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: 拢20,000 to 拢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 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 .
For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: , , and .
Find out more
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.
