Here's how you can stand out when applying for entry-level positions in Marketing Analytics.

If you want to become part of a marketing team and be a marketer first and foremost, I'd pick SQL and ONE BI tool as a skill, probably Looker Studio to start out with (and not Tableau).

Certificates in Marketing (Basic level is enough) and Data Analytics from reputable online platforms like Coursera will help you stand out during initial screening.

An even faster way is to download open-source datasets and build a dashboard based on them. Competitions are for a later-stage skill set. Projects can take a lot of effort to find and they might not want you with zero experience. Internships can be a quick way to get derailed with other tasks.

Leverage LinkedIn as a platform to secure an internship with an organization. One effective way to start is by offering to create dashboards for their web analytics platforms. This can be a low-barrier entry point, as the company only needs to grant you access to Google Analytics or their preferred web analytics platform. Conduct a thorough review to identify any gaps and help the organization create the necessary dashboards. This experience provides a good starting point and allows you to showcase real-world skills on your resume.

I highly recommend a network I am part of: Analytics for Marketers. They have a highly educational Slack channel. You can look up their main marketing analytics guru on LinkedIn: Christopher S. Penn.

Joining relevant professional groups and following experts in the marketing analytics field will help you stay updated on industry trends. Additionally, start asking questions and creating posts on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. Your posts can focus on your own experiments or updates on what you've learned. Campaigns like "100 Days of Learning Marketing Analytics" can be a great way to gain attention. Share daily learning and consistently expand your network by adding new connections. Remember, commenting and engaging with others' posts is necessary to building traction and increasing visibility

If you can show value in your application you're as good as hired. Find out what you can about their marketing strategy and how you'd support or even improve them.

Every marketing department focuses on growth. People are keenly interested in growth hacks, so consistently identifying successful campaigns and analyzing their reasons for success is a fantastic way to learn. Sharing your analysis or thoughts on why certain (social media) posts performed well will showcase your skills as a marketing analyst.

In any field of work or study, it's always necessary to regularly brush up on your skills. Always be on the look out for certifications, classes, and webinars which cover the latest trends in Marketing Analytics especially that new marketing technologies are always on the rise.

Though I have never been hired or been hired for an entry-level marketing analytics position. In my observational learning, one thing I've found helpful for candidates to stand out is demonstrating practical knowledge alongside academic credentials. For example, an applicant highlighting a personal project where they used Google Analytics to track website traffic and improve SEO for a small business. This practical example shows initiative and hands-on experience, setting them apart from others. By showcasing relevant projects, internships, or certifications, candidates can effectively illustrate their skills and make a strong impression when applying for entry-level positions in marketing analytics. Best of luck if you're an aspirant!