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Looking for a career change...

I've posted on here a few times and you girls have always been incredibly helpful and supportive, so I thought I'd look here.

I realize that right now, financially, DH and I can't afford to make career changes today(we still have tons of student loans, however, they should be paid off in the next two years or so if everything goes according to plan). We are currently living with my ILs and looking for an apartment of our own. 

However, I've always been a planner. I have a B.A. in English and have experience in promotion (mostly for a theatre and the local music scene). I also am an excellent writer and editor. I was thinking of getting a Master's in Marketing when the time comes. My only question is, with both the B.A. in English and a Master's in Marketing, what type of career opportunities could I potentially look at? Would I be better suited getting an MBA?

I currently work in pharmaceuticals and want to change. I had a promotional internship during college and worked for the school newspaper, so my skill set isn't necessarily pinpointed in one direction.

TIA!

Dave and Kathleen - 09.12.09:

image 

Re: Looking for a career change...

  • I'm just curious - why do you feel the need to go back to school? I think that's a lot of people's first instinct when they want a career change.  But, graduate school - especially MBA programs - are really expensive so you have to know that you're going to get a ROI. And your background isn't totally incongruent w. marketing as it is. I think there are probably much cheaper ways that you could move into marketing. Of course it really depends on your ultimate goal and what type of environment you want to work in. 
  • what do you want to do in terms of career change...are you working on marketing stuff in pharma?

    I would build up experience by volunteering and freelancing. Make a list of all non-profits in the area and see if they could use your service.

     Good luck

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  • imageMrs_Lady:

    what do you want to do in terms of career change...are you working on marketing stuff in pharma?

    I would build up experience by volunteering and freelancing. Make a list of all non-profits in the area and see if they could use your service.

     Good luck

    I want something to be more stimulating and interesting than what I'm doing now. Do you think that a Master's in Marketing would limit me or should I go for an MBA? I want to go back to school because I don't have experience and I love to learn. I want to expand my knowledge.

    Dave and Kathleen - 09.12.09:

    image 

  • Before you make the decision to go back to school I would join some professional organizations in your area to get a better feel for the line of work you would be doing, and find opportunities to take some classes, webcasts, conferences, etc.. There are plenty of ways to continue to learn and grow without racking up even more student loan debt.

    Surprise BFP 4/23/011 - MC 4/28/11 BFP 1/4/12 - MC 1/15/12
  • TeamCTeamC member

    imageKat&Dave091909:
    I want something to be more stimulating and interesting than what I'm doing now. Do you think that a Master's in Marketing would limit me or should I go for an MBA? I want to go back to school because I don't have experience and I love to learn. I want to expand my knowledge.

    For something more stimulating and interesting you might just need a corporate or role change.  I'm not one for graduate school, as I've seen too many of my friends blow 6 figures they'll never get back because the market is saturated.  Try getting a PMP, take some company-paid training to broaden your experience in marketing, and ask to take on larger roles that what you do now. 

    FWIW, I graduated in chemistry, took a job in environment, moved into project management, and now I do strat planning.  I'm coming up on almost 15 professional years and I can tell you with certainty that your career path will not be defined by your education, nor will it travel in a straight line.  The value of OJT, experience, and continuing professional education have been far more value to me than what I have seen my friends do with an MBA.  Anecdotally, of course.

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