Marketing manager — Evie Morton

Evie, a Newcastle University linguistics graduate, joined Socially Speaking Media as a social media assistant six months ago and has since been promoted to marketing manager

How did you get your job?

I had originally planned to travel after university, but I couldn't save enough money. I was working in hospitality, but I had reached a point where I knew I needed to start my career. I was desperate for mental stimulation. I'm a high achiever, and I missed learning. I was contacting companies speculatively and seeking out unpaid experience when I found my dream job through a friend and was offered paid work.

Why did you decide on a career in social media?

Before I chose an academic subject at university, I had always been equally creative and academic. I dreamed of finding a job that satisfied both sides. Growing up, I thought of journalism or publishing roles, but social media offered the perfect solution.

Social media work relies heavily on creativity, but it always comes down to calculated strategy. Every post we create has a purpose, and there's always a problem to solve. I love that there's so much strategy behind everything we do, and that I'm constantly learning new things, from the legalities of marketing baby food to how to impress a Silicon Valley businessperson.

What's a typical working day like for you?

My typical day involves creating Instagram and TikTok content for clients, including video, photography, copywriting, and graphics. As an agency, we have a diverse range of clients across industries and countries, which makes social media a fast-paced but thriving environment for me. I also work hard to nurture client relationships, and we often travel domestically and internationally for shoots and campaigns.

How relevant is your degree?

I chose my linguistics degree because I loved the subject, not for the job prospects. This is quite rare, but I learned quickly when looking for graduate roles that the content of your degree matters less than the transferable skills you acquire. After all, I spent three years studying effective communication, and exceptional communication skills can open many doors in the job market.

Although it may not seem like it, my linguistics degree has been very beneficial in my current role. I code-switch throughout the day to adopt the different voices of our many brands, and tone of voice is essential in any type of marketing. I also choose my words wisely when nurturing client relationships and connecting with potential clients. I am the 'words' person of the office, and I use the skills I learned at university every day, including confidence, perseverance, and research skills.

I didn't need a degree for this job, and in fact, no one else in the company, including the founder and CEO, has any further education qualifications. But I am grateful for the skills that my degree taught me, and I use them every day.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Working in a fast-growing startup is challenging but full of opportunities, and I'm seizing every one. I want to continue travelling the world while working and expanding the business. Travel is a huge bonus, but I also love the level of input I have and the trust we build with clients.

What are the challenges?

The constantly changing scope of social media requires us to continuously learn new things to remain a front-running agency. The biggest challenge is convincing clients that we're the experts and that they won't see results without trusting us. Since the average business owner has a skewed view of social media, we must present ourselves well and demonstrate our knowledge.

What advice can you give to others?

If you're looking to work in social media, my biggest piece of advice is to shoot your shot whenever you can. Anyone can learn how to do the job, but employers can't teach you resilience, initiative, motivation, and passion. You must bring those to the table. Potential employers will pick up on your energy if you believe in yourself.

Also, be prepared for chaos. Social media is a lot of fun and has its fair share of 'pinch me' moments, but the other half is long hours, admin tasks, and organisation. Be ready for it all.

Find out more

• Read all about being a social media manager.
• Consider what you can do with a linguistics degree.
• Discover an overview of the UK's marketing, advertising and PR sector.