What career options are there for me and how can I transition ?
Hi, I am looking for advise on a career pathway. I like event planning but I want a job where I don't have to work on the weekends. I have a business background but am trying to branch into a more creative field. Should I go for a masters in marketing or should I just get certifications? I'm looking for the least stressful option but want to make sure I am preparing myself for the next step. I have been working for 2.5 years at my current accounting job.
6 answers
semi’s Answer
Because you already have a business background and work experience, starting with marketing or project management certifications may be a quicker and less costly way to transition than a master’s degree. You can also try gaining small marketing-related responsibilities or freelance projects to build experience before making a bigger career move.
Morgan’s Answer
Taylor’s Answer
Carolina’s Answer
If work-life balance matters to you, consider that event planning often requires working nights and weekends, especially in agency or external roles. In-house corporate marketing or brand roles might offer more creativity with more predictable hours.
A Master's degree can help if you want to completely rebrand yourself or tap into structured recruiting channels. However, from what I've observed, certifications and hands-on experience are often enough to make the initial switch, and they come with less cost and risk.
If I were in your shoes, I'd start by experimenting. Take a marketing certification, get involved in marketing or event projects where you are now, and see if you truly enjoy the daily work before committing to a degree.
Eden’s Answer
It's really great that you want to pivot into a more creative role but it sounds like you want to keep the structure of a traditional workday. That said, I don't think a master's in marketing or certifications will really help you identify whether you're ready for a drastic career pivot. Plus, earning a master's or any certifications will require studying on week nights and weekends, so in the short term, it really isn't going to reduce your workload.
Long term, what is it that you're hoping to get from additional education that you can't get through experience? Especially in a field like event planning, which is based on tangible experience, relationships with vendors and companies, and knowledge of your local market.
If you like event planning but don't want to work weekends, it sounds like you may be interested in owning an event services business or consulting for one. You already have a background in business, so you just need to start to specialize in the event planning field. Starting your own business will require lots of extra hours at the beginning, but eventually you could hire employees to work the weekends while still having full creative control and decision-making ability.
Before you think about a degree, I would recommend a few next steps to help you decide whether this career pivot is right for you. Good luck!
Eden recommends the following next steps:
Vianne’s Answer
Choosing between a master’s degree and certifications depends on how fast you want to switch careers. A master’s degree offers networking and opportunities but requires more time and money. Certifications or short courses in digital marketing, social media, or project management are quicker ways to gain skills. With your business background, certifications might be enough to help you compete while you explore this creative path.
You can also try creative projects at your current job, like organizing client events or working on newsletters and social campaigns. Networking is important too. Talk to people in creative fields to learn about key skills and daily tasks.
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