing job. This unpaid job opportunity can help you build technical skills like market research, data analysis, writing and editing, and social media marketing. If you perform well in your marketing intern role, you might even get a paid position with your sponsoring company.  

You can find a marketing internship by:

• Checking online job sites 

• Visiting your local job service center

• Attending marketing industry job fairs

• Calling local companies directly to inquire about internship opportunities

7. Build your own brand.

A strong personal brand allows potential employers and fellow marketers to learn more about your personality, values, skills, and experience. It presents you in a positive light and allows you to stand out from other job candidates.

To build a strong personal brand, take advantage of these tips:

• Use strategies like self-reflection and vision boards to become familiar with your strengths. 

• Consider what traits (honesty, cooperation, creativity, etc.) make up your "brand personality." 

• Create a quick pitch emphasizing your strengths in case you need it at marketing events or career fairs. 

• Take a public speaking course to get comfortable networking with marketing professionals. 

• Engage in self-promotion through your personal and professional social media profiles.

specialization

Digital Marketing

Drive Customer Behavior Online. A six-course overview of the latest digital marketing skills, taught by industry experts.

4.6

(17,179 ratings)

372,437 already enrolled

Beginner level

Average time: 3 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Customer experience strategy (CX), Keyword Research, Dashboard, Strategic Communication, Marketing Analytics, Marketing Communications, Marketing, Campaign Management, Analytics, Data Analysis, Content Marketing, Data Storytelling, Case Studies, Data Visualization, Search Engine Marketing, Digital Media Strategy, Digital Marketing, Email Marketing, Marketing Management, Marketing Strategies, Digital Transformation, Global Marketing, Business Transformation, Marketing Channel, MarTech, Business Strategy, Innovation, Customer experience improvement, Consumer Behaviour, Artificial Intelligence, Personalized Service, Emerging Technologies, Data Ethics, Augmented Reality, Social Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, Target Audience, Marketing Automation, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Collection, Search Engine Optimization, Performance Analysis, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Online Advertising, Web Analytics and SEO, Customer Analysis, Advertising Campaigns, Web Content, Business Analytics, Performance Measurement, Information Privacy, Trend Analysis, Fraud detection, Advanced Analytics, Blockchain, Cross-Channel Marketing, UI/UX Strategy, Social Media Strategy, Marketing Strategy and Techniques, Marketing Planning, Driving engagement, AI Personalization, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software, Social Media Marketing, Brand Management, Digital Advertising, Content Creation, Generative AI, Web Analytics, Customer Insights, Marketing Effectiveness, Paid media, Customer Engagement

8. Look for entry-level jobs that may not require a degree.  

To work your way up in marketing, look for entry-level jobs that may not require a college degree. Some examples of jobs that offer entry into the marketing industry include:

• Account coordinator

• Advertising assistant

• Marketing assistant

• Media assistant

• Public relations assistant

• Retail manager

• Social media coordinator

specialization

Digital Marketing

Drive Customer Behavior Online. A six-course overview of the latest digital marketing skills, taught by industry experts.

4.6

(17,179 ratings)

372,437 already enrolled

Beginner level

Average time: 3 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Customer experience strategy (CX), Keyword Research, Dashboard, Strategic Communication, Marketing Analytics, Marketing Communications, Marketing, Campaign Management, Analytics, Data Analysis, Content Marketing, Data Storytelling, Case Studies, Data Visualization, Search Engine Marketing, Digital Media Strategy, Digital Marketing, Email Marketing, Marketing Management, Marketing Strategies, Digital Transformation, Global Marketing, Business Transformation, Marketing Channel, MarTech, Business Strategy, Innovation, Customer experience improvement, Consumer Behaviour, Artificial Intelligence, Personalized Service, Emerging Technologies, Data Ethics, Augmented Reality, Social Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, Target Audience, Marketing Automation, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Collection, Search Engine Optimization, Performance Analysis, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Online Advertising, Web Analytics and SEO, Customer Analysis, Advertising Campaigns, Web Content, Business Analytics, Performance Measurement, Information Privacy, Trend Analysis, Fraud detection, Advanced Analytics, Blockchain, Cross-Channel Marketing, UI/UX Strategy, Social Media Strategy, Marketing Strategy and Techniques, Marketing Planning, Driving engagement, AI Personalization, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software, Social Media Marketing, Brand Management, Digital Advertising, Content Creation, Generative AI, Web Analytics, Customer Insights, Marketing Effectiveness, Paid media, Customer Engagement

9. Apply for jobs that require a degree.

If you feel ready to get into marketing after an internship and several marketing courses, you may want to apply for jobs even if they require a degree. Just applying shows a potential employer you have confidence and initiative. That, combined with a well-written resume and a great interview, might just get you the job. 

Improve your chances for a great interview with these suggestions:

• Arrive early.

• Shake your interviewer's hand and maintain eye contact.

• Appear relaxed by accepting a beverage if offered.

• Research the company thoroughly.

• Know the job description completely.

• Practice answering interview questions.

• Ask good questions.

• Reiterate your interest in the job and thank your interviewer before leaving.

• Follow up with a thank you email. 

10. Try freelancing.

To break into the marketing field, consider freelancing, especially if you feel comfortable with a niche like direct marketing, email marketing, or SEO. Great ways to build your client list include:

• Offering discounts to new clients through social media and local community apps

• Showing your expertise by authoring a marketing blog

• Commenting on other marketing blogs to help establish your brand

• Participating in online or in-person events that might interest potential clients

Reasons to consider earning your marketing degree   

Although you might not be ready to pursue a degree right now, you may decide to get one in the future. Good reasons to consider earning your marketing degree include:

• Job security: Earning a bachelor's degree in marketing can open doors to various career opportunities, and the industry is expected to stay relevant well into the future.

• Positive job outlook: The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates an 8 percent growth in employment for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers from 2023 to 2033, which is above the average for other occupations [2].

• Good pay: Glassdoor reports that the average annual salary for a marketing manager, typically requiring a bachelor's degree, is $81,131 [3], whereas a marketing assistant, who may not need a bachelor's degree, earns an average of $47,168 annually [4].

• Learning opportunity: As the marketing field evolves with changes in technology and consumer behavior, a bachelor's degree in marketing offers numerous opportunities for new learning. 

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