Hey! Congrats to the new graduating class! Graduating with a marketing degree in 2025 is exciting, but let’s be honest, it’s also competitive. With AI tools reshaping workflows, employers are raising the bar when it comes to hiring. The good news? Standing out isn’t about having the flashiest resume. It’s about showing substance, strategy, and self-awareness.

As a recruiter, I’ve seen what makes a recent grad shine in a sea of applicants. This guide breaks down the key ways you can position yourself as a standout candidate in today’s fast-evolving marketing landscape. Let’s get into it!

Start building a personal brand, even without a job. Begin with what’s in your control: your online presence. First, treat your LinkedIn like a landing page. Add a headline, banner image, and “About” section should clearly reflect your voice and goals. Then, share insights, content, or thoughts on trends (AI in advertising, influencer fatigue, Gen Z buying habits, etc.). And, consider a personal website or portfolio, even for non-designers. It shows initiative and makes you memorable.

Now, don’t just tell employers what you can do. Show Them! Perspective employers care less about GPA and more about how you apply what you know. Do this by including marketing case studies, capstone projects, or mock campaigns in your resume or portfolio. Another thing you cn do is volunteer to help a local business or nonprofit with their marketing—you’ll gain experience and make an impact.

BTW, tools matter, but you gotta understand the strategy behind the strategy behind them. Learn the basics of platforms like HubSpot, Google Analytics, and Canva. But don’t stop there. What makes a campaign go viral? What drives conversion? Highlight how you think strategically, whether through user personas, content funnels, or data-backed decisions. Also, be curious and coachable! In interviews, curiosity beats confidence. Ask thoughtful questions about how teams collaborate, how success is measured, and where the company sees growth. Be open to feedback and quick pivots—it’s one of the top traits hiring managers value in early-career marketers.

Now more than ever you have to leverage networking, but it doesn’t have to be awkward. Most roles aren’t filled through job boards, they’re filled through relationships. Use LinkedIn to connect with alumni or professionals in your target companies. Don’t pitch, ask for advice. A 15-minute virtual coffee chat can open doors that cold applications can’t.

Remember, marketing is about connecting with people, and that starts with how you present yourself. Whether you’re entering a creative agency, a startup, or a corporate brand team, showing that you’re engaged, adaptable, and proactive will take you further than buzzwords ever could.

Your degree is your foundation. What you build on top of it? That’s where the magic happens.