Hello there everyone,

I graduated uni in November last year with a Bachelor in Marketing, having done a one year internship at a boutique ad agency, as well as doing a five month part-time consulting project for a financial services firm looking to move one of their business units online. I got some good experience developing strategy for the brand and the entire online channel. I really enjoyed this type of work - developing strategy. However now that I am out of uni and in the professional working world, unsure of the right job that will one day get me to a position consulting businesses on developing brand strategy.

After speaking with a family friend who is a reputable player in the Australian marketing industry, I discovered that apart from this idea, I dont really know the 'exact job' that will get me to a position of this sort. Furthermore, I realise that I dont even have a complete understanding of the different positions available in the 'strategic' area of marketing. I have been networking as much as possible to try and get my head around the industry thats out there. However I find myself very confused and am looking for clarity in the types of jobs available, and just not able to find it.

Could anyone give any advice on how to firstly, get a clear picture of the industry and the different jobs/specific specialist areas (I guess relating to strategy as this is what I think I am most interested in), and secondly, any resources I should be using to increase my knowledge so that as my career progresses my knowledge and skills do also? (Note: I am still saving for an econsultancy membership! I have been given a number of reports by colleagues and find them extremely interesting and helpful)

I am currently working as a Marketing Coordinator at a mid-tear law firm, but finding my work is largely communications based and feel I have more to offer than this.

A lot of thoughts, I know, but I am just trying to find some clear direction. Any wisdom/advice anyone can offer will be very much appreciated.

Cheers,

Simon.

Ashley,

I apologise for seeming like I was taking advantage of your service, my mentor however passed a few on to me to help with projects where my university textbooks were falling short, and can honestly say he was not from the firm I currently work at (which doesn't even have an eConsultancy membership - still pushing for that!).

A guide offering that information would be extremely helpful and informative I'm sure, I will keep an eye out and hope to see it in the not-too-distant future.

FYI - Im sure eConsultancy probably already know this, however I would mention that a lot of university graduates I have spoken with in marketing don't actually realise that the knowledge they have of the industry and market is quite limited in comparison to what's actually on offer. It literally took my mentor saying "So where EXACTLY do you want to be?" which has altered my entire perspective on my planned career.

Thanks for the reply,

Simon.