How My Engineering Background Shaped My Marketing Career

Explore how my engineering background transformed my approach to marketing, blending technical expertise with creative strategy.

I first encountered technology at a young age, starting with old TV game consoles when I was just 3 years old. While living abroad, I developed a fascination with them. Later, when we moved back to Turkey, my father brought home a computer. At around 7 years old, he encouraged me to go beyond playing games and start creating.

With that early Windows 95 computer, I began designing websites using basic tools. From that moment, I dreamed of becoming a computer engineer. I worked hard for years, learning various programming languages and developing websites. I also learned about databases and incorporated them into my projects. Design software like Photoshop became part of my toolkit as I created designs for web and mobile applications.

Eventually, I moved to Poland to pursue my dream of studying computer engineering, which I completed with good grades. Every summer, I made sure to intern at reputable companies, always envisioning a career as a software developer.

However, self-discovery took time. I realized that I’m a very social person—a trait not always common among engineers. This led me to find myself right in the middle of Marketing and Branding, two fields I absolutely love.

Was I ever regretful for pursuing and achieving my dream of becoming a computer engineer? Absolutely not!

Marketing, like any other field, requires a framework, a specific expertise. Since I chose to focus on SaaS and technology, being a marketing manager or consultant with an engineering background allows me to comfortably navigate marketing projects for software and technology companies.

For instance, because I’ve spent my life working on website design, software, databases, and project management, I find it incredibly easy to handle the marketing projects I’m involved in today. In meetings with clients or partners, I can discuss not just sales and pricing, but also the technical details of the products.

To be an expert in marketing, you need to be really good at something in the background. For example, if you aim to be a marketing manager specializing in the food industry, working in that sector for many years will add tremendous value to your expertise. It will allow you to convey your proficiency to clients and partners.

Nowadays, it's essential to be a true expert in at least one or two fields. I’ve grown to love branding and marketing, but I’m particularly passionate about combining these areas with technology and digitalization.

I enjoy talking to people, sharing new ideas, establishing partnerships, and creating networks. Since my life has revolved around technology, I combine this passion with my engineering skills. This way, I enjoy my work, and my clients are happier.

By now, you’ve likely come across the term "Sales Engineer." This role exists because professionals with an engineering background bring valuable technical insights to the sales process, allowing them to understand and communicate complex product details effectively.

My advice? Gain knowledge in many areas, but focus on becoming an expert in one or two. For instance, while I’ve spent years working on design—creating magazine layouts, newspaper ads, and more—I don’t consider myself a design expert today.

What did that experience give me? Now, at Vedego Media, we offer graphic design and social media management services to companies. While our team handles the designs, I love doing the final checks. Before anything goes to the client, I always give the first round of feedback.

Because I’ve spent years in design, I have a good sense of what clients might focus on and what revisions they might request. Similarly, since I’ve spent my life working with web development, no matter where our clients are in the world, I always conduct the final checks before making any presentations. I enjoy it, and I take full advantage of my engineering and IT background.

My father has a saying that I love: "Do a job you love, and you’ll feel like you’re getting paid to do something you enjoy." That’s exactly how I feel. I work with passion.

Sometimes I have meetings at 2 AM because I’m connecting with people on the other side of the world. Sometimes I work on weekends. I have goals and ambitions. This pace won’t last forever, of course, but as long as I’m enjoying it, I want to keep working.

In summary, having an engineering background gives me a significant advantage in the sales and marketing field. I prefer working with SaaS and technology companies because of this background.

If you’re aiming to specialize in marketing, choose a complementary field and develop expertise in it as well. This will give you a head start in marketing or help you move several steps forward from where you are now.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post. Thank you for your support, and please continue to follow along. Until next time!