Breaking into Digital Marketing in Ireland: My honest experience

Recently, someone reached out to me on LinkedIn asking for advice on making a career move into digital marketing in Ireland.

It made me pause and reflect on my own journey—the challenges, the realities of the Irish market, and how I ended up building my own path as a freelancer.

I decided to share my response publicly because I know so many professionals—especially expats, career changers, and newcomers—are facing the exact same questions.

Here is my honest take on what it’s really like to break into digital marketing in Ireland and what you can do if traditional job applications aren't working out.

Hi Leandro,

I hope you don’t mind me reaching out! I’m currently considering a career move into digital marketing and I’m trying to learn more about the field from people who are already working in it.

I’d really appreciate hearing your perspective on the industry and, if you have any advice for someone looking to start a career in digital marketing, I’d be very grateful.

Thanks so much for your time! 😊

1. The Reality of the Job Market & Visas

When I first tried transitioning into marketing, I was navigating a major hurdle: visa sponsorship.

I applied to dozens of roles and secured a few interviews, but ultimately, the combination of visa restrictions and lack of local agency experience made securing a full-time in-house position difficult. To stay in Ireland, I continue working in hospitality while figuring out my next move and building more a better portfolio and connection with my clients.

If you are an international candidate or need visa support, know that it is an added barrier - but it’s not the end of the road.

2. If Doors Don’t Open, Build Your Own Experience

After sending out countless applications with limited results, I decided to take control of my career trajectory. Instead of waiting for a company to give me a chance, I started doing things myself:

• Freelancing: Taking on smaller clients to build a real portfolio.

• Hands-on Projects: Executing campaigns end-to-end to build my confidence and prove my skill set.

If you’re starting from scratch, don’t wait for a job offer to start doing the work. Volunteer for a local business, manage social media for a friend’s initiative, or launch your own passion project. Experience is built, not just given.

3. Brazil vs. Ireland: Market Dynamics

Coming from Brazil, I noticed a distinct shift in how marketing operates here:

• Market Pace: The marketing landscape in Brazil often moves very fast, with high openness to bold, fresh ideas and innovative digital strategies.

• Local Adaptation: In Ireland, larger corporate markets can be more conservative or structured. However, smaller businesses and SMBs are often much more receptive to agile strategies, direct experimentation, and freelance collaborations.

4. Networking & Recommendations Are Everything

While job boards like Indeed yielded the best results for me when I was actively applying, the truth about the Irish market is that networking and personal recommendations carry immense weight.

Often, getting your foot in the door comes down to who can vouch for your work ethic and skills.

• Reach out to people in the industry for quick coffee chats or advice (just like the LinkedIn message I received!).

• Connect with career mentors or coaches who specialize in local market placements. (A quick shoutout to Rita Costa, who has helped several friends navigate this transition successfully!)

Final Thoughts

Breaking into a new industry - especially in a new country - is rarely a straight line. It takes resilience, continuous learning, and often a willingness to create your own opportunities when traditional routes feel blocked.

If you're currently trying to break into digital marketing:

1. Focus on creating tangible proof of work.

2. Target smaller companies where you can make an immediate impact.

3. Don't underestimate the power of networking and referrals.

Feel free to reply to this post or reach out on LinkedIn if you’re on a similar path. I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned along the way!

Best,

Leandro