It’s been said that in digital marketing, the only constant is change, so if you’re not constantly learning, you’re falling behind. Unlike some fields, digital marketing doesn’t necessarily require a formal education.
Instead, success hinges on up-to-date skills, adaptability, and the drive to stay ahead of industry trends. To thrive in this ever-evolving field, staying ahead of the curve isn’t just a luxury-it’s essential for success.
At ODEO Academy, we offer cutting-edge training to help digital marketers stay adaptable and innovative, all while delivering impactful results. Whether you’re looking to break into the industry or add to your current expertise, ODEO Academy offers a variety of digital marketing classes for beginners and more advanced courses for marketing professionals.
To inspire your journey, we’re excited to feature guests from The Digital Marketing Mentor podcast who’ve capitalized on continuing education to achieve their career goals in digital marketing. Hear their stories and see how ODEO Academy can help you stay ahead in this dynamic industry.
Ready to elevate your digital marketing skills with continuing education? Read on to learn more.
The Changing Face of Digital Marketing
Digital marketing professionals come from diverse educational backgrounds, from marketing and business degrees, which can offer insights into consumer behavior, to fields like IT or graphic design, which add technical expertise.
However, research indicates as companies prioritize transferable skills over formal education, the industry has become more accessible, lowering the barrier to entry. Although a degree can offer certain advantages, it’s no longer essential for success in digital marketing. Practical skills like SEO/SEM expertise, social media management, and digital analytics are now more in demand.
This change has opened doors for self-taught professionals like Julia McCoy, an SEO and AI expert who successfully transitioned from nursing school to digital marketing through practical experience and self-learning. She attributes her success and multi-million dollar business achievements to continuous, self-directed learning.
The Value of Continuing Education
Ninety percent of marketers agree that continuous learning and skill improvement are vital for success in digital marketing. Yet many professionals, both new and experienced, often overlook its benefits. Here are several reasons why ongoing education should never be overlooked.
Increase your digital self-esteem
Technology has become an integral part of daily responsibilities in today’s workplace. 93% of companies are adopting or planning to adopt a digital-first business strategy.
To survive in this rapidly advancing environment, professionals must stay proficient in emerging technologies, including AI and various digital platforms.
Brie Anderson, owner of Beast Analytics, has shared how gaining new skills and knowledge has significantly boosted her confidence. Early in her career, each learning experience reinforced her self-esteem, helping her tackle more prominent roles and challenges.
Enrolling in an online digital marketing course can boost your technological proficiency, strengthen your ability to lead remotely, and prepare you to adapt to emerging trends by expanding your digital toolkit and management skills.
Build Industry Skills
Continuing education can provide a strong foundation for advancing your career with essential digital marketing skills. Research indicates that 73% of employers now prioritize skills as the most valuable asset on a resume. An interactive online learning experience such as ODEO Academy allows you to acquire these skills and offers hands-on practice to reinforce them.
Allie Danziger, CEO and founder of Ampersand Professionals, underscores the importance of real-world experience. Throughout her career, she has pursued ongoing learning through internships and practical exposure, which helped her develop clarity and expertise in her field.
Broaden Your Professional Connections
While skills and confidence are tremendous benefits of continuing education, building a solid professional network is equally important. In an episode of the Digital Marketing Mentor, Amalia Fowler, a university marketing instructor and digital agency founder, highlights how the connections students make through educational experiences can be as impactful as the curriculum itself.
At ODEO Academy, each cohort often becomes its professional network by the end of the semester, often with participants worldwide, bringing various perspectives and experiences. Our online discussions foster meaningful connections among peers from diverse backgrounds, providing opportunities to exchange insights, gain industry knowledge, and stay informed about digital marketing trends. These networks can serve as invaluable resources as you advance in your career, offering tips, advice, and industry news to support your personal growth.
Increase your Earning Potential
Investing in professional development demonstrates dedication to your current role and your commitment to ongoing improvement. Additionally, professional development can increase your earning potential by increasing your value with every credential, certification, and specialized designation you receive.
Continuing Education Learning Formats
Continuing education comes in many shapes and sizes to enhance skills, knowledge, and credentials.
Post-Secondary Degree Programs
One of the most common options is a post-secondary degree program, including associate and master’s degrees, which support career progression.
Online Courses
Online academic programs, such as those offered by ODEO Academy, are designed to teach specific industry skills. They range in length and course format, but they’re an excellent way to continue your education after hours while working or taking care of a family full-time.
Certifications
Professional certifications can also provide job-relevant expertise and certainly enhance resumes.
Independent Study
Another type of continuing education is Independent study. It offers tailored learning with academic guidance from professors or teachers in your area of interest.
Professional Events
From conferences and workshops to seminars, attending professional events helps foster networking and industry insights.
On-the-job-training
On-the-job training is additional training that you can complete once you’ve been hired for the position. You can apply it to your current job and use it throughout your career.
Mentorship in Digital Marketing
Mentoring fosters continuing education and professional development by providing valuable insights from first-hand experience and offering guidance beyond what traditional courses can teach. With personalized advice tailored to your unique goals, a mentor can help you navigate career challenges and refine your strategies. Mentors can also open doors to industry connections, expanding your network and career opportunities in a relationship-driven field.
Navah Hopkins, a PPC influencer, consultant, and brand evangelist for Optymyzer, highlights this when she recalls a professor who assigned students the specific task of seeking out and securing a mentor. This formative experience reinforced to her the importance of cultivating these relationships.
Learning from someone with real-world experience can accelerate your development, helping you avoid common pitfalls and build a successful career in digital marketing.
ODEO Academy’s Course Offerings
ODEO (Optidge Digital Education Online) Academy began as the only online, practical graduate-level course teaching digital marketing fundamentals in 15 weeks. Designed to bridge the gap between traditional education and the industry’s evolving demands, it has become popular due to its emphasis on real-world application rather than theory alone.
Now offering multiple courses, including a woman-only cohort, ODEO Academy’s curriculum is crafted directly from the latest strategies and insights gained through Optidge’s daily agency work. This online format provides flexibility while delivering agency-level expertise, making high-quality, professional education accessible to a broader audience.
“If you’re considering a career change or want to learn a new skill set, I highly recommend ODEO Academy,” says Miriam, a recent student. “ODEO gave me a comprehensive education in digital marketing, breaking down complex concepts. I am now applying to a digital marketing internship and plan to use the skills I gained to start a new career.”
Conclusion
In digital marketing, continuous learning isn’t optional – it’s essential.
Remaining adaptable, updating your skills, and building meaningful connections are all crucial to thriving in this field, and ODEO Academy is here to support you on that journey. Our practical courses, inspired by real agency experience, provide the tools to remain confident and competitive in this industry.
Regardless of whether you’re considering a career pivot or you want to expand your expertise, ODEO Academy offers flexible learning opportunities tailored to your growth.
Take the next step in your career by investing in yourself with ODEO Academy. Start learning today!