4 answers
demetri
Student
1
Question
Updated
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What if I picked the wrong major?
I want to go into a marketing major and its seem like a great fit for me but I just don't know. Maybe i just haven't looked hard enough to find what's perfect for me. That once I get a job with my degree I'm gonna hate it and regret picking my major
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4 answers
Kate Guernsey
Community Impact Strategy, Operations and Governance
1
Answer
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Kate’s Answer
Hi Demetri,
I understand your concern because I was a Marketing major too and had similar doubts. Here's what I found helpful: your major is just a starting point. Focus on building skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability.
Think of your major as the beginning, not the end. Careers change, and you can explore new paths as you find what you love. Learning what you don't like is as important as finding what you do.
Trust your instincts, stay curious, and remember: no choice is final. You have the power to shape your future. Good luck!
I understand your concern because I was a Marketing major too and had similar doubts. Here's what I found helpful: your major is just a starting point. Focus on building skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability.
Think of your major as the beginning, not the end. Careers change, and you can explore new paths as you find what you love. Learning what you don't like is as important as finding what you do.
Trust your instincts, stay curious, and remember: no choice is final. You have the power to shape your future. Good luck!
Kim Gravell
Retired Principal at Gravell Insights, LLC
157
Answers
Nipomo, California
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Demetri
You are not alone in questioning your major especially when you haven't had the opportunity to see it in action. Marketing has many areas that you can explore to find the right fit: Communications, Public Relations, Research, Digital, Strategic, etc. And each organization you work for will have a different marketing department and/or focus on what is important.
There are a couple of things you can do to better understand if this is the right fit. First, I recommend that you take an assessment to better understand your natural strengths and how they may align with marketing. There are several assessments available but my favorite is StrengthsFinder.
Second, once you have taken the introductory courses to Marketing, look into taking specific courses in the areas that you are naturally drawn to. Also, when you are a Junior or perhaps before, look for internships that will enable you to see how marketing is put into action. That will help you better understand where you want to focus.
Finally, having a marketing degree gives you the flexibility to work in a number areas of business. If you are unable to secure a position in marketing right away, learning about other areas of business makes you a better marketer when you you get there.
My very best to you as you embark on this exciting journey.
You are not alone in questioning your major especially when you haven't had the opportunity to see it in action. Marketing has many areas that you can explore to find the right fit: Communications, Public Relations, Research, Digital, Strategic, etc. And each organization you work for will have a different marketing department and/or focus on what is important.
There are a couple of things you can do to better understand if this is the right fit. First, I recommend that you take an assessment to better understand your natural strengths and how they may align with marketing. There are several assessments available but my favorite is StrengthsFinder.
Second, once you have taken the introductory courses to Marketing, look into taking specific courses in the areas that you are naturally drawn to. Also, when you are a Junior or perhaps before, look for internships that will enable you to see how marketing is put into action. That will help you better understand where you want to focus.
Finally, having a marketing degree gives you the flexibility to work in a number areas of business. If you are unable to secure a position in marketing right away, learning about other areas of business makes you a better marketer when you you get there.
My very best to you as you embark on this exciting journey.
Paul Silano Jr
Marketing Manager
3
Answers
Davenport, Florida
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Demetri!
I totally understand your concern. With my undergraduate degree, I studied Multimedia Journalism, yet I've pursued a career in marketing. Know that there are so many different overlapping careers that are similar to marketing, that may be better suited for you then traditional marketing. Even with my graduate degree, I studied Strategic Communication with a specialization in Public Relations, yet I never pursued that career path professionally.
As Kate mentioned, your degree is your beginning, but it doesn't define the type of career you're going to have. There are plenty of my colleagues who have studied something completely different, and found themselves in marketing, or vice versa. Sometimes you might not know exactly what you want to do until you're in the role, and that's totally fine.
Best of luck!
I totally understand your concern. With my undergraduate degree, I studied Multimedia Journalism, yet I've pursued a career in marketing. Know that there are so many different overlapping careers that are similar to marketing, that may be better suited for you then traditional marketing. Even with my graduate degree, I studied Strategic Communication with a specialization in Public Relations, yet I never pursued that career path professionally.
As Kate mentioned, your degree is your beginning, but it doesn't define the type of career you're going to have. There are plenty of my colleagues who have studied something completely different, and found themselves in marketing, or vice versa. Sometimes you might not know exactly what you want to do until you're in the role, and that's totally fine.
Best of luck!
Dana Kinsella
Sales Enablement
4
Answers
Belmar, New Jersey
Updated
Dana’s Answer
Hi Demetri!
I understand how you feel. I was a pre-law major in college and ended up in a business role. I truly believe that having a degree with broad knowledge opens up many paths. You aren't limited to just one career. Many skills you learn can be useful in other jobs, and being curious and eager to learn on the job can really help you succeed!
Wishing you all the best!
Dana
I understand how you feel. I was a pre-law major in college and ended up in a business role. I truly believe that having a degree with broad knowledge opens up many paths. You aren't limited to just one career. Many skills you learn can be useful in other jobs, and being curious and eager to learn on the job can really help you succeed!
Wishing you all the best!
Dana