What do you do if you lack formal education in digital strategy when changing careers?

1 Assess your current skills

The first step is to assess your current skills and identify your strengths and gaps in relation to digital strategy. You can use online tools such as Skillcrush or LinkedIn Skill Assessments to measure your proficiency in various digital skills and get personalized feedback. You can also review job descriptions and industry standards to understand what employers are looking for and what skills are in demand. This will help you prioritize your learning goals and focus on the most relevant areas for your desired career path.

2 Learn from online courses and resources

The next step is to learn from online courses and resources that can help you develop your digital strategy skills and knowledge. There are many options available, ranging from free to paid, from beginner to advanced, and from general to specific. You can choose the ones that suit your learning style, budget, and schedule. Some examples of online platforms that offer digital strategy courses are Coursera, Udemy, edX, Skillshare, and HubSpot Academy. You can also find useful blogs, podcasts, webinars, ebooks, and newsletters that cover various aspects of digital strategy and provide insights and best practices.

3 Apply your skills to real projects

The third step is to apply your skills to real projects and demonstrate your ability to create and implement digital strategies. You can start by creating your own digital portfolio or website that showcases your work and achievements. You can also look for opportunities to work on freelance, volunteer, or pro bono projects for clients or causes that you care about. This will help you gain experience, build your network, and get feedback and testimonials. You can also participate in online challenges, hackathons, or competitions that allow you to solve real-world problems and showcase your creativity and innovation.

4 Connect with other digital strategists

The fourth step is to connect with other digital strategists and learn from their experiences and advice. You can join online communities, forums, groups, or events that are related to digital strategy and offer opportunities to network, collaborate, and exchange ideas. You can also follow influencers, experts, or mentors who inspire you and share valuable insights and tips. You can also reach out to them and ask for guidance, feedback, or referrals. By building relationships with other digital strategists, you can expand your knowledge, gain exposure, and discover new opportunities.

5 Keep up with the trends and changes

The fifth step is to keep up with the trends and changes in the digital landscape and adapt your skills and strategies accordingly. Digital strategy is a dynamic and evolving field that requires constant learning and improvement. You can use online tools such as Google Trends, BuzzSumo, or Feedly to monitor the latest news, trends, and topics in your industry and niche. You can also use online tools such as Google Analytics, SEMrush, or Moz to measure and optimize your digital performance and identify areas for improvement. By staying updated and informed, you can ensure that your digital strategy skills and knowledge are relevant and competitive.

6 Showcase your value and passion

The sixth step is to showcase your value and passion to potential employers and convince them that you are the right fit for the role, even if you lack formal education in digital strategy. You can do this by creating a compelling resume and cover letter that highlight your skills, achievements, and projects related to digital strategy. You can also use online tools such as Canva, VisualCV, or Zety to create a professional and eye-catching resume and cover letter. You can also prepare for the interview by researching the company, the role, and the industry, and by preparing examples of how you have used or can use digital strategy to solve problems, generate results, and add value. You can also express your enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to learn and grow in the field of digital strategy.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?