Hi there, my name is Ben Hopkinson, and this is my journey to becoming a Digital Marketing apprentice. I originally wanted to be a radio presenter and producer, but after a few setbacks, I learned new skills to become flexible in any aspect of the Creative Media industry. I have recently begun my apprenticeship, which I thought would be difficult due to the current pandemic.
University Time
I didn’t actually attend university and instead studied a Level 4 HNC and Level 5 HND in Creative Media (TV & Radio) at North Kent College. Although it wasn’t at a university, I was already aware of the facilities at the campus. That was where I completed my Level 3 Extended Diploma with Media and Broadcast Communications with a specialty in radio. It wasn’t until the later stages of my education that I worked within TV and its video editing, camera work, and vision mixing. I developed skills within the Adobe Creative Cloud package (Audition, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro specifically).
Why I Chose This Field?
I have always had a passion for music but have never wanted to play any instruments or try singing. I also love talking, so the next best thing was becoming a radio presenter! As time went on at college and on my HNC/D courses, I developed more skills and spread out into video editing and advertising for the college radio station.
Learning from Previous Jobs
I have had a previous job outside of the creative media field, but they helped me get my current apprenticeship. One of these was as a radio station manager, which allowed me to use Facebook advertising, Google Analytics, and WordPress. These are all that are needed within the role of a Digital Marketer and some experience within video editing, which I am lucky enough to have. Still, there are always other ways to learn using Adobe Support and Tutorials or YouTube tutorials.
Interview Preparation
Research the company, check out the socials and website. You need to know the company and what its principles are, any taglines, and other information. Even the address – you need to know where you’re going for the interview! Look for any staff photos, see what they wear. You don’t want to go underdressed or overdressed. Be on time too – not too early but never late!
Keeping Updated as a Digital Marketer
Google Garage is a great place to go. They don’t just have a course for Digital Marketing but have courses in Data and Tech and Career Development. The best news – it’s free! Just head to https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage, sign in with your Google Account, and get started. You also get certificates which you could add to your CV too.
CVs
Talking about CVs, you want to remove any irrelevant information. I have three different CVs – one for Radio, TV, and a general experience-when I wanted seasonal work whilst at college. I am currently developing my Digital Marketing CV. I also have an online portfolio (a must for anyone wanting to work in any Creative Media role). You can check it out at www.benmhopkinson.com.
Getting A Job
I got my apprenticeship through Estio. They are a reputable IT Apprenticeship company with many companies linked to their portfolio. With offices in London and Leeds, they cover the majority of England. Alternatively, you can look for jobs on LinkedIn jobs and apply from there or via Facebook and Google searches.
Why I Was Selected?
Without wanting to blow my own trumpet, I want to say I was selected because of my skillset. I have experience in a wide range of creative programs, as I have previously mentioned, and have created many websites for work and my portfolio using Wix and oversaw the radio station’s website. I have a lot of passion for the field, and the company aspires to expand – I have a few contacts at local radio stations that could get the company some advertising.
Lessons From Jobs
I have had many setbacks while finding jobs in the industry. Perhaps I have set my bar a little too high or just very unlucky, but I have chased jobs at BBC and Global companies in both radio roles and video roles. I am glad that I am in an apprenticeship as I could learn even more skills that I may not learn while at college or university. Learning on the job is very different compared to classroom learning.
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