Compare courses from top Australian unis, TAFEs and other training organisations.

How to Become A Marketing Communications Consultant

3 Courses

Symbolic icon for Marketing Communications Consultant profession
Displaying 3 of 3 courses
What is a Marketing Communications Consultant

A Marketing Communications Consultant is one of the most varied and exciting roles in the business world. These pros shape how companies talk to their customers, build brands, and drive real results. It is a blend of creative thinking and smart strategy.

Day to day, consultants run market research, create content, manage social media, and plan campaigns. They work with design teams, PR staff, and clients to keep every message sharp and on-brand. No two days look the same, which keeps the role fresh and engaging.

Consultants also track how well campaigns perform and use data to improve future work. Analytics tools, digital platforms, and strong writing skills are all part of the job. The more skills a consultant builds, the bigger and more complex their projects become.

This career suits creative people who love variety and want to make a real impact. The industry is growing fast, with digital and content marketing opening up new paths. For those who enjoy storytelling and brand building, this is a career worth exploring.

Find online and in-person Marketing courses

Career Outlook for Marketing Communications Consultant

Marketing Communications Consultants are mostly in their mid-30s, with a median age of 36 (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Most work full-time, putting in around 42 hours per week. The field skews slightly female, with women making up about 63% of Advertising and Marketing Professionals across Australia.

The career outlook is solid. About 103,100 people work in this field across Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Around 3,000 new roles were added in a recent year, showing steady demand. Digital marketing spend is rising across Australia. This is keeping demand for skilled consultants strong.

Average pay sits at around $95,000 a year (SEEK Career Insights, June 2026). Pay ranges from about $60,000 for entry-level roles to $140,000 or more for senior consultants. This makes marketing comms one of the stronger-paying paths for creative professionals in Australia.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Marketing Communications Consultant

Step 1: Complete a Relevant Qualification in Marketing or Communications

Begin with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or business. Most Australian universities offer a three-year Bachelor of Marketing and Communications or a Bachelor of Business (Marketing). This forms the base for most consulting roles. Changing careers? Consider a Diploma of Marketing and Communication (BSB50620) at a TAFE or RTO as an entry point. This diploma takes 18 to 24 months full-time and covers marketing strategy, digital comms, and campaign planning.

Step 2: Build Practical Experience Through Internships and Entry-Level Roles

Apply for internships or junior roles in marketing, public relations, or comms departments. Aim for at least one to two years of hands-on experience before moving into a consultant role. Working across campaign planning, content creation, and client liaison builds the practical skills clients expect.

Step 3: Earn Professional Accreditation Through the Australian Marketing Institute

Once you have two or more years of experience, apply for the Certified Practising Marketer (CPM) credential. This is offered through the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI). It is the top marketing credential in Australia. The CPM process typically takes three to six months and covers a review of your skills and track record. It shows clients and employers that you meet the industry standard.

Step 4: Build a Professional Portfolio of Campaign Work

Compile case studies, campaign briefs, and results from your past projects into a portfolio. Include examples of content strategy, digital campaigns, media coverage, and clear wins such as audience growth or click-through rates. A strong portfolio is your best tool when approaching new clients or applying for senior roles. Aim for at least five solid case studies.

Step 5: Join Industry Bodies and Keep Your Skills Current

Join the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) and Communication and Public Relations Australia (CPRA). Both bodies offer workshops, conferences, and online resources. Set aside time each year for training in areas such as SEO, content marketing, or data analytics. Staying current keeps your advice relevant and your clients competitive.

What does a Marketing Communications Consultant do?

A Marketing Communications Consultant works across a wide range of tasks every day. They build smart marketing plans, write content for websites and social media, and run campaigns that lift brand awareness. They work closely with clients to grasp goals and shape messaging that connects with the right audiences. They also use data and analytics to check campaign results and improve future work. Whether running events, managing media relations, or guiding brand strategy, this role keeps every day different and dynamic.

Tasks

A Marketing Communications Consultant wears many hats and makes a real impact on a brand’s success. From crafting campaign strategies to managing media relations, the role is dynamic, creative, and driven by results. These consultants are the link between a business and its audiences.

  • Develop Comms Strategies – Create plans that align the brand’s messaging with its goals and target audience.
  • Create Content – Write and edit marketing materials, including newsletters, social media posts, and brochures.
  • Manage Media Relations – Build and keep strong links with journalists and media outlets to gain coverage.
  • Conduct Market Research – Study trends, customer preferences, and the competitive landscape to guide strategy.
  • Manage Campaigns – Plan and run campaigns across channels, checking performance and adjusting as needed.
  • Manage Brand Consistency – Keep the brand’s messaging consistent across all platforms and materials.
  • Consult with Clients – Work with clients to understand their needs and deliver tailored solutions.
  • Analyse Performance – Use data and metrics to check campaign impact and plan future improvements.
  • Coordinate Events – Organise events that boost brand engagement and meet marketing objectives.
  • Manage Social Media – Create content and engage with followers to build a strong online presence.

Skills for Success

Strong writing and speaking skills are at the heart of a career as a Marketing Communications Consultant. Writing, editing, and presenting are daily tasks. Consultants adjust their tone and style for different audiences and platforms. Planning skills are just as important, as most consultants run several campaigns at once with tight deadlines.

Data thinking is also key. Knowing how to read campaign data, spot trends, and act on insights sets top consultants apart. Knowing digital tools, content systems, and social media platforms rounds out what employers and clients expect. Combined with a creative approach and solid people skills, the career path is wide open.

Skills & Attributes

  • Strong written and verbal communication
  • Strategic thinking and planning
  • Proficiency in digital marketing and social media
  • Content creation and copywriting
  • Project management and time management
  • Brand management and corporate communications
  • Market research and consumer insights
  • Analytics and campaign performance measurement
  • Client relationship management
  • Creative problem-solving
  • Media relations
  • Event coordination
  • Cross-functional teamwork and collaboration
  • Adaptability to changing market trends
  • Attention to detail and organisation

Average Salaries

The average yearly salary for a Marketing Communications Consultant in Australia is around $95,000 (source: SEEK Career Insights, June 2026). Pay ranges from about $60,000 for entry-level roles to $140,000 or more for senior consultants. Your experience, skill set, and location all affect earnings.

min $60 K

max $140 K

av $95 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.