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Job outlook for content specialists in the United States
Content specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected content specialist job growth rate is 19% from 2018-2028.
About 150,300 new jobs for content specialists are projected over the next decade.
Content specialist salaries have increased 5% for content specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 4,635 content specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 40,346 active content specialist job openings in the US.
The average content specialist salary is $66,018.
Are content specialist jobs in demand?
Content Specialist job and salary trends over time
Content Specialist jobs over time
Content Specialist job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,635 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 4,515 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 4,493 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 4,297 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 4,112 | 0.00% |
Average content specialist salary over time
Content Specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $66,018 | $31.74 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $63,992 | $30.77 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $63,320 | $30.44 | --0.2% |
| 2022 | $63,430 | $30.50 | +1.1% |
| 2021 | $62,758 | $30.17 | +0.7% |
Content Specialist jobs by state
Most common states for content specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 173 | 25% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 99 | 16% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 948 | 14% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 130 | 14% |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 133 | 13% |
| 6 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 336 | 11% |
| 7 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 115 | 11% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 83 | 11% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 62 | 11% |
| 10 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 308 | 10% |
| 11 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 200 | 10% |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 140 | 10% |
| 13 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 90 | 10% |
| 14 | Alaska | 739,795 | 71 | 10% |
| 15 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 744 | 9% |
| 16 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 536 | 9% |
| 17 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 501 | 9% |
| 18 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 375 | 9% |
| 19 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 873 | 8% |
| 20 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 853 | 8% |
Most common cities for content specialists
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leawood | 1 | 3% | $63,537 |
| 2 | West Palm Beach | 2 | 2% | $60,000 |
| 3 | Burbank | 1 | 1% | $72,920 |
| 4 | Meridian | 1 | 1% | $60,368 |
| 5 | San Francisco | 4 | 0% | $75,844 |
| 6 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $63,628 |
| 7 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $65,876 |
| 8 | Denver | 2 | 0% | $69,470 |
| 9 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $64,036 |
| 10 | Birmingham | 1 | 0% | $63,392 |
| 11 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $61,459 |
| 12 | Irving | 1 | 0% | $70,200 |
| 13 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $72,896 |
| 14 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $59,636 |
| 15 | New York | 1 | 0% | $68,720 |
Content Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of content specialist experts
Stonehill College
Webster University
University of South Florida
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Murray State University
University of San Francisco
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
University of Michigan Dearborn
Texas Tech University
Truman State University
University of South Alabama
Western Connecticut State University
University of Kentucky
North Carolina A&T State University
University of Houston - Downtown
What general advice would you give to a Content Specialist?
Amy Mehaffey: A Marketing Specialist's daily tasks include developing and implementing marketing campaigns, analyzing market trends, and creating content for various platforms. They also coordinate with other departments at any given company to ensure brand consistency and monitor the effectiveness of marketing efforts through data analysis. Oftentimes, a marketing specialist may be the only person at a company who has an understanding of the importance of outreach, communication, marketing, and telling the business's story. Therefore, this person often becomes somewhat of an internal advocate for the purpose of marketing itself and acts as an educator to their peers on various marketing concepts and tactics. Day-to-day duties are highly dependent on the number of marketing people on the team, ranging from ad buying, writing, public relations, content creation, and more. Larger firms may have marketing specialists with specific emphasis areas like email marketing, social media, analytics, etc.
What general advice would you give to a Content Specialist?
Dr. Mischia Taylor: Typically, with any student, my first piece of advice is to be themselves. Make sure the opportunity is a good fit for both you and the organization. There are so many organizations and opportunities for students now. They can work from home, work for a small company or a large one. The first opportunity may not always be the best one.
Karen Wallach
What will help Content Specialists increase their earning potential?
Karen Wallach: Thank you, AnnMarie! Hi Karen, We are working on an article around upcoming graduates entering the job market in 2024 with a degree in your department. Would you be able to help us by answering these questions: 1. What does a Marketing Specialist do on a day-to-day basis? | What does someone entering the field do on a daily basis? 2. Why is Marketing Specialist a good profession to enter now? 3. What do people like and dislike about being a Marketing Specialist? Thanks! We will be sure to feature your response in the article and send a draft over for your review before we promote it. Alex
What general advice would you give to a Content Specialist?
