Eshu Sharma, Co-founder & Head of Academics and Social, Kraftshala 

Digital Marketing continues to be a field which is rapidly growing. It also happens to be one of the fields which employs and has the demand for a lot of skilled freshers and young professionals. But at the same time, it also is considered not so fresher-friendly because of some basic admin roles being disguised as Digital Marketing jobs. So for the folks who want to enter this field you have 2 tasks in hand – how to select the right roles and how to get skilled for those roles. With numerous courses available, how do you then choose the right course which gives you the right skill and helps you land these “high potential roles”? Let us look at the essential factors that can help you make an informed choice and help you launch a great career!

Placements

One of the most important factors in choosing a digital marketing course is the placement opportunities it offers. While many courses claim to provide placement assistance, it is crucial to verify these claims. Check for placement reports that detail the companies involved, the industries they belong to, and the kind of roles alumni have secured.

A quick glance at alumni profiles on LinkedIn can reveal a lot about the quality of placements. Are the companies where alumni are working well-known or just small local firms? Do students regularly post about landing jobs with top brands on Linkedin? The number of successful placements and the average salary packages can also give you a realistic sense of your prospects. High placement rates and reputable hiring companies are strong indicators that the course has valuable industry connections, which can significantly increase your chances of securing a job.

Alumni network

LinkedIn is an invaluable tool to assess a course’s effectiveness. By checking the alumni section of the course provider’s LinkedIn page, you can verify the claims made by the institute regarding placements and career progress. See how many alumni are working at companies that match the institute’s marketing material. You can even filter by job title, company, and year to see the career trajectory of past students. Reaching out to alumni is another smart move. By hearing firsthand about their experiences, you will gain insights into the course’s practical value and its ability to help you achieve your career goals.

Live brand projects

The best way to truly learn digital marketing is by doing, and that’s where live brand projects come in. Many courses boast about offering practical experience, but it is vital to understand the nature of these projects. A good course won’t just make you study how campaigns were run; it will give you the opportunity to manage real campaigns yourself, allowing you to work with actual budgets on platforms like Facebook, Google, and Amazon. Hands-on experience is invaluable, not only because it boosts your confidence but also because it makes you more appealing to employers. When choosing a course, ensure that live projects are a core component, rather than a mere afterthought.

Program duration and live classes

It’s not just about whether a course is online or offline, but how many live classes it includes. The more live sessions a course offers, the better your learning experience will be. Digital marketing is a field that requires continuous practice, discussion, and interaction. Live classes allow for real-time engagement with instructors, helping you clarify doubts and discuss industry trends in an interactive environment. Additionally, consider the total duration of the program. A longer course with more hours of live training can ensure a deeper understanding of the subject matter, helping you build a solid foundation for your future career.

Course syllabus

In today’s world, staying updated with the latest industry trends is essential. That’s why the course syllabus should be a top consideration when choosing a program. A comprehensive syllabus should not only cover fundamental digital marketing modules but also delve into advanced topics such as AI in marketing, data analysis, and automation tools.

Speak to industry professionals to get a sense of the must-have skills in the market, and choose a course that covers those areas thoroughly. A well-rounded curriculum will help you develop both technical and soft skills, ensuring that you are fully prepared for real-world challenges.

Fees: Calculate the ROI

When selecting a course, it is important to weigh the return on investment (ROI). This doesn’t just mean the cost of the course, but also how it aligns with your expected salary and career growth. Take a close look at the fees and compare them to the potential salary packages of alumni.

Are graduates getting jobs that justify the course fees? Is the career growth substantial? These are important questions to consider before making a financial commitment. A program that offers high placement rates with reputable companies will likely offer a better ROI over time.

Alumni testimonials

Alumni testimonials can provide valuable insights into a course’s quality. Video testimonials, in particular, can offer a more authentic and emotional glimpse into the experiences of past students. These reviews can highlight the teaching style, practical application of lessons, and overall satisfaction with the program.

However, don’t stop at YouTube. Cross-reference the testimonials with alumni profiles on LinkedIn to verify their current job placements. This extra step ensures that you are getting the full picture and not just relying on curated reviews.

Students have the power to be in the driver’s seat of their career. Choosing the right digital marketing course requires careful research and consideration. With so many factors at play, taking the time to make an informed decision will pay off in the long run.