Marketing
Marketing covers a broad range of activities designed to understand consumer needs, craft compelling messages and deliver them through various channels to drive engagement, sales and brand loyalty. Key areas within marketing include digital marketing, brand management, content creation, market research, and social media management. Marketers often work closely with advertising, communications and PR professionals to bring strategies to life. Not sure how they differ? Check out What's the difference between marketing, advertising and PR?
Job opportunities in marketing can be found either in-house or in an agency. In-house marketing involves working directly for a company or brand, focusing solely on their products, services and marketing needs. Working for an agency will mean working with multiple clients (brands or companies). Find out more about jobs in marketing.
Recent trends in marketing have highlighted the rise of data-driven marketing, where businesses use customer insights and analytics to optimise campaigns. The growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical marketing has also opened doors for those passionate about promoting socially responsible brands. Additionally, the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising campaign execution, creating opportunities for graduates with strong tech skills. For an overview of the UK’s marketing, advertising, and PR sector, visit Prospects or explore How to get started in marketing.
To gain further insight into working in marketing, watch the virtual alumni panel recording: Working in Marketing, PR & Advertising.
Every employer is different so there are no definitive lists here. These are meant as a guide and should be considered in addition to thoroughly reviewing the person specification, job description and job advert for each role you’re interested in before applying.
- Adaptability: staying up to date with fast-changing platforms, technologies, and audience behaviours.
- Analytical skills: measuring campaign effectiveness using tools like Google Analytics, CRM data, and KPIs.
- Communication (verbal and written): crafting clear, persuasive messaging for a range of audiences and platforms.
- Content creation: writing blogs, social posts, newsletters, and video scripts aligned with brand voice.
- Creativity: generating fresh ideas for campaigns, promotions, and customer engagement.
- Digital marketing skills: search Engine Optimisation, Search Engine Marketing, email marketing, content strategy, social media strategy, and performance analytics.
- Market research & analysis: gathering and interpreting data on consumers, competitors, and trends to inform strategy.
- Project Management: coordinating timelines, campaigns, budgets, and cross-functional teams.
- Strategic thinking: developing long-term plans to develop brand awareness, generate leads, or drive engagement.
- Tech proficiency: familiarity with tools like HubSpot, Salesforce, Google Ads, Canva, or Mailchimp.
To develop these skills, remember Career Zone offers a range of Personal and Professional Development sessions which are available to book on Handshake and run at least once per term. Please also read through the sections about Gaining Experience and Further Study and Professional Development to discover how you can develop your skills through experience and by gaining further knowledge or qualifications.
On campus opportunities
Getting involved with student societies is a great way to develop marketing and advertising experience. Many societies need support with promoting events, managing social media accounts, creating posters or digital content and growing their membership. Taking on a committee role, such as Publicity Officer can give you hands-on experience in campaign planning, branding and audience engagement. Browse societies on the Exeter Students' Guild website or SU’s website (Penryn).
Internships and work experience
Some marketing agencies offer internships, however as there isn’t a centralised website listing all of them, it's important to visit individual employer websites to check for available opportunities. Alternatively, you may be able to create your own experience by sending a speculative application to employers that interest you. Use the Agency A-Z Directory | Campaign to find agencies.
- Marketing internships: applications and entry requirements | Prospects.ac.uk
- Internships Deadlines 2025: Marketing, Media & PR
- Internship Experience UK 2025: Business, Operations & Marketing | Bright Network.
Placements
If you're interested in gaining work experience as part of your degree, consider a placement. To learn more, visit the Placements Hub via your Exeter Single Sign-On. It covers everything from how to apply to opportunities abroad and guidance for international students.
University of Exeter Employability Schemes
The Career Zone advertises paid internships through the Student Campus Partnership (SCP) and Student Business Partnership (SBP) schemes, offering roles at the University or with local employers in areas like marketing, research and data analytics. Search ‘SCP’ or ‘SBP’ on Handshake to view current vacancies and sign up for our weekly internship e-bulletin.
Professional Pathways is a series of sector-specific training courses followed by paid 35-hour internships, running in June 2025. If you're interested in marketing, the Pathways to Marketing programme offers tailored training and hands-on experience in this area.
Volunteering
Volunteering for a charity is a great way to gain hands-on marketing or advertising experience while supporting a cause. You can develop valuable skills in content creation, campaign planning and social media management. This hands-on experience can help build your portfolio, CV and boost your confidence. Find opportunities using the sites below:
- Exeter Students' Guild Volunteering Opportunities
- Students' Union Cornwall Volunteering Opportunities
- Volunteer Cornwall
- Devon Voluntary Action
- Reach Volunteering
- Charity Choice - use this to find charities in your local area. You can also filter charities by cause.
Online courses
While not technically work experience, there are many free online marketing courses available which can enhance your knowledge and skills:
- Introduction to Marketing Free Short Course - University of Edinburgh
- Search Our Free Online Courses - FutureLearn - this platform offers a wide range of marketing courses, many of which are available for free.
Competition can be strong, especially for entry-level positions. Use the following resources to find advertised vacancies and research employers.
Graduate Jobs
- Jobs in Marketing - Prospects - each job profile has an ‘employer’ section which lists vacancy websites
- Marketing-jobs
- OnlyMarketingJobs – for opportunities in the UK and abroad.
For general information about finding graduate opportunities, please visit our Graduate Jobs page.
Graduate Schemes
- Marketing graduate schemes 2025 | Prospects.ac.uk.
- Bright Network – another comprehensive early-career resource that features opportunities and insights from large graduate employers, and includes a ‘Marketing, Media & PR’ search filter.
- Application Deadlines: Graduate Schemes 2025 – this page from Bright Network lists graduate scheme deadlines in Marketing, Media and PR.
Marketing Apprenticeships
While not the most common path into marketing, some graduates choose to pursue a marketing apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with formal education, often through rotational placements.
Further sources of support
If you are an international student, visit our international webpages for help finding opportunities both in the UK and globally.
To find opportunities outside the UK use GoinGlobal.
Some individuals decide to undertake further study to develop their skills and knowledge of the sector. Not all roles or employers will require this, so it is important to research entry requirements and employer preferences before committing to additional training or qualifications. Use the sites below to research your further study options.
- Marketing courses 2025: PR, digital marketing and CPD | Prospects.ac.uk - outlines the full range of marketing courses and qualifications available.
- FindAMasters - searchable database of Master’s degrees, including MSc and MA Marketing programmes and specialisms such as digital or international marketing.
- Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) - offers a range of professional development courses and certifications.
If you are considering postgraduate or doctoral level study before entering your chosen sector, please visit our Postgraduate Study page for more information about choosing further study.
Information and links from professional bodies
Professional bodies support individuals in a specific industry, providing resources like training, certification and networking. While membership is optional, they can help you grow your network, develop professionally and stay up to date with industry trends.
- Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) - the UK’s leading professional body for marketers. Offers globally recognised qualifications, resources, networking, and CPD opportunities.
- Data & Marketing Association (DMA) - focuses on data-driven and responsible marketing. Offers training, qualifications, and research on consumer behaviour and compliance.
- Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) - provides professional digital marketing certifications recognised internationally, covering SEO, email marketing, analytics, and more.
- The Marketing Society - a global leadership network of senior marketers. Offers events, insights, and development for aspiring marketing professionals.