Kristin McGillicuddy: Marketing is part of nearly every organization and endeavor, so it’s a profession that enjoys multiple opportunities across a wide range of industries. Jobs can be found in most regions of the world, many with hybrid work potential. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, marketing jobs will grow at 6% through 2032, which is considered “faster than average,” and the median pay was $156,580 annually for 2023. Marketing Specialists have the opportunity to move up the ladder in an organization to achieve a salary like this with positions like Marketing Manager and Marketing Director. As they experience a wide range of marketing activities, they can learn which are most appealing and start to focus in on that area, gaining more specialized skills and experience. They can pursue a graduate degree to strengthen their skills even more, facilitating more advancement in their careers. Additionally, many businesses are turning to digital tools and AI as part of their strategy, and this is the perfect time for a Marketing Specialist to enter the job market and contribute to these new and growing areas.
What Content Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kristin McGillicuddy: The Marketing Specialist role could be considered a “springboard” position in which people experience a wide range of marketing activities before pursuing a more focused path in their career. The role is typically interesting, encompassing a wide variety of different projects, so the work is not monotonous. There is an opportunity to use both creative and analytical skills and improve time management and organizational skills. Marketing Specialists like the opportunity to learn from more senior members of the marketing team as they grow. People also like the potential that is inherent in the Marketing Specialist role, as there is the opportunity to gain experience and grow in responsibility, enjoying promotions and higher salaries. A Marketing Specialist might be dissatisfied if they are not experiencing strong mentorship and leadership on the marketing team, or if their organization does not promote their employees within a reasonable timeframe. Most Marketing Specialists are looking to advance in their careers, so understanding what this trajectory might look like within a company would be an important question to explore in an interview.
Julia Griffey
Associate Professor of Interactive Digital Media and Media ProductionWebster University
Radio, Television, And Digital Communication
What Content Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Julia Griffey: Right now it seems like a lot companies are struggling with social media strategy and SEO. It's tricky because new platforms are emerging and algorithms are changing. Someone who can not rush into the next big thing, but instead, systematically formulates a plan, executes it and then measures results is very valuable. Effective marketing is about experimenting and seeing what works and doing more of what does and less of what doesn't.
What will help Content Specialists increase their earning potential?
Julia Griffey: I think the best way to make the most money is to not have someone else define what that salary should be. There are so many new ways to launch online ventures that anyone can take advantage of. And if you graduate with digital media production skills - you are in a great position to create the content needed for this type of endeavor. But if you decide you want to work for a company or organization and maximize your starting salary - it helps to understand the salary landscape. Any data that you have to support your salary requests will help you get the salary you want. You can also consider living and working in an area where salaries are higher. If this could translate into a remote work situation - you could land a higher paying salary and then move somewhere with a lower cost of living.
Jay Civitillo
University of South Florida
Business/Commerce
What Content Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jay Civitillo: Good evening, Attached are my responses. I look forward to reviewing the draft. Have a great weekend!
Dr. Joseph Harasta Jr
Associate ProfessorKutztown University of Pennsylvania
Radio, Television, And Digital Communication
What general advice would you give to a Content Specialist?
Dr. Joseph Harasta Jr: Digital Media Specialists essentially develop campaigns that further an organization’s mission or purpose, aligned with its brand. Being digital in nature, these campaigns encompass social media and online content. In many ways digital media specialists are public relations practitioners who concentrate in online content and development.
What Content Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Joseph Harasta Jr: Because digital media specialists must adhere to the brand and image of an organization, some might feel stifled as far as what they can and cannot do from a creative standpoint. Also, once something is put out in the online world, it’s there forever and of course can be seen by millions of people, so any mistake or misstep is not likely to go away quickly or easily. We all know that the online world, especially social media can be rather toxic and negative in nature, therefore it can take someone with a bit of thick skin to deal with critics or trolls who just wait for any mistake to bounce. Digital media specialists must work in a oftentimes nasty environment that is the internet.
What will help Content Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Joseph Harasta Jr: With so much focus on online presence today, digital media specialists are valued and key members of any organization’s marketing and publicity efforts. It’s hard to imagine any organization that can flourish today with at least some form on online content and presence. Many organizations that are too small to hire digital media specialists outright might consider hiring a consultant who can handle managing online content in a smaller way. That said, anyone getting into the digital media field has an array of options available to them whether it be for a standalone company, consulting firm that specializes in online presence, or freelance workers who take on several clients at the same time.
What general advice would you give to a Content Specialist?
Dr. Gulay Guzel PhD: For a graduate embarking on their marketing career, I would stress the importance of staying abreast of industry trends. Marketing is a fast-paced domain that continuously evolves with shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and market dynamics. In our Markets, Innovation, and Design program at Bucknell, we emphasize critical thinking and adaptability to navigate this ever-changing landscape. My foremost advice is to remain updated not only on the happenings within their company but also on competitors and relevant socio-cultural trends influencing their target audience. Successful marketers are trendsetters, and staying informed about external factors is crucial for innovation within the organization.
