Awesome! I have some questions!
I am currently just starting an M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications (tech-focused marketing and digital communications emphasis), alongside a professional business certificate in Marketing Management.
I've obtained about a year of work-experience thus far, with some decent promotional material and customer feedback results to show for it, but the work (although paid/official) has been sort of informal (not terrible steady, fluctuating pay) as it was for a nonprofit.
I really want to be able to land a decent job that I enjoy, right out of grad school. One thing I'm noticing in job posting after job posting is the desire for experience in "Enterprise Content Management" or "Enterprise-Class Software". The listings also often say "CRM software applications" experience. I sometimes see "ERM", "BPM", and Sharepoint mentioned as well.
So...How do I get experience/training in these things? Can I learn this stuff before I actually look for a full-time job, so that I'm qualified for more opportunities, or is it something that you just have to learn on-site?
One thing I've been working on is learning HTML5. But what about other skills, certifications (like Hubspot or Google Analytics), and software (like Adobe CS)? What should I get proof of being good at now before I'm looking for a job?
Finally, do you have any idea what I can expect to make in this field, just starting out? Pretend I follow all the best advice over the next two years of my studies...I'm a straight-A student, and highly motivated. I also am a published (albeit financially unsuccessful) author, and I enjoy generating and delivering engaging presentations (with experience giving speeches and presentations to large audiences). I don't want to get my hopes up about starting salary/position, but neither do I want to be taken advantage of.
Oh, and one last thing: what is the job security like in this industry? If I'm likable and enjoy my work, am I nevertheless one failed campaign away from getting axed? What is the most stable or lower-stress field / position for marketing (or public relations)?
Thank you!