How to Get a Digital Marketing Job in 2025

Marketing touches nearly every part of our lives—from the ads we scroll past on Instagram to the emails we open (or ignore) in our inboxes. It's an industry that's constantly evolving, always relevant, and full of opportunity. If you've ever considered a career in marketing or thought about making a pivot into digital marketing, now is a perfect time.

The demand for marketing jobs and digital marketing jobs is growing fast, and the pathways to break in are more accessible than ever. Whether you're a recent graduate, a creative professional, or someone looking to reskill, the marketing world offers a dynamic and rewarding career landscape.

What’s Fueling the Growth in Digital Marketing Jobs?

Marketing has gone digital, and that's not just a trend—it's a transformation. Businesses across all sectors are shifting their strategies to meet audiences where they spend the bulk of their time: online. 

"From paid search and social media ads to email campaigns and influencer partnerships, brands build their presence in the digital space," said Maria Williamson, Assistant Director for Business Programs at UC San Diego Extended Studies.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of marketing, advertising, and promotions managers is projected to grow by 8% through 2033, a rate faster than the average for other occupational areas. Employers are seeking professionals who understand how to promote a product and can analyze data, optimize performance, and tailor messaging to the right audience.

"Good marketing is essential to business success and long-term growth, especially as new technologies and data-driven strategies reshape industry sectors," noted Williamson. “Companies are looking for professionals who understand the latest marketing trends and tools and can harness them to improve business performance."

What Kinds of Digital Marketing Jobs Are Out There?

The marketing field is impressively broad, with a range of roles for different interests and strengths. Whether you lean toward the analytical or creative, there's likely a fit for you. Here are a few examples of marketing roles that are currently in high demand:

• Digital Marketing Specialist – Plans and executes digital campaigns across platforms.
• SEO/SEM Manager – Optimizes websites and paid ads to rank higher on search engines.
• Social Media Manager – Builds and manages brand presence on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
• Marketing Analyst – Interprets data to inform campaign strategies and decision-making.
• Content Strategist – Crafts messaging and storytelling across multiple channels.
• Email Marketing Coordinator – Manages automated and campaign-based email strategies.

Each of these roles plays a key part in helping companies connect with audiences and grow their reach.

Top Skills You Need to Compete in the Digital Marketing Job Market

Marketing has become increasingly interdisciplinary, requiring a mix of soft skills, creativity, and technical know-how. Here are some of the most sought-after skills employers are looking for:

• Data literacy – Knowing how to interpret performance metrics and analytics.
• Platform proficiency – Hands-on experience with tools like Google Ads, Meta Ads Manager, HubSpot, and email automation platforms.
• Project management – Ability to juggle campaigns, deadlines, and cross-functional teams.
• Storytelling and content creation – Creating engaging, brand-aligned narratives that resonate with audiences.

"Effective professionals have an understanding of how marketing connects with other business functions and stay alert to evolving needs," said Williamson. "They tend to wear a lot of hats and be lifelong learners by nature."

Breaking In: How to Land a Digital Marketing Job (Even Without Experience)

Don't have a marketing degree or formal background? That's okay. The beauty of today's marketing landscape is that skills matter more than traditional credentials.

"The key for those seeking to enter the field or advance in a marketing career is to build a strong foundation in core marketing skills, while also keeping ahead of the curve on digital marketing, social media, customer experience, and other emerging trends," said Williamson. 

Here are a few ways to get started:

• Take a class or earn a certificate to gain foundational knowledge and industry-recognized credentials.
• Build a portfolio with freelance work, class projects, or personal content experiments.
• Stay current by reading marketing blogs, following thought leaders, and subscribing to newsletters.
• Network strategically by attending webinars, joining LinkedIn groups, or connecting with alumni working in marketing roles.
• Volunteer to help a favorite cause with their marketing needs to put skills into action, test ideas, and learn from others.

"Courses and certificate programs help develop proficiencies and confidence, while also providing a resume boost," noted Williamson. "Armed with the basics, anyone can put marketing concepts to use immediately and continue to build knowledge from there."

UC San Diego Extended Studies: Launch Your Digital Marketing Career with Confidence

UC San Diego Extended Studies offers flexible, online marketing courses, as well as certificate programs in Digital Marketing and Digital Design and Creative Strategy. Taught by working professionals, the curricula offer insights on fundamental concepts combined with hands-on experience of the latest trends. 

Students can choose to take a single course to build a specific skill or enroll in the full certificate to gain a comprehensive foundation and earn a recognized credential. Outcomes include practical experience with industry tools, learning how to craft campaigns that connect, and building a portfolio that will stand out in today's competitive marketing job market.

Whether you're driven by data, design, or both, these programs are built to help you land the digital marketing job that matches your goals—on your terms and on your schedule.

To learn more, contact the Business, Professional & Legal Programs department at bizmanagement@ucsd.edu or 858-534-7027.