What Content Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Gulay Guzel PhD: Maximizing salary potential at the outset of one's marketing career requires strategic considerations. Marketing is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing from fields such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, and data science. Graduates should first identify their specialization within the marketing realm, whether it's in market research, product design, pricing strategy, or another area. Next, they should articulate what sets them apart from other candidates and highlight additional value they bring to the table. Realism is key when setting salary expectations; candidates should conduct thorough industry research to inform negotiations. Additionally, leveraging diverse experiences gained from internships and coursework to bolster their applications can significantly enhance their bargaining power.
What general advice would you give to a Content Specialist?
Elizabeth Thomas: While the specific tasks will vary by industry, a Digital Media Specialist most often works with metrics and analytics tools/platforms to impact search results (search engine marketing) and increase search engine optimization (SEO). Additionally, this professional may be involved at every level of digital media, from developing content, to editing video, managing social media accounts, monitoring media platforms, curating web content, and even engaging with consumers.
What Content Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Elizabeth Thomas: Digital media is still very fresh territory. It is ever-evolving. Companies, brands, and agencies are looking to hire talented professionals with any training or experience with these relatively new sets of tasks. The most experienced people working in the communications field did not learn how to work with newer digital media when they were being trained because these literally didn't exist when most started their careers. This is why there are currently more jobs available than there are qualified applicants to fill them. As a college professor teaching public relations and digital technologies, I encourage soon-to-be graduates to hone their skills in this area because the jobs are plentiful and their expertise is not only needed but will be rewarded.
Esmat Sangari
University of San Francisco
Business Administration, Management And Operations
What general advice would you give to a Content Specialist?
Esmat Sangari: I would advise graduates beginning their career in the field to focus on continuous learning, networking, and developing a strong work ethic. It's essential to stay up-to-date with industry trends and technologies to remain competitive.
What general advice would you give to a Content Specialist?
Barrie Silver M.Ed.: Get experience. Try new things. Be familiar with current trends and be open to what's next. Marketers are expected to know -- and do -- a lot. You don't have to be an expert in all things, but the more you know, the better! Skills like writing, video production, SEO, graphic design, and data analytics are particularly helpful.
What Content Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Barrie Silver M.Ed.: I predict that marketing will become even more data-driven, digital, and innovative than it is now. Marketers are already using AI to write marketing content, social media posts, newsletters, and blogs; track and interpret results; and personalize content. Without a doubt, AI will continue to have a tremendous impact on the marketing field. And students need to be prepared.
What will help Content Specialists increase their earning potential?
Barrie Silver M.Ed.: Be nimble! Marketing is a fast-paced, ever-changing field and marketers need to be able to keep up. I encourage my students to take a variety of courses -- both in school and online -- and do as many internships as they can. For example, students in my 'Strategic Online Community Management' class are expected to complete social media certifications from HubSpot or Meta. Students in my 'Integrated Marketing and Communication' class work with local businesses and nonprofits to develop comprehensive integrated marketing campaigns. Along with our other coursework, this gives them hands-on, real-world experience -- and may also give them a leg up on other candidates when they start their job search.
What general advice would you give to a Content Specialist?
Ann Amicucci Ph.D.: You can maximize your earning potential at the start of your career by gaining diverse experience. Seek internship opportunities that complement but don't repeat what you're learning in college so you can show employers how your internship stretched what you're able to do. If you haven't graduated yet, look for classes that will enhance the type of employee you can be. For example, adding a course in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, cross-cultural communication, interpersonal communication, marketing, or leadership and talking about what you've learned in that course in an interview will show employers that you're thinking broadly about what it means to write and communicate effectively in a workplace.
What Content Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ann Amicucci Ph.D.: As we continue to face a glut of digital information in our daily lives, the ability to connect with an audience in meaningful ways through writing will become increasingly important. No matter what field you work in, you'll have a message to get across to someone else. Your English degree will help you consider the humanity of that message: Who is on the receiving end? What state of mind are they in when they're considering what you have to say? What state of mind do you hope to put them in? Being a compassionate and conscientious communicator who thinks critically about how a message comes across will help you stand out in the coming years of information overload.
What will help Content Specialists increase their earning potential?
Ann Amicucci Ph.D.: A college degree opens so many doors, so keep an open mind about the career paths you can pursue with a degree in English. Say you're interested in a career in publishing. Think broadly about the types of publishing companies you apply to: in addition to those that publish novels or nonfiction books you read, expand your search to include textbook publishers, religious publishers, and publishers of children's books. Also, consider what other companies would give you experience that will make you competitive for a publishing job. You might apply to grant writing jobs or social media management positions and use that writing experience as a stepping stone into the publishing world. Make sure to visit your college's career center for advice on where to look for job openings.
