Let me tell you a secret I wish I knew before I decided I wanted a career in Marketing. While Marketing seems to be a glamourous job, there are a million Marketing roles out there. Okay maybe not a million but there are a large number and it helps if you know exactly what it is you want to do as opposed to just saying “I want to work in Marketing.” Don’t get me wrong. “I want to work in Marketing” is exactly what I said but what I didn’t realize at the time was that I needed to pick a team. Mainly did I want to be a specialist marketer or a generalist?
I didn’t have the answer to this question, which is why it took me two years to move from an intern to a content writer. To help you speed up the process and avoid my mistake, I’m breaking down exactly what the differences are between these two roles.
What is a Marketing Generalist?
A marketing generalist has a broad understanding of different marketing channels and strategies. This is someone who is able to work across many different aspects of marketing such as advertising, content marketing, email marketing and more. Generalists understand how different marketing channels work together and are able to come up with integrated marketing campaigns. They have a range of skills such as social media management, SEO and copywriting.
Personally I believe that it’s a great idea to work as a generalist for a few years before picking a specialisation. Being a generalist gives you an in-depth look at how the different marketing channels work together.
What is a Marketing Specialist?
A marketing specialist has a specific area of expertise such as SEO or social media. They have a highly specialized skill set and in-depth knowledge of specific tools, techniques, and strategies. Marketing specialists usually focus on one or a few aspects related to their core specialty but again it helps to have an idea of how the various channels work together.
Which is the better option?
This depends on the company’s needs. Some companies prefer to hire marketing generalists who can work across multiple channels, while others prefer specialists who can focus on a specific area and bring deep expertise.
If you are just starting out in your marketing career, it may be beneficial to develop a broad range of skills as a generalist before specializing in a particular area. However, if you already have a strong interest or passion for a specific area of marketing, then specializing may be the best option for you. Ultimately, the best option for a job is the one that aligns with your skills, interests, and career goals.
