Is a Degree Really Needed to Build a Career in Digital Marketing

Recently, I had the opportunity to host a webinar at CDA Academy on Career Opportunities in AI & Digital Marketing. It was an engaging session filled with questions from young aspirants, freshers, career shifters, and college students. One question kept popping up in the chat box again and again:

“Sir, is a degree required to build a career in digital marketing?”

I smiled every time I saw that. Because I know where it comes from. It’s the confusion between cracking a job vs. building a career. And it’s very important to understand the difference.

As someone who has met thousands of learners over the last few years, people from different walks of life, I’ve seen something beautiful. Growth doesn’t always come from a degree. It comes from the right skill set, the right mindset, and a strong belief in your craft.

Let me break it down from a mentor’s point of view.

To Get a Job? Degree is Not Mandatory.

Yes, you read that right.

If your goal is to crack a job in digital marketing, you don’t necessarily need a formal degree. What you do need is the skill to perform tasks, execute campaigns, handle tools, communicate effectively, and understand digital consumer behaviour.

We live in an age where companies are hiring based on skills, not just certificates.

In fact, many of our CDA Academy students started their careers with zero degrees, but with high dedication. They learned tools like Google Ads, SEO, Canva, WordPress, HubSpot, Mailchimp—and built live campaigns, portfolios, and even freelanced for real clients.

But to Build a Career, You Need More.

Now, this is the turning point. If your vision is not just about getting hired, but about growing, leading, and creating impact, then you need to invest in long-term learning.

That includes academic degrees too.

Because a career is not just about doing work. It’s about leading teams, managing projects, analysing data, making decisions, and eventually driving innovation.

To rise to leadership levels—say, becoming a Digital Marketing Manager, Brand Strategist, or CMO—you need to understand business, consumer psychology, communication, research, analytics, and even compliance. A formal degree, whether in marketing, business administration, or communication ,can help you build that foundation.

So, my honest suggestion is this:

Don’t wait for a degree to start. But don’t ignore it either.

Start learning digital marketing practically. But pursue your degree in parallel, even if it’s through distance or online mode. It will help you in the long run.

Let’s Talk About Digital Marketing Roles

One big confusion I often hear:

“Isn’t digital marketing just about social media?”

No. Not at all.

Digital marketing is not just a job—it’s an entire world of roles, specializations, and opportunities.

Here are a few job roles where people are building serious careers today:

Digital Marketing Executive
SEO Specialist
Social Media Manager
Content Marketing Strategist
Google Ads Expert (PPC Specialist)
Email Marketing Manager
Performance Marketer
Marketing Analyst
Affiliate Marketing Manager
Marketing Automation Specialist

And more…

Each of these roles requires a unique skill set. Some are creative, some are analytical, some are technical. But they all offer room to grow.

Industry is No Barrier

You can work in education, healthcare, finance, fashion, technology, real estate, entertainment—or even in government campaigns. Every industry today needs marketing. And every marketing effort today needs digital expertise.

That’s the beauty of this field.

If you are willing to learn, stay consistent, and keep practicing, you can become a solid digital marketer—regardless of your background, your location, or your language.

My Message to All Aspiring Marketers

Dear learners

If you’re passionate, focused, and ready to commit, digital marketing is a brilliant career option. Degrees don’t define your potential. But knowledge, discipline, and consistency do.

At CDA Academy, I have had the privilege to meet and mentor people from all sorts of academic and professional journeys. I have seen people with just 12th pass backgrounds earn ₹40,000/month as freelancers. I’ve also seen MBA holders struggle because they didn’t update their skills.

So, start from where you are. Learn. Practice. Experiment. Take internships. Freelance. Build case studies. But at the same time, don’t hesitate to pursue your degree to strengthen your career base.

I’ve shared a lot more on this topic in my LinkedIn Newsletter — The Purpose Journal. ( Subscribe on LinkedIn )

Feel free to check it out if you are someone building your purpose-driven career.