Posted on : 2022-07-24 21:34:20
Article : Good morning, Monday Management solution for the TASK 200- Marketing is a single word for many functions that people use and many will be interested in a particular function of the marketing. Companies should make a principle of commencing junior level recruitment as apprentice to mould the incumbent as tomorrow’s leader.
In this solution part for the TASK 200 we discuss about the journey of Kellond, climbing the ladder of his much-desired marketing job path. Marketing is single word for many functions that people use and many will be interested in a particular function of the marketing, gaining their choicest job is first success in their fulfilling and acclaimed job and career.
Applying for the role, posted by The Marketing Academy Foundation, “looking for an apprentice to join Nationwide’s social media team – no experience needed”. Kellond sent a covering letter outlining his YouTube career and past creative projects, which resulted in a first interview at Nationwide’s offices with The Marketing Foundation CEO. He recalls the interview as conservational, less focused on his strengths and weaknesses, more on his daily life and interest in marketing. Pitched again as a relaxed conversation, the second interview involved meeting people from Nationwide’s social and advertising teams.
Accepted onto the apprenticeship in June 2019, Kellond remembers the marketers treating him like one of the team immediately and helping him settle in, so much so he felt like he’d landed a marketing role at the heart of the department. As well as studying for a CIM Level 3 diploma, Kellond attended monthly sessions with The Marketing Academy Foundation. These included catch-ups with his manager to ensure he was progressing well and getting the necessary performance and task feedback. In addition, the foundation hosted bi-monthly full day in-house training sessions covering marketing theory, marketing practice and personal development, presented by industry leaders.
He started by conducting competitor research to gain greater familiarity with the finance sector and social listening to understand how customers perceive the Nationwide brand. Alongside analysing the success of social campaigns, Kellond was encouraged to share his ideas with the social and advertising teams. Next came the opportunity to develop his own ideas for social posts and produce the copy.
“As you develop, your role develops as well. I joined doing the listening and competitor research, and then I started getting into social posts. After that I stepped up to help with campaigns and creating my own content,” he explains. “It’s an easy ladder to climb being an apprentice.”
The fact Covid hit nine months into his apprenticeship meant Kellond was drafted into helping the communications team address customers’ pandemic-related issues. The time flew by and when his apprenticeship finished in summer 2020, Nationwide offered Kellond a temporary fixed-term contract for a year as the pandemic raged on. After a year the contract turned into a full-time position.
In his current role as marketing assistant, Kellond is an integral part of the social team. Despite the apprenticeship ending, his development continues, with Nationwide supporting him to learn more about paid content and the business management side of social media. In general, Kellond believes brands overlook the opportunities presented by marketing apprenticeships. While he accepts it can feel risky to hire someone with no experience or CV to back them up, Kellond urges businesses looking for fresh talent to opt for an apprentice.
End Point-“If you’re looking for a new role and it’s a junior assistant position there’s nothing to lose by going for an apprentice, because at the end of the day you’re getting someone who you can shape in the role and advance in the business, who could even become a manager,”. Kellond firmly believes he would not have made it into marketing without the apprenticeship, saying he lacked the grades and experience to stand out.
He recognises there is an element of heading into the unknown as an apprentice, who likely knows little about marketing or what a career in the industry might look like. However, the benefits outweigh any perceived risks. “It’s a great way to get into marketing”.
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