In today's social media-driven, on-demand world, marketing and creative jobs are more interconnected than ever. Marketers today need a consistent stream of brand visuals (graphics, videos, images, etc.) to keep customers engaged. In fact, according to Forbes, marketing content with visuals receives 94% more views than content without visuals.
As educators, you prepare students for these often demanding and dynamic marketing and creative careers. But in a field that’s constantly changing, equipping them with useful skills and experiences can be difficult. In a CERTIFIED Academy webinar, three business and creative educators shared their insights on preparing future marketers and creators for the workforce. Read on for some helpful takeaways you can use in your classroom.
Real-world experience through project-based learning
One of the best ways to prepare students for careers in marketing and creative fields, project-based learning gives students real-world scenarios to show how your curriculum is both relevant and engaging.
Jodi Pelini, a digital media educator from Illinois, emphasizes the importance of real-world experience. "By giving learners some hands-on projects, I’m demonstrating what it’s like to be a marketer in the real world. I have my students create a full marketing campaign. We’re not just making a commercial. I want them to think about all the necessary elements: Logo design, branding, evaluating the competition, market research. It’s all relevant.”
By involving students in comprehensive projects that mimic real-world tasks, they gain a deeper understanding of the skills and concepts needed in their future careers. This hands-on approach enhances their learning and helps them build a portfolio of work they can share with potential employers.
Collaboration and communication skills
Because marketers are balancing multiple tasks for any given campaign, strong collaboration and communication skills are important. Students need to learn how to work effectively with others, share ideas, and communicate their vision clearly.
"I remind my students that one of the skills they need in business is learning how to work with people that may not be exactly like them,” said Aaron Daenell, a marketing and management teacher in Tennessee. Preparing your students to interact with others, to communicate their ideas and knowledge effectively is crucial to their future success.
By encouraging your students to work together on projects, you can help them develop these skills. Whether it's pairing students with different strengths or involving them in group projects, fostering a collaborative environment prepares them for the teamwork and communication required in their future careers.
Tapping into technology and AI
Building your students’ soft skills is the first step in their career journey. Companies need professionals with social media and digital marketing skills, as cited by LinkedIn. As these platforms continually advance and evolve, students need to understand how to use these tools for creative and marketing efforts. Integrating technology – especially AI – into the curriculum can help students stay ahead of industry trends and enhance their skill sets.
Empower students with tech expertise and real-world skills using certification. For future marketers and creators, we recommend the Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate certification, the Adobe Certified Professional certifications, and the Critical Career Skills Generative AI Foundations certification. Not only will students be able to build their marketing and creative knowledge, they’ll also be able to showcase their expertise for future education and employment opportunities.
By exposing students to a variety of tools and technologies, you can help them understand how to use these resources effectively and ethically. Whether it's using AI for creative projects or digital tools for marketing campaigns, integrating technology into the classroom sets your students up for success in the modern workforce.
Looking for additional ideas to navigate the ever-changing landscape of marketing and creative arts? Check out the full CERTIFIED Academy webinar here.