4 out of 10 marketing job listings now ask for digital marketing skills and jobs in digital marketing are on the rise. However, the number of people qualified to do these jobs is not keeping pace.

Currently, there is a gap in digital skills, with 150,000 digital jobs being predicted to be available by 2020. This gap has created the perfect opportunity for people looking to make a career change or hone in on future-forward digital skills.

If you’re looking to break into the digital marketing industry, there’s no better time than now.

1) Begin as a blogger

Every digital marketer should have personal projects to test out theories, try their hand at multiple disciplines and be able to take accountability for the success or failure of a project. A blog can do all that, plus help you build your personal brand.

2) Complete a digital marketing course

There are few people disciplined enough to teach themselves the inner workings of internet tools and turn their learning into a career. Investing in training when preparing for a digital marketing career can help you become a stand-out digital marketer with a varied, in-demand skill set.

3) Find a digital marketing internship

Although you can take the time to learn and experience facets of digital marketing for yourself, an internship will put you face to face with the real-world roadblocks that marketers must overcome and the processes that help them become the renowned marketing specialists that they are.

4) Become an expert in an area

There are lots of services that you can offer as a digital marketer. Pick one or two closely related services and perfect them. It will also be easier for you to keep up with the ever changing trends.

5) Take a low-paying position

Instead of spending all your time searching for a high salary and high-level position, structure your finances so that you can apply for a low-paying position, for a limited time, say 3 months. You can move on to better positions more easily after you make connections with colleagues in the marketing industry and have added more experience in your resume.

Getting a job is just a path. Don’t be afraid to take on new projects on your own. Online jobs board, such as Upwork, Freelancer, Remote OK and Indeed, make it easier for new digital marketing freelancers to find jobs. Jobs are available on full time, part time and remote basis. You can find all sorts of digital marketing jobs that you can apply to find your first client.