Meet Vanessa, 22, and find out more about her life as a digital and marketing assistant at the Millennium Forum Theatre in Londonderry. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.
Vanessa:
Hi, my name's Vanessa, I'm 22 years of age and I work as a digital marketing assistant at the Millennium Forum Theatre in Derry.
As a digital marketing assistant, it's my job to help the marketing team and their education officer with projects that we hold in the theatre throughout the year.
From a young age, I went to piano and violin lessons and I loved it. And I decided to study music from my GCSEs and A-levels and also at university. And my future career goals was that I wanted to be a teacher, however, I carried out a placement and I decided that it wasn't for me.
After I finished my music degree, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do career wise. I then decided that I would apply for an Arts Management Master's. To gain experience in the field I was doing my masters in, I decided to do a summer of volunteering here at the theatre with the education officer.
I loved the volunteering so much, I decided that working in the theatre was what I wanted to do. Volunteering over the summer really paid off as it helped me to build up my network of contacts. After volunteering at the theatre, I was really lucky to receive a phone call offering me an internship and I was delighted.
On a day-to-day basis in my job, it is important I liaise with the promoters of the different shows through email and also through phone. I talk to them about the different print and artwork that you bring to the venue as this helps to sell their shows.
Working this job helped me to realise I don't need a Master's degree for my career. I have gained a great deal of experience in this job. I have recently began to study at Digital Marketing diploma which is all online.
I don't feel like any of my previous studies or my musical knowledge has been a waste of time. It helps me to understand the artists and the people who I work with every day.
I'm looking forward to taking these skills and qualities I have learned into jobs I will apply for in the future.
I started as a volunteer in this theatre. I loved it so much, I knew it was something I wanted to make a career out of.
- When Vanessa finished her degree in Music she had no idea what to do next
- She applied for an Arts Management master's degree and volunteered at the Millennium Forum Theatre in Londonderry to get experience in the field
- Through volunteering, she realised she loved working in the theatre environment. She impressed one of her contacts so much that they offered her a job there as digital and marketing assistant
- Vanessa's job involves supporting the marketing team and education officer with projects held at the theatre throughout the year.
Vanessa is a digital and marketing assistant. This falls into the job category of 'digital marketer' - roles that promote brands, products and services through social media, websites and apps.
What to expect if you want to be a digital marketer
Other similar roles are: online marketing executive, digital marketing executive, internet marketing officer, digital marketing officer.
- Digital marketer average salary: £23,000 to £50,000 per year
- Digital marketer typical working hours: 37 to 39 hours per week. You might work evenings occasionally.
What qualifications do you need to be a digital marketer?
You could get into this role via a university course, a college course, an apprenticeship, specialists courses or working towards this role.
This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed. (sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service)
Find out more on the Prospects website about the role of a digital marketer.
For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: National Careers Service (England), nidirect (Northern Ireland), My World of Work (Scotland) and Careers Wales (Wales).
Find out more
Work experience in your area
Find work experience placements with Workfinder.
Tips and advice
Help with interviews, writing a CV and all things work experience related.
Peter: lighting technician. video
Peter works as a lighting technician on live shows.
Hosanna: technical theatre apprentice
She's an apprentice at the Royal Opera House.
Outside activities can help put you a step ahead. video
Why transferring skills from outside activities helps.
