Reality Check for Freshers and Job Seekers

Digital Marketing is one of the most talked about career options today. Every day, students see ads about a digital marketing course promising high salaries, fast growth, and guaranteed jobs. This attracts many freshers, especially those with B.Tech or simple graduation degrees.

But before enrolling, it is very important to understand the real job market, salary reality, and how this domain actually works in cities like Bhubaneswar and other tier 2 locations.

I am writing this article to create awareness, not to demotivate.

What Is Digital Marketing and Why Is It So Popular?

Digital marketing is just regular marketing, but it happens online. It is really just about connecting with people in the places where they already spend their time.

Instead of a physical poster on a highway, it is an ad on social channels. Instead of a flyer in your mailbox, it is an email with a discount code. It covers everything from social media posts and Google searches to YouTube videos and blog articles. Basically, if it involves the internet and trying to get someone interested in a product, it is digital marketing.

Digital Marketing includes activities like:

  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
  • Social media marketing
  • Google Ads and Meta Ads
  • Content marketing
  • Email marketing
  • Analytics and reporting

The reason behind digital marketing is so popular because it is effective, affordable, and measurable. It takes the guesswork out of selling and helps businesses talk to people like real humans.

But popularity does not always mean high salary or easy jobs.

Is a Digital Marketing Course Worth It for Freshers? (The Ground Reality )

Many freshers believe that after completing a digital marketing course, they will easily get a high salary job. The truth is different.

In reality:

  • Most digital marketing jobs for freshers start with very low salaries.
  • Companies expect multiple skills from one person.
  • Freshers are often hired as “all rounders” with limited support.

A course alone does not guarantee job security or growth.

Investment in a Digital Marketing Course Really Worth It in 2026?

Most institutes charge high digital marketing course fees, sometimes ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹1,50,000 or more.

But after completing the course, many freshers get

  • ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 per month salary. ( Excluding the Master’s Degree Holders or English Speaking Persons )
  • Sometimes up to ₹18,000 in rare cases.
  • No PF or ESI in many companies.
  • Salary delays in several organizations.

This mismatch between course fees and salary creates frustration among candidates.

Importance of English Communication in Digital Marketing Jobs

This is something no institute highlights clearly as of my knowledge.

In many companies, hiring is based more on:

  • English speaking ability.
  • Confidence.
  • MBA or master’s certificate.

As for my experience, I have personally seen candidates with weak skills but good English with an MBA degree getting hired, while skilled candidates are rejected due to communication issues.

If you are serious about growth in the SEO or Digital Marketing field, improving English communication should be your first priority.

Candidate Expectations vs Company Expectations

What Candidates ExpectWhat Companies Expect
Good salary.
Timely payment
Learning environment.
Supportive seniors.
Career growth.		SEO, social media, paid ads, content, analytics.
Experience even for junior roles.
Full responsibility with low guidance.

Many companies expect big results but offer very small salaries. This is very common in the Bhubaneswar market and similar cities.

Are Digital Marketing Jobs Still a Good Choice in 2026?

Digital marketing is not a bad career, but it is over hyped.

If your goal is only salary, digital marketing may disappoint you in the initial years. Growth is slow unless you

  • Have excellent English.
  • Have a strong degree.
  • Switch cities or companies frequently. (Recommended)
  • Build deep expertise over time.

A paid digital marketing course does not guarantee a good salary.

If learning is your goal, YouTube can teach you a lot. It is honestly one of the best learning platforms if you are consistent.

What actually helps you grow faster is

  • English communication.
  • Confidence.
  • Presentation skills.
  • A higher degree, sad but true.

My Honest Advice for 2026 Aspirants

An image a cyber security expert is fixing something out of digital marketing course

If you are planning to join digital marketing only for the salary, please rethink. The future demand is clearly shifting.

The cybersecurity and fintech industries are going to boom in the coming years. These fields offer better long term growth, stronger salaries, and more structured career paths.

Other growing areas include

  • Cybersecurity.
  • Fintech.
  • Management roles.
  • Operations and business focused careers.

Do deep research before choosing any course. Don’t decide based on ads. Decide based on reality.

“Thank you for reading this post. Kindly share your thoughts about this, it helps others a lot.”