Baltimore English Major Finds Success As Content Director In Digital Marketing
One person who knows intimately about the fast pace of the ever-changing technology of digital marketing, is Brian Thackston. A recent graduate of the University of Baltimore, Baltimore County, he is now director of content for Webmechanix in Columbia, Md. When Thackston graduated in 2012 with a B.A. in English literature, he admits his job prospects looked somewhat bleak.
What inspired you to enter your current field?
"I was inspired to enter the digital marketing field by necessity and by curiosity. I honestly didn't have that many options. I was a well-trained writer without much to write about; so I jumped at the opportunity to write. That opportunity was a copywriting position at a small tech start-up in Columbia, Md."
"I'd been exposed to online marketing; yet I understood very little about it. After scratching the surface as a copywriter; I knew I needed to learn more. I saw that this job would make an exciting career."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"My educational background has helped me practice the basic skills of reading, writing and time management. Translating these skills from one medium (books) to another (the web) was an 'on the job' learning experience."
How has your education helped to further your career and contribute to your success?
"My formal education has helped me polish up some important skills, but in terms of furthering my career, the learning I've done after-hours in the office to supplement my degree has made all the difference."
"I have learned about new advertising features, tinkered with location tracking devices, and tried to figure out where the future of local marketing is heading. Digital marketing is a young industry. You have to stay on top of this stuff. Unless you're willing to put in the time - you're going to be left behind."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into your field?
"First piece of advice, create your own website and use that for developing your skills. Second - never stop learning. Also, my company has their own training program, the Webmechanix Academy which offers training in digital marketing."
"Lastly, be ready for anything. At its soul - digital marketing is simply effectively communicating with an audience. Sometimes you're making announcements, sometimes you're telling stories, sometimes you're sharing statistics, and sometimes you're sharing pictures. You need to be open and creative."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years. Her current interests, in which she has several certifications, are metaphysics and the healing arts. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times.