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Is it a good idea to major in psychology and minor in marketing if I’m a first gen college student?
Would like to have a stable career.
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20 answers
Wendy Glavin
Marketing, AI, Writing, Networking, Agencies, Entrepreneurship, Public Relations, AI, Jobs, Careers
14
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Wendy’s Answer
Yes, it's a strong combination for the future. Psychology focuses on human behavior, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, research and analysis, communication, and interpersonal skills. My marketing minor included branding, digital marketing, customer behavior, social media, content creation, analytics, and more. Both help you understand people. While AI automates tasks, it doesn't understand feelings, empathy, storytelling, decision-making, and more.
It's important to gain practical experience, such as through an internship, and to learn AI and digital tools. Also, grow your LinkedIn account by sharing original, relevant content, following others who are ahead of you, and commenting on their posts. I recommend growing your X account, since many journalists are on the platform rather than just using Instagram or Snapchat.
I've been a career-long marketing strategist at corporations and agencies, and I have founded my own. I've worked across a wide variety of industry sectors. I'm also a career coach, a published writer, and a global speaker. From my experience, with marketing, there are many career paths you can follow. Always be learning and ensure you're familiar with the various AI tools. I've been recommending "AI for Everyone," by Andrew Ng on Coursera and many others you can take. Marketing Marketingintern Psychologyintern FutureofWork
If you have further questions, please reach out. Good luck!
It's important to gain practical experience, such as through an internship, and to learn AI and digital tools. Also, grow your LinkedIn account by sharing original, relevant content, following others who are ahead of you, and commenting on their posts. I recommend growing your X account, since many journalists are on the platform rather than just using Instagram or Snapchat.
I've been a career-long marketing strategist at corporations and agencies, and I have founded my own. I've worked across a wide variety of industry sectors. I'm also a career coach, a published writer, and a global speaker. From my experience, with marketing, there are many career paths you can follow. Always be learning and ensure you're familiar with the various AI tools. I've been recommending "AI for Everyone," by Andrew Ng on Coursera and many others you can take. Marketing Marketingintern Psychologyintern FutureofWork
Wendy recommends the following next steps:
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Connor’s Answer
Yes, I think psychology is a great major to pair with a marketing major! I'm a first-generation college student as well, and I took several psychology classes during my time at Indiana University and loved them. Although I didn't major in psychology, I studied Human Resources Management, which has some similarities in terms of understanding behavior and communication styles, what drives people, and how people learn, grow, and develop, as well as how to effectively lead and manage others.
In addition to my HR degree, I earned a marketing certificate in brand marketing and now work as a digital brand manager.
I’ve loved my career so far, as I’ve found it to be a great blend of the two fields. In my role, I focus on crafting messaging that resonates with audiences (based on motivations and behaviors) and then help align it with marketing strategy and business needs. More specifically, I work with my company’s talent acquisition/recruiting team and have loved applying these concepts to recruitment marketing - sharing the stories of our employees and showcasing what it’s like to work here so we can attract top talent to join our team.
I found I love this type of role by finding various internships throughout my college experience which eventually led me to taking a similar job right out of college. I'd recommend pursuing as many opportunities as you can find during college (joining student groups/clubs, internships, events) to learn more about different industries and what type of work you find exciting!
In addition to my HR degree, I earned a marketing certificate in brand marketing and now work as a digital brand manager.
I’ve loved my career so far, as I’ve found it to be a great blend of the two fields. In my role, I focus on crafting messaging that resonates with audiences (based on motivations and behaviors) and then help align it with marketing strategy and business needs. More specifically, I work with my company’s talent acquisition/recruiting team and have loved applying these concepts to recruitment marketing - sharing the stories of our employees and showcasing what it’s like to work here so we can attract top talent to join our team.
I found I love this type of role by finding various internships throughout my college experience which eventually led me to taking a similar job right out of college. I'd recommend pursuing as many opportunities as you can find during college (joining student groups/clubs, internships, events) to learn more about different industries and what type of work you find exciting!
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
kan
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1094
Answers
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Kan:
When analyzing these specific disciplines, I have always emphasized several key principles on how majors and minors enhance your career prospects.