What will help Content Specialists increase their earning potential?
Jorge Gonzalez del Pozo: Become as unique in your field/company as possible; i.e., if there are opportunities to travel to take tasks that many people don´t want to do, take those, then you can claim that you are doing more than anyone else. Always deliver the extra mile and then ask for comparable compensation since you are doing above your job description. If you can cover 2 in 1, that is always appealing for your employer, for instance in the case of Spanish: if you can translate, but also go to a company and help them with marketing in Spanish, that will make you not only an "office employer", but also a "sales person" in a way. Show your manager/boss that you learn quickly, that you take responsibilities way earlier than others in their career and that you deliver. Show them that you are eager/hungry, show them that you are extremely valuable.
Don Shin
ChairTexas Tech University
Journalism
What will help Content Specialists increase their earning potential?
Don Shin: Social media Manager; Digital marketer; Content strategist; Digital Designer; Graphic Designer
Content Manager; Game programmer; Digital Media Specialist; Marketing Analyst; Communications Director
Public relations Manager; SEO Specialist; Brand Manager; Content curator; Digital Analytics; Communications Specialist
Marketing Coordinator; Marketing Manager, Data Miner in Media Industry
What general advice would you give to a Content Specialist?
Dr. Adam Davis: Some patience. The news gets clicks and eyeballs with doom and gloom, but the fact is, people in fields other than professional credentials (nursing, CPA) have always spent a year or two driving cabs and waiting tables. Be persistent, work networks and connections. An English degree is not a career credential; grads tend to teaching, writing/editing/publishing, but also get hired into a wide variety of firms that have use for people who can think about texts and what they mean and make persuasive cases for how to understand a given fact pattern - that's what makes it such a good preparation for law school.
What Content Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Adam Davis: At just this moment, getting a living wage is the priority, rather than maximizing salary. You need to get some experience that will let you move outward and upward from that first position. Your goal is a full-time position with bennies, one that uses your gifts. In letters of application and in interviews (REHEARSE for those) -- remember to talk about your hard skills and soft skills - prospective employers are not going to ask. Individualize the application for each job you really want, and think hard about what's most useful to that employer - talk about their needs, rather than why the position would serve your needs and interests. Have a story ready that illustrates how you made use of each trait you're claiming.
What will help Content Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Adam Davis: Work with emergent media; learn how to work words beyond writing: podcasts & video, web design, social media, blogging. These are skills easily acquired through YouTube and of great interest to employers. AI is not to be feared, but to be understood and used, and employers are going to be interested when you tell them you know how to make it work for them.
What Content Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Doris Frye: Employers consistently tell us that effective communication is both a skill in high demand and one that is often lacking in employees. English majors enter the workforce with exceptional communication and critical thinking skills that are already valued. With the explosion of A.I., these skills will become even more important; English majors' facility with language will become all the more essential. The ability to adapt and respond to A.I. tools will be essential going forward for those with English degrees.
What will help Content Specialists increase their earning potential?
Doris Frye: An English degree is exceptionally versatile. While some will go into education, many fields value this degree. When looking for jobs, focus on searching based on employers looking for potential employees with skills in communication, research, and critical thinking rather than just those seeking an English degree. The opportunities are extremely wide: the government, advertising companies, law firms, and almost any industry that requires technical writing skills will all value a degree in English.
JC Barone Ph.D.
ProfessorWestern Connecticut State University
Communication And Media Studies
What will help Content Specialists increase their earning potential?
JC Barone Ph.D.: Research areas that match your skills and are realistic. Pursue additional training in person and online. Follow and seek advice from pros and continue to network. When meeting new people, have 1-2 sentences summarizing who you are and what interests you. Before contacting professional organizations, learn all you can about them, their mission, goals, reputation, personnel, and products or services. Show prospective employers your potential and value. Embrace feedback and grow from it. Don’t be afraid to be proactive. Remember to balance work, life, and play.
Joshua Abboud Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director of Bachelor of Liberal StudiesUniversity of Kentucky
Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies
What soft skills should all Content Specialists possess?
Joshua Abboud Ph.D.: A maintained and active social media presence will publicly demonstrate your writing abilities while also helping you to connect with other writers and job opportunities. As a writer, you always want to be writing, and Twitter is writing, Instagram is writing, etc. They can also be places to announce your current projects. You can only write so much on a resume, but social media allows you to amplify your abilities and keep a record of your work.
