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Digital strategist

Plan and build digital campaigns to connect companies with their customers.

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: LMI for All

Weekly

Ā£650

Average

Monthly

Ā£2,816

Average

Yearly

Ā£33,800

Average

16,900

people are currently employed

High growth

900 more jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

A day in the life — digital strategist

What it's like

Youā€™ll work within the emerging industry of digital media, creating the strategy for a range of things ā€“ an advertising or marketing strategy, how a business could take advantage of online opportunities, or even an overall strategy for a business, product or service.

Youā€™ll gather requirements from a range of sources (competitors, trends) ā€“ whether thatā€™s for building a website, a new digital product, or a digital campaign.

Part of your role will be understanding those audiences in-depth, and weighing up the business and userā€™s requirements, toĀ analyse all the information at hand, and set out the best way to meet both sets of needs.

You'll work to:

  • ShareĀ audience insights to shape marketing campaignsĀ 

  • Monitor and adjustĀ campaignsĀ to fit ongoing requirements

  • EngageĀ with partners and clients

  • Develop the plan that connects company to customer

Hours

You'll generally work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but hours may vary depending on the expectations of projects.

Environment

You'll work within an office environment, generally as part of a digital agency, in collaboration with a team of developers and creatives. You'll also be closely involved with the client, so will need to be able to put your thoughts forward clearly and succinctly, and ask relevant questions.

Travel

You may be expected to travel to visit clients.

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Related industries

Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.

  • Financial services
  • Engineering and manufacturing
  • Creative
  • Digital technologies
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Top skills

Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:

  • time management
  • developing a plan
  • social conscience
  • innovative
  • creative
  • written communication
  • verbal communication
  • positive attitude

Your skills are important

Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.

Discover skills

Getting in

Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

  • Business Management

  • Computing Science

  • English

  • Graphic Communication

  • Media

  • Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media

  • Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media

You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.

You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.

Discover what's on offer at your school on  Apprenticeships.scot.

There are different routes to this role or similar roles in digital marketing and communication. However, most employers will look for a relevant degree or work-based qualifications. Employers will value experience in digital marketing, data analytics and project management.

You can gain relevant skills and qualifications in the work place through options such as Modern Apprenticeships or Graduate Apprenticeships (combining work and college/university study) in:

  • Digital marketing (SCQF Level 6)

  • Creative and digital media (SCQF level 7)

  • Data analytics (SCQF Level 8)

  • IT: Software development (SCQF Level 10)

  • IT: Management for business (SCQF Level 10)

Apprenticeships are advertised as job vacancies, and like any vacancy entry requirements will vary. Relevant experience and qualifications, such as National 5s or Highers, will be helpful but may not be essential if you can show you would be the right person for the job.

Any qualifications or experience that show a genuine interest in and practical understanding of digital communication, such as an in-school Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative & Digital Media (SCQF level 6) or a work-based diploma in digital marketing (SCQF level 6 and 8).

To be able to pass any security checks or assessments, i.e. no criminal record.

This is a quickly evolving and expanding area of work. On-going training will be needed to stay current. Industry recognised certificates may be included as part of a course or work-based learning programme, or an employer may be willing to support the right employee to gain certification.

You can also build skills and qualifications through e-learning. For example, Digital Skills Scotland provides free access to e-learning, that will help you earn anĀ NCFE nationally-accredited certificate in digital marketing.

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