Want A Career in Marketing Operations?

Then this post is for you.

As someone who has been in the field for many years, I believe that the secret sauce to thrive in marketing operations lies in getting your hands dirty - gaining hands-on experience with marketing technology.

In today’s world, it's easy for marketers to become distanced from the nitty-gritty details of the tools that drive our campaigns and activities.

With many companies outsourcing various tasks to specialized agencies, you may not be getting the chance to work directly with tools like analytics tools, search and social media ads, email marketing tools and so on.

But if you're considering a move to marketing operations from marketing (or any other job really), this hands-on experience is invaluable.

It provides you with a deeper understanding of how different elements tie together, the ability to troubleshoot more effectively, and an insight to guide strategic decisions.

So, how do you gain this hands-on experience, especially if your current role doesn’t offer you that opportunity?

Here are a few tips:

1. Explore tools outside of work hours:
Many marketing tools offer free trials or have free versions. Spend some time after work, or on weekends learning these tools. Martechmap.com is a great place to start finding those tools.

2. Start a side project:
This can be a personal blog, a small online business, or even offering to help a local business with their online marketing. This not only gives you practical experience but also can make your resume stand out.

3. Online learning:
Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy offer courses on everything from SEO to social media marketing. You can learn at your own pace and apply your knowledge in real-time.

4. Network with experienced marketers:
Join local marketing groups or online communities. Ask questions, seek advice, and learn from the experiences of those who have been in the field longer. (Follow or connect with me for instance) Marketingops.com has a great Slack community where you can eavesdrop on the conversations between the other members.


The journey into marketing operations can be a challenging, but rewarding one.

Remember, it's the hands-on experience that will give you the skills and insights necessary to succeed.

And these experiences don't always have to come from your 9 to 5.

With a little extra effort and time, you can take charge of your learning, stand out from the crowd, and make a successful transition to marketing operations.