My opinion, regarding choosing a college major and minor, emphasizes that a minor should actively enhance your major by providing new, practical skills that make you competitive. Here is some more of these elements:
* The Interdisciplinary Connection: While often Business majors do consider a Psychology minor to understand organizational behavior, the reverse application follows the same logic. Like the Psychology major and Marketing minor.
* Resumé Versatility: From my personal experience having a clearly defined minor on your resumé allows for immense career flexibility. A minor can act as a crucial safety net or secondary pathway, allowing graduates to seamlessly transition or pivot between major and minor fields if market opportunities shift.
* The Psychology Major Skillset: The undergraduate Psychology major is highly valuable because it builds strong, adaptable foundational skills. When paired with a Marketing minor, the psychological insights into human behavior provide the "why" behind consumer actions, while the marketing component provides the business framework to apply it.
The Ultimate Decision Formula
* I have always advocated for a core career formula. This means to basically choose a field you genuinely love so much that you would still do it regardless of pay. I would also encourage you to:
* Consult Advisors: Work closely with an academic advisor to ensure the Marketing minor requirements fit into the graduation timeline without adding unnecessary tuition costs.
* Research the Job Market: Conduct informational interviews with college professors and career centers to see how regional market trends favor the blend of behavioral science (Psychology) and corporate marketing.
I hope this advice has been helpful. Best of luck in achieving your future academic goals.
When analyzing these specific disciplines, I have always emphasized several key principles on how majors and minors enhance your career prospects.
My opinion, regarding choosing a college major and minor, emphasizes that a minor should actively enhance your major by providing new, practical skills that make you competitive. Here is some more of these elements:
* The Interdisciplinary Connection: While often Business majors do consider a Psychology minor to understand organizational behavior, the reverse application follows the same logic. Like the Psychology major and Marketing minor.
* Resumé Versatility: From my personal experience having a clearly defined minor on your resumé allows for immense career flexibility. A minor can act as a crucial safety net or secondary pathway, allowing graduates to seamlessly transition or pivot between major and minor fields if market opportunities shift.
* The Psychology Major Skillset: The undergraduate Psychology major is highly valuable because it builds strong, adaptable foundational skills. When paired with a Marketing minor, the psychological insights into human behavior provide the "why" behind consumer actions, while the marketing component provides the business framework to apply it.
The Ultimate Decision Formula
* I have always advocated for a core career formula. This means to basically choose a field you genuinely love so much that you would still do it regardless of pay. I would also encourage you to:
* Consult Advisors: Work closely with an academic advisor to ensure the Marketing minor requirements fit into the graduation timeline without adding unnecessary tuition costs.
* Research the Job Market: Conduct informational interviews with college professors and career centers to see how regional market trends favor the blend of behavioral science (Psychology) and corporate marketing.
I hope this advice has been helpful. Best of luck in achieving your future academic goals.
Thank you, Paul for the advice.
kan
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Anna’s Answer
Hi Kan, it's great that you're planning your Major and Minor options. Congratulations on being the first in your family to attend college! To make a smart choice, think about the career you want. Look at the jobs you'd love to have and figure out what skills or knowledge they require. This can help you decide if your Major and Minor choices will lead you in the right direction. Good luck!
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sowmya’s Answer
If you're aiming for a career in business-focused psychology, go for it. But if you're only looking for the most stable job with a bachelor's degree, a more practical major might be safer. However, if you enjoy psychology and combine it with marketing, internships, and quantitative skills, it can definitely lead to a stable career. The key difference between having an interesting degree and a stable career is how you build your experience on purpose.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
kan
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Mark’s Answer
A psychology degree can lead to many exciting opportunities. With this degree, you can explore careers like teaching, UX design, or human resources. Plus, after you graduate, you can choose to get a Master's degree in a specific area that matches your career goals.
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Tyler’s Answer
Hi Kan,
First, the fact that you're thinking this carefully about stability before you even start puts you ahead of where a lot of us were. You're asking the right question, so trust that instinct.
Here's the reassuring part: the specific major matters less than you'd think, which means there's no single "wrong" choice here that derails you. A few other things matter more, and the good news is they're all within your control.
