Recently I've decided to pursue a marketing degree, and while I haven't take any courses that relate yet (still doing general education fulfillment), I've been given a lot of negative feedback about my decision. I was told to "ask any marketing major, I bet they would change it if they could," so I've decided to do just that, as this was coming from people who don't do it for a living. If you wouldn't mind, I have a few questions and any advice for me would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking for honest answers, no fluff! Did you earn a degree in marketing? Were you able to get a good job? In your experience, what was an entry level salary? Do you regret choosing marketing as your career? Is it a well rounded degree choice? Can I get the most out of it for my money? Is there anything special I should know about pursuing this career? If you would like to answer these questions but prefer to do so privately, please don't hesitate to do so! Thank you!
I don't understand why anybody would give you negative feedback on it. I don't have a degree it it, nor do I want one, but I am very good at it. The only question I can answer is, yes, you can get the most out of your money. Well, provided you are good at it, that is. I never went to school, but there are those out there who listen to my ideas, my sales pitch, and they hire me. There are a lot of people out there who need such help. ... Especially during a slumping economy. That is when the jobs really come to you. So, yes, go for it. It is indeed worth it. And it is actually pretty fun.
I don't have a degree in it either. I would say that it is important to have good people skills, since you will be marketing to, well, PEOPLE. I don't think you can say marketing is not a good business to get into, considering that direct mail, the biggest marketing medium, directly employs 1,000,000+ people, indirectly employs another 9,000,000+, and stimulates around two Trillion in spending every year. That is only direct mail marketing, there are a lot of other ways to market to people, for example this site covers Internet marketing.
And I agree with Perry, I've had five other jobs in my life all in different lines of work, and never have I ever actually had fun going to work, which I do now.
I'm working as the head of marketing at a college in Norway, but I have a masters degree in political science (not marketing) My advice to you is to pursue your passion. If marketing is your passion, then go for it. - Jens
I've subscribed to this thread. I'm considering choosing Marketing as my main focus in College. Eager to see what others have to say about it.
I'd also add that the marketing world is incredibly fast paced, with new innovations and methods being introduced all the time. It makes it very exciting in my opinion.
I would try to head for your passion. I have been marketing for a good time without a marketing degree, if you learn the methods all you have to do is put them to work, and be motivated to keep trying until you succeed.
I got into marketing with a Major in English and a Minor in Sociology. The company I work for liked my writing, and employed me solely because of that. After I got to learn a little more about the business, things only got better.
I majored in marketing, had a long term career in Human Resources, and then made a career transition back into Marketing. Of course, everything I do now I NEVER learned while in school. Regardless, I think you need to pursue your passion and in most cases, the money will follow....and you'll be a lot happier in the long run.
I'll try to answer point by point. Did you earn a degree in marketing? I have a marketing diploma, and a business admin degree. Were you able to get a good job? Yes - haven't had a problem. I find when you approach marketing from a standpoint of how you can increase sales and margin for a business there are always opportunities. In your experience, what was an entry level salary? Not comfortable sharing, but good. Do you regret choosing marketing as your career? I enjoy marketing, I get bored with tactical marketing but really enjoy the psychology and strategy behind it. Is it a well rounded degree choice? Can I get the most out of it for my money? Well rounded is liberal arts - but you exit with some useful skills. Study hard in finance classes, they are surprisingly helpful. Is there anything special I should know about pursuing this career? Your marketing teachers will tell you marketing is Price, Place, Promotions, Product - and it is. But in many companies marketing gets shoved in the promotions box - when that is all you can work with marketing can be depressing. For example you are given the product and told to promote, promote, promote - but you can't promote your way out of a bad product. So find the right company where there is some involvement in the full-cycle. Hope this helps
Follow your passion is the best answer. If you are passionate enough to talk to people and mingle with them easily, then I think you can go ahead a do that degree. Also check it out whether you are easily able convince people then again you are the person made for marketing. Apart from all of this I found a good degree is must for a person to live in this competitive life. Finally you know knowledge can be use anywhere it has its own worth. So do not confuse with people negative comment and pursue your degree and complete it. Best of luck for the future