How to become a strategist: Nicola's story
Meet Nicola and learn more about her life as a strategist. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.
Immerse yourself in whatever you’re interested in.
Nicola works at Mixcloud, an online music streaming service; distributing radio shows, DJ mixes and podcasts. She works on the brands partnership team
Nicola took four A-levels: English Literature, Religious Studies, Economics and Politics. She went on to study Ethnology, which does not relate to her work but has helped her understand people and their behaviour
Alongside her job at Mixcloud, Nicola also has a side hustle as a music journalist. She finds this complements her day job nicely
Nicola feels that some of the greatest advantages of her job are the networking opportunities and working with big brands.
Nicola is a strategist. A similar role to a strategist is a marketing manager. Marketing managers plan how to promote products, services or brands and oversee all marketing activity.
What to expect if you want to be a marketing manager
- Marketing manager salary: £25,000 - £55,000 per year
- Marketing manager working hours: 37 to 40 hours per week. You could also work on evenings or weekends.
What qualifications do you need to be a marketing manager?
- Typical entry requirements. You'll usually need one or two A-levels (or equivalent) for a higher national diploma or two to three A-levels (or equivalent) for a degree in related subjects like marketing, business management, digital marketing or advertising.
You could also do a marketing manager degree through apprenticeship. You'll usually need four to five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) (or equivalent).
This information is a guide (sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service)
For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales
