What should you know before starting a career in Brand Strategy?

2 The skills of a brand strategist

A brand strategist needs a combination of hard and soft skills to succeed in this field. Hard skills include research and analysis, strategy and planning, communication and presentation, and creativity and innovation. Research and analysis involves conducting and interpreting qualitative and quantitative research methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, market analysis, customer segmentation, and SWOT analysis. Strategy and planning involves formulating and executing clear, coherent, and effective brand strategies based on the research insights and the brand objectives. Communication and presentation requires creating compelling documents, slides, pitches, reports, as well as using storytelling and visual aids to convey the brand strategy. Creativity and innovation involves thinking creatively to generate new ideas for the brand. Soft skills include collaboration and teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving, as well as passion and enthusiasm. Collaboration requires being respectful, supportive, adaptable, giving feedback, negotiating, resolving conflicts. Critical thinking involves being logical, rational, objective while evaluating information from various sources. Passion requires being motivated about the brand, industry, customers while inspiring others.

4 The experience of a brand strategist

The level of experience required for a brand strategist role may vary depending on the employer, the industry, and the project. Generally, entry-level positions may require at least one or two years of experience in a related field, such as marketing, advertising, or design. Mid-level positions may require at least three or four years of experience in brand strategy or a similar role. Senior-level positions may require at least five or six years of experience in brand strategy or a leadership role. To gain experience, you can look for internships, freelance projects, volunteer opportunities, or mentorship programs in brand strategy or related fields. You can also network with other professionals, join online communities, attend events, or take online courses to learn from others and showcase your work.

5 The challenges of a brand strategist

A career in brand strategy can be both exciting and demanding. Common challenges faced by brand strategists include dealing with ambiguity and uncertainty, balancing creativity and logic, and managing expectations and stakeholders. To cope with change and risk, a brand strategist must be flexible and adaptable. To effectively carry out the job, they must be both imaginative and rational, able to justify and measure the brand strategy. Furthermore, they must be able to communicate and collaborate effectively to manage expectations of different people with different goals, opinions, and preferences.

6 The rewards of a brand strategist

Despite the challenges, a career in brand strategy can also offer many rewards and benefits. A brand strategist can have a significant impact and influence on the brand, the organization, and the customers by shaping the brand's identity, reputation, and value. Additionally, they can learn and grow constantly as the field is dynamic and evolving. They can explore new trends, technologies, tools, and techniques to apply to the brand strategy. Furthermore, a brand strategist can have fun and variety due to its creative and diverse nature. They can work on different projects, clients, and challenges while expressing their personality, voice, and style. Thus, a career in brand strategy is both rewarding and enjoyable.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?