In addition to developing your writing ethos, you will have to have a good sense of time management and the ability to focus. You will more than likely be working on several projects simultaneously, with different due dates and requirements. Keeping them all straight and delivering your work on time is critical to acquiring projects in the future. We don't all have the same organizational methods, so you need to know how you work and what workflows are best for you. Then you will need to fine-tune those methods, live with them, make them part of you so that they become part of that writing style you are honing. Writing doesn't always come easy and fast, so the more you can develop a strong sense of organizational skills that are adaptable to the different projects you work on, the more you can manage the requirements of different jobs.
What skills will help Content Specialists earn the most?
Joshua Abboud Ph.D.: This is a difficult question to answer in terms of writing, and specifically content writing. More than skills, the amount of money you make will be determined by the projects you are offered. And the projects you are offered will be determined by the kind of writing ethos you develop. You have some control over that with your own approaches to the craft of writing: what kinds of hardened soft skills can you acquire and make your own? For example, can you learn how to use Adobe Indesign? You may not use it for every job, but it might come in handy to create something that other writers may not have thought of just using Microsoft Word. This can give you a creative and innovative way to complete a job that helps form your unique style as a writer. How can you use your understanding of Search engine optimization to help you do research in a way that leads you to sources that are little used or even forgotten, perhaps? The more you can demonstrate that unique approach and show it off on social media and even underscore it in your past projects, the more likely you will build a reputation in demand. And you will definitely meet other writers along the way who could help you in the future. Don't underestimate the power of networking, in-person and online.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Content Specialists?
Joshua Abboud Ph.D.: I mentioned developing unique research skills as an important part of your resume, but to me, it is the single most important hard skill for a content writer. You often won't have a lot of time and will have to start a project from scratch. Moving from general information to more specific sources and knowing how and when to do this will make you stand out as a writer who has important things to say. You have to think of your writing as always persuasive, no matter what you are working on. You are telling a story, and you have a specific audience that needs to hear that story. The more specific you can make that story, the better your information and the more unique your approach to the topic will be. Make your writing stand out.
The second is probably the ability to edit your work. I teach many students who tell me they aren't very good at editing their own work. Most likely, it is because they don't like to read their own work. Become a fan of writing; what I mean by that is read writing for the writing itself. Develop a sense for the style of other writers, but most of all, enjoy your own writing. Read your own writing, silently and out loud. Listen to how it sounds, your word choices, your rhythm, the cadence. When something sounds off, you will be able to revise it. Editing does not just mean typos or grammar mechanics (although, it is definitely that as well). This all leads back to developing your own style and brand of writing.
Kimberly McNeil Ph.D.
Associate Professor of MarketingNorth Carolina A&T State University
Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management
What skills will help Content Specialists earn the most?
Kimberly McNeil Ph.D.: Critical thinking skills and interpersonal skills layered with staying current are critically important. Having the skills to assess, critically analyze, and offer solutions are essential. Equally important is communicating effectively (in person and virtually) and collaborating with others in various settings and situations. Staying current is understanding the different tools and tactics used in the industry and having a presence on LinkedIn. Having the initiative to stay current and present will have companies seeking you for positions instead of searching for the next career advancement opportunity.
Dr. Richard Conde Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Houston - Downtown
Marilyn Davies College of Business
What general advice would you give to a Content Specialist?
Dr. Richard Conde Ph.D.: For a graduate just beginning their journey in the marketing field, my main advice would be to remain endlessly curious and always keep learning. The marketing landscape is evolving rapidly, constantly emerging new technologies, platforms, and consumer behaviors. Embrace change with an open mindset and be a perpetual student. At the same time, develop a specialty area that becomes your value proposition - a specific industry vertical, channel expertise like social media or email marketing, or proficiency with analytics, artificial intelligence, and insights mining. Plus, there is a focus on hyper-personalization, which both data and artificial intelligence will perpetuate. That focus will make you more hireable.
What will help Content Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Richard Conde Ph.D.: My recommendation is three-fold to maximize your salary potential early on. First, gain experience through internships and entry-level roles at top marketing companies and agencies - the brand equity on your resume pays dividends. Secondly, attain relevant certifications demonstrating your specialized skills, whether becoming a certified digital marketer, Google Analytics pro, or social media marketing maverick. Thirdly, understand your company's culture and political climate. Knowing how to navigate a company to gain visibility is crucial to identifying and preparing for opportunities. Those combinations of prestigious experience, validated expertise, and the ability to 'sell' your value proposition inside and outside the organization allow you to command higher compensation and, more importantly, build a robust professional network.