7 Career-Climbing Tips for Marketing Professionals
By Marta Gongos Marketing roles like marketing manager and web developer are some of the best jobs in North America today—and for good reason. The advertising and marketing industry is known for excellent salaries and career growth opportunities. But let’s be real: career climbing isn’t always smooth sailing.
Juggling client demands with industry trends and ever-expanding roles is just the beginning. Marketing professionals aiming to climb the career ladder must also face algorithm changes and technological advancements—all while competing and adapting to increasingly sophisticated AI tools.
So, how do you climb the corporate ladder in such a competitive environment? You must evolve, adapt, and strategize. Here are some of the most effective career climbing tips for marketing professionals.
Plan Your Path
Professional development looks different for everyone. When career climbing, mapping out your progression helps you outline and visualize the steps you need to take to reach your career goals. This also allows you to notice and seize career growth opportunities that may jump out along the way.
One way to do this is by reviewing your company’s internal career ladder. Most have clear requirements for internal recruitment. You can use this as a career advancement guide.
If your company doesn’t have a defined career path ready, research industry standards and job boards instead. This can be especially helpful if you’re planning lateral moves to other departments or specializations. Just remember: your next role should always align with your long-term career vision, whether within your current department or not.
Image source: Canva
Assess Your Skills
Climbing the corporate ladder starts with knowing yourself inside and out. You can’t chase promotions without understanding what you have to offer and what you don’t.
Think of it this way: when working on a marketing campaign, you first analyze your target audience, available resources, and market position. Using the same strategic approach for your career helps you take stock of your current strengths and set clear goals. Here’s how to do it:
- List your current hard and soft skills. If you’re unsure, ask your colleagues for feedback or use tools like CliftonStrengths or online self-assessment quizzes that test specific skills or potentials.
- Research the skills you aspire to have. Looking up the job description for the role is a great starting point!
- Identify skill gaps. These are the areas you’ll want to focus on moving forward.
Advance Your Skills
The best response to “how do you climb the corporate ladder?” is no longer simply “work hard and network.” Marketing professionals must be more strategic than ever when career climbing.
Part of this is upskilling. As AI tools and digital technology evolve, so do marketing expectations and responsibilities. Moving from entry-level positions to middle management to leadership roles requires continuous learning. Pursue:
- Industry certifications
- e-Learning opportunities
- Targeted training programs
- Specialized courses
- Tool mastery workshops
- Leadership training
- Mentorship programs
Bonus tip: Choose learning opportunities that add both breadth (general knowledge) and depth (specialized) to your skill set. This gives you a well-rounded foundation that can help you prepare for any role.
Document Your Big Wins
In marketing, data speaks louder than words. Keeping a record of your achievements and projects allows you to showcase your impact when applying for new roles or promotions. It’s the best ammunition for performance reviews and job interviews. Plus, it’s a great way to measure your progress and build your confidence if you get afflicted with imposter syndrome. (It happens to everyone!)
Bonus Tip: Documenting wins on social media or other platforms can be a great way to build a personal brand. Not only are you showing your hard work, but also establishing yourself as an accomplished marketing professional. When career growth opportunities come knocking, you’ll have many things to share!
Network Strategically
While it may not be everyone’s favorite pastime, strategic networking is key to mastering how to climb the corporate ladder. This is especially true for marketing and advertising where relationships and connections are key.
Build relationships before you need them. Focus on:
- Industry events and marketing conferences
- Professional associations
- LinkedIn engagement with thought leaders
- Agency-client relationships
- Chats with co-workers, managers, and mentors who can support your development
Bonus Tip: Networking isn’t just about meeting industry leaders and asking for favors. It’s a give-and-take. Share resources or help others connect before seeking help.
Image Source: Shutterstock
Take Initiative
The best way to convince your boss that you’re ready for a promotion is to consistently demonstrate your capabilities. Consider these action steps:
- Anticipate problems and address them before they escalate
- Present innovative solutions with implementation plans
- Volunteer for high-visibility projects
- Take charge of team projects or initiatives
- Learn new tools before they’re required
Know When to Leave and Find a New Role
Sometimes, the best initiative you can take is to leave your current role. Recognizing when it’s time to move on can be the difference between career climbing and stagnation. It may be time to find greener pastures if:
- Your role hasn’t evolved in over a year
- You’re no longer learning new skills
- Your ideas are constantly shelved
- There’s no clear path to promotion
- The company isn’t investing in marketing or your department
- Your salary has plateaued below market rate
- You’re getting passed over for opportunities
- The company culture is causing you burnout
Bonus Tip: Marketing is too dynamic to stay in a role that doesn’t support career climbing or skills development, but don’t jump ship without a plan. Research market opportunities, update your portfolio, and find a reliable recruitment agency or platform to support your next career move.
→Learn more: Top 10 Reasons for Leaving a Job (+ How To Explain Them)
Find Your Next Role with Ad Culture
Smart marketers know how to climb the corporate ladder. Smarter ones know who to partner with to make it happen.
At Ad Culture, we’re marketers first and recruiters second. We combine industry experience with recruitment know-how to help you find the perfect role to advance your career. We match candidates with the best advertisers in North America that will allow you to learn, grow, and contribute.
We’re constantly recruiting for these roles:
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Ready to start career climbing? Submit your resume today!
