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Every year, the Girl Scouts bless us with their cookies: Thin Mints and Tagalongs and Do-si-dos, oh my! And this year, I had the opportunity to give back to our local Girl Scout Troop by helping them envision what a career in marketing could look like.
Helping Girl Scouts Explore Careers in Marketing
I sat down with a group of middle schoolers to discuss what marketing is and which skills they should develop to prepare for a career in the field.
First, it’s important to identify your skills and hobbies. Many people assume marketing is only for creative, outgoing personalities—but that’s not always the case. I’m introverted and enjoy research, writing, and analytics. The field of communications is broad, and there’s a place for many different strengths.
Finding Your Path (Even When It’s Unclear)
Choosing a career path can feel overwhelming. I shared my own experience of selecting a college major at a time when social media and digital careers were just emerging.
In 2007, Instagram didn’t exist, Twitter was brand new, and the first iPhone had just launched. While we knew technology would create new opportunities, those career paths weren’t clearly defined yet. I chose Journalism because it offered flexibility—skills like writing, research, and communication could apply across many evolving industries.
College is a great foundation, but much of what you learn will happen on the job—especially in a field that changes as quickly as marketing.
Understanding Marketing in a Digital World
We also talked about how marketing has evolved with technology. Today, mobile devices, social media, and digital advertising shape how businesses connect with customers.
One important concept we discussed was how online activity is tracked and used to improve user experience. While this can feel intrusive, it often helps businesses provide more relevant and helpful content.
For example, if customers repeatedly ask the same question, marketers can use that insight to improve website content—making it easier for future users to find answers quickly.
We also explored the difference between SEO (search engine optimization) and PPC (pay-per-click advertising), highlighting how both strategies influence what users see in search results.
A Meaningful Conversation About Growth and Responsibility
Beyond marketing, we had an honest discussion about lifelong learning, adapting to change, and being mindful of online behavior.
While the session helped the girls earn their Cadette Marketing badge, the bigger goal was to spark curiosity and encourage them to think critically about their future.
Afterward, many parents shared that the conversation continued at home—which made it clear that the session had a lasting impact.
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