How do I break into marketing with a non-traditional resume?

ivybear98 asked:


I am a very creative person who loves science but has grown tired of typical bench work. I will be completing my PhD this spring and I’d like to break into marketing and/or advertising, with a long-term goal of working for a pharmaceutical company in their marketing department. I have an excellent science background. I have some hand-on experience in marketing, advertising, and PR for groups I volunteer with (college alumni group and sorority), but I have no formal training in marketing and my experience is rather spread out over the years. Any advice on how to break into a marketing/advertising job? I know I’ll have to start at the ground and work my way up and I’m very willing to do it–how do I convince potential employers to take a chance? Thank you for all answers!