Dreaming of Educating and Earning in Email

Imagined above is a picture of Otis Redding at the dock of the bay, on a laptop computer, amidst documents shaping, distracting and propelling him. Observing this somewhat realistic computer generated picture, one can observe a timeless truth: when facing challenges head-on, pen a self-directed solution, that inspires resilience as one navigates the wilderness of life. Like Otis Redding or Elijah, who according to the Bible, he went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a juniper tree to dream — too dream like Langston Hughes of provisions to fuel one’s journey of educating and earning in email as the headline of this article states.

A California Dream, in the vast and dynamic landscape of the email industry, where we all have career limits to our dreams of success even after all the investments in networking opportunities and the payments for a course or many at Coursera or Udemy. The limits lay not only in mastering the intricate hard skills and software of the trade, but also in navigating the diverse job titles and descriptions that characterize the field of work in email. The array of titles, qualifications, 30–90 day roadmaps, roles and responsibilities can be culturally overwhelming, the opportunities limitless. So, how does one dream of a career earning in this skilled trade, email?

Research is Key

Before diving into an email role, aspiring professionals must meticulously research the companies that do really good emails, send better emails, or show email love. This goes beyond a glance at a company’s website, but what they send to your inbox. Delve deep into their send history, understand their core brand messages and products, and gauge market trends for industry comparisons. Figure out what are the latest job titles used by some company’s to justify why there are no diverse email candidates in the pipeline. Familiarize yourself with email marketing product leaders at Gartner and peep their GlassDoor reviews. Know the email products used by a company via BuiltWith beforehand: do they use Adobe, Braze, Constant Contact, HubSpot, Iterable, IBM, Mailchimp, Oracle, Salesforce, SAP or other email software as a service. This knowledge can provide a valuable edge, allowing you to prioritize your preparations, certifications and qualifications to a specific role of interest.

Preparation Pays Off

Preparation is a fundamental aspect that not only impresses interviewers, but also saves human resources valuable time during the recruiting, hiring, onboarding and retaining process. By doing your homework and getting certifications you demonstrate a genuine interest in the merits of the profession, the company, and ethical operations. This proactive approach (assuming you already have the foundational skills and experience) allows you to screen the company as a potential employer, ensuring that you align with its values and objectives before joining. A company that prioritizes learning is an academy company — and an academy company with a path for learning often means the company produces a great product and prepares great people. If all the preparation is complete, no point in wasting it with an company or client that deprioritizes learning and development.

Log Your Journey

Keep a comprehensive log of your job search journey. Note interview details, such as date, time, and location, alongside information about the company and the position. Record the names of employer contacts and any crucial details discussed. This organized approach helps you stay on top of your job search, making it easier to follow up and maintain a professional demeanor throughout the process. Feel free to use this template here on Google Sheets that includes an array of email jobs posted from December through February 2024.

Know Yourself

Self-discovery is crucial for an email career. Identify your interests, strengths, weaknesses, education, experience, and career goals. This self-awareness shapes interviews and career decisions. Find the right people, professional path or platform to realize your aspirations in the diverse landscape of email resources. A career in email is a journey that many intentionally embrace once they see the people, path and platforms.

Updated Resumes and Additional Documents

Lastly, presenting a polished and updated resume with keywords is essential in getting past resume bots and leaving a lasting impression with human resources. Clean, well-organized resumes and cover letters, coupled with additional documents such as email samples, marketing case studies, and even faux or forreal products or business marketing experiments express your dedication and professionalism. These materials provide meaningful evidence of your capabilities and contribute to a well-rounded representation of your qualifications.

In the pursuit of dreaming big in the email industry, the journey is as crucial as the destination. By combining educational prowess with an equitable and strategic approach, aspiring professionals can not only learn but also earn in a field that has thrived on innovation and adaptability since 1971.