Education · 1 of 4

The path

A short program, a portfolio of real campaigns, then a first job where you learn the tools.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   English, business, media arts. Start now: run a social account for a club, a team or a family business and track what works.

2. 2

   Diploma or degree

   2 to 4 years

   A 2-year college marketing diploma or a 4-year business degree with a marketing major. Job Bank says either is usually required. Co-op programs are worth the extra time.

3. 3

   Internships and side projects

   During school

   Real campaigns with real numbers. Employers hire on the portfolio, not the transcript.

4. 4

   First job

   After graduation

   Marketing coordinator, social media coordinator, or an agency account or content role.

5. 5

   Specialize

   Years 2 to 5

   Paid ads, search, email, content, brand, analytics or product marketing. Specialists earn more than generalists.