What is it like to work in Marketing? Q&A with Phia Folkes from Seed Group.

Each month we are talking about a different industry and giving you some key insights into what it's like to work in. This month, we go into conversation with Phia, co-founder of social media agency Seed Group, as she shares her insight into what a career in marketing can look like, including what kind of person is best suited to the industry and top tips on how to transition into the field.

Can you describe a typical day or week in your role? What are the main responsibilities and challenges you face?

Working specifically within social media, our biggest challenge is keeping up with algorithm and platform changes, as well as trends, to continually deliver results for our clients. It's fast-paced, and you need to be able to be strategic and creative every step of the way.

What do you find most rewarding about your job and the industry you work in?

We have the ability to change the course of a brand's growth. Especially when our client is a start-up or small business. We are really particular about who we work with because we only want to work with brands we believe in and feel excited by. That being the case, when we are helping them to succeed, it's incredibly rewarding.

What kind of person is suited to a role in this industry?

If you are going to work in any marketing agency environment, social media orientated or not, you need to be able to think fast. You will no doubt be juggling multiple clients, be responsible for delivering against ambitious KPIs, and need to work cohesively with a lot of internal and external stakeholders. Creative thinking, critical thinking, and being a team player are essential to a role in this field. Many perceive jobs in marketing, specifically social media marketing, to be easy at best, and for the lazy at worst. I'd love for anyone to ask my team what they think about that...

How do you see the future of the industry developing in terms of growth and opportunities for career advancement?

You can't really answer that question without mentioning AI. I can't imagine there are many marketing agencies out there these days not utilising AI tools and envisaging a future where they're integral. I really don't believe AI is going to replace marketeers, but I do think it's going to change our roles. Perhaps there will be fewer hands needed within the tactical delivery of marketing plans, but more value placed on strategic thinking.  

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in or looking to transition into this field?

1. Baseline, make sure you are fundamentally interested in how brands and consumers behave.  
2. You need to be willing to learn. Every day is a school day when it comes to modern marketing.
3. Marketing is a very broad term. Work out which part(s) of it you're passionate about, or you will struggle to get excited.

If you're looking for a new role in marketing, head over to ourjob board to view our current vacancies orregister with us to be the first to hear about new opportunities.

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