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How I Learned( And Became) A Digital Marketer For Free

If you are interested in a career in digital marketing, this article is for you.
Aaron Drotts

Digital Marketing Specialist, Intertek Alchemy

It’s no secret that digital marketing is one of the most important aspects of any business. But what if you don’t know where to start? Or worse, what if you can’t afford to pay for a digital marketing course?

Don’t worry — I’ve got you covered.

I learned digital marketing for free through Acadium, an online learning platform. And not only did I learn digital marketing, but I also became a digital marketer. In this article, I will explain how Acadium works and how you can use it to help you begin your digital marketing career and education. According to Zippia from data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS), Census Bureau, and data from digital marketing job openings, here are some useful stats that might persuade you to think about a career in digital marketing:

  • The top 10% of highest-paid Digital Marketing Managers earn as much as $125,000 or more.
  • The Media industry is the highest-paying for Digital Marketing Managers.
  • Digital Marketing Managers' average starting salary is $60,000.
  • According to the BLS, advertising, promotions, and marketing managers are expected to grow by 10%

So, How does Acadium work?

Digital marketing has become increasingly important for businesses of all sizes and industries. With the rise of online and mobile technologies, companies need to adapt to stay competitive in today's market. Therefore, having the necessary digital marketing skills and knowledge is critical to succeeding in this industry. However, formal education and paid courses can be expensive and time-consuming, making it difficult for some individuals to access the necessary resources.

Acadium is an online learning platform that offers courses in a variety of different fields within digital marketing including SEO, PPC, Podcasting, and many others. The great thing about Acadium is that it’s free to join (If accepted, I’ll explain later). You can take as many (or as few) courses as you want, and you can complete them at your own pace.

After or while you complete the courses, you will be able to have the opportunity to get paired with a mentor that will be your guide for the next 3 months to help you develop and hone in on the selected digital marketing skills you want to focus on. During the apprenticeship, you'll work with a skilled and vetted mentor who will guide you for three months.  It’s called an apprenticeship through Acadium, but it's an internship that is fully remote and the best part is that it’s on only 10 hours a WEEK! That’s right, for only 10 hours a week working with a skilled and vetted mentor, you will be able to gain the work experience and knowledge required to help you land a role within digital marketing. This apprenticeship is a perfect opportunity to gain practical experience and build your portfolio, which can be a valuable asset when looking for a job in the digital marketing field.

 Another significant benefit of Acadium is that it provides a certification upon completing an apprenticeship. This certification is a testament to your acquired skills and practical work experience, which can help you stand out from other job applicants. It also shows potential employers that you're proactive and motivated to learn, which can be a valuable asset in any field.

Acadium is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn digital marketing and kickstart their career without incurring any financial burden. The platform is user-friendly, and the courses are designed to be easy to understand and follow. Moreover, Acadium's community is supportive, and you can connect with other learners and mentors, which can help you build a network and gain insights into the industry.


How Did I Find Acadium?

I found Acadium through a Facebook Ad. I noticed that the ad mentioned that it would teach me digital marketing skills for free (I was working within education at the time) while connecting me with an internship, and so due to my love for learning new skills, I had to give it a try! To be honest, I was a little skeptical at first because it seemed too good to be true. I was waiting for that pop-up to appear saying “Your free trial has expired” or “if you want to experience the rest, pay now” Well, none of those things happened. I was able to learn it for free and was never asked for payment information to finish the courses and continue the apprenticeship. After going through, the courses, I worked with my mentor for 3 months, and shortly after I finished the apprenticeship, I was offered a role within a marketing agency. I am now the marketing manager with a different company. I started with Acadium knowing NOTHING about digital marketing, to now managing and implementing the marketing strategies and goals of the company I work for.

Can Anyone Join Acadium?

Yes, and no. There are no qualifications or experience required, and you don’t need to be a member of any particular organization, but you do need to apply to join the program. Once you are accepted, you can begin your learning journey and start connecting with potential mentors that will work with you during your apprenticeship. Acadium is truly the go-to resource where you can launch a career in marketing for free!

Interested In Giving Acadium A Try?

I wanted to share my story with you because I know how difficult it can be to find the time and money for training that will help people learn digital marketing. Acadium was able to provide me with all the necessary tools, education, encouragement, and mentorship needed for free! It gave me a great foundation in digital marketing skills which has allowed me to grow into an accomplished professional who is now looking forward to taking my career even further.

In conclusion, digital marketing is a growing industry that offers a range of exciting career opportunities. However, acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge can be challenging, especially for those who can't afford formal education or paid courses. Acadium provides a free and accessible platform that allows individuals to learn and gain practical work experience in the digital marketing field. By taking advantage of this resource, you can increase your chances of landing a job in this industry and building a successful career.  If this sounds like something you might be interested in as well — or if you have any questions about what I’ve shared here today — please feel free to reach out so we can talk more!

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