Speaking as a first-gen grad myself, here's what I wish someone had told me. For most fields, your degree carries you for roughly your first five years out of school (sometimes less), and after that your actual work and the skills you've built take over. The exception is the specialized tracks where the credential is the job: medicine, law, engineering, sometimes government. Those offer real stability, but only after long and expensive graduate school. If one of those genuinely excites you, you can absolutely aim for it, just plan the major around that goal from the start.
If that's not you, then the thing that quietly matters most, and that nobody tells first-gen students, is who you're in the room with. The peers and professors a program puts you next to often do more for your first job than the subject on your diploma. We don't inherit a network, so we get to build one in college, and that's a real advantage once you treat it as part of the plan. Choose the environment that surrounds you with people who'll be useful future contacts, and you're already ahead.
On the two subjects themselves, both are workable, here's how to make them stronger. Psychology as a bachelor's has modest earning power on its own, and its higher-paying, stable paths (clinical work, therapy) usually need a graduate degree, so it shines most if you're open to going further later. Marketing is a genuine business function and pairs nicely with psych, consumer behavior, UX, and market research all live right at that intersection. If you want to maximize stability, consider anchoring it with something quantitative like economics or a business/analytics minor, which sends a strong, transferable signal to employers. None of this is starting over, it's just sharpening what you already picked.
Two questions to run any major through:
1. Will it build my written and oral communication, critical thinking, and ability to work with others? Those transfer to almost any job.
2. Will my classmates be future peers who can help me get hired? For us especially, that's the one I'd weight most.
You've got more room to succeed here than it probably feels like right now. Whatever you choose, build the skills, build the relationships, and the major sorts itself out. You're clearly thinking like someone who's going to be fine.
First, the fact that you're thinking this carefully about stability before you even start puts you ahead of where a lot of us were. You're asking the right question, so trust that instinct.
Here's the reassuring part: the specific major matters less than you'd think, which means there's no single "wrong" choice here that derails you. A few other things matter more, and the good news is they're all within your control.
Speaking as a first-gen grad myself, here's what I wish someone had told me. For most fields, your degree carries you for roughly your first five years out of school (sometimes less), and after that your actual work and the skills you've built take over. The exception is the specialized tracks where the credential is the job: medicine, law, engineering, sometimes government. Those offer real stability, but only after long and expensive graduate school. If one of those genuinely excites you, you can absolutely aim for it, just plan the major around that goal from the start.
If that's not you, then the thing that quietly matters most, and that nobody tells first-gen students, is who you're in the room with. The peers and professors a program puts you next to often do more for your first job than the subject on your diploma. We don't inherit a network, so we get to build one in college, and that's a real advantage once you treat it as part of the plan. Choose the environment that surrounds you with people who'll be useful future contacts, and you're already ahead.
On the two subjects themselves, both are workable, here's how to make them stronger. Psychology as a bachelor's has modest earning power on its own, and its higher-paying, stable paths (clinical work, therapy) usually need a graduate degree, so it shines most if you're open to going further later. Marketing is a genuine business function and pairs nicely with psych, consumer behavior, UX, and market research all live right at that intersection. If you want to maximize stability, consider anchoring it with something quantitative like economics or a business/analytics minor, which sends a strong, transferable signal to employers. None of this is starting over, it's just sharpening what you already picked.
Two questions to run any major through:
1. Will it build my written and oral communication, critical thinking, and ability to work with others? Those transfer to almost any job.
2. Will my classmates be future peers who can help me get hired? For us especially, that's the one I'd weight most.
You've got more room to succeed here than it probably feels like right now. Whatever you choose, build the skills, build the relationships, and the major sorts itself out. You're clearly thinking like someone who's going to be fine.
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Nicki’s Answer
Hi, minoring in Marketing make be a good option because most Psychology majors struggle to find employment upon graduation due to not having a Master’s Degree. So taking an interest in marketing could possibly help in the future. I’d look up job postings for the specific roles that you are going for so you can get a sense of what they will require. Also, the BLS labor statistics website may help. Their handbook has lots of information regarding careers, salary, and their requirements. Hope this helps.
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Samantha’s Answer
I love that you're thinking about the longevity/practicality of your career long term! One of the best things about the realities of a career today is that there will be many twists and turns. What you start doing immediately out of college is unlikely to be what you end up doing when you retire - which means that there will be lots of opportunities to hop around in jobs.
It ultimately is about being able to find jobs that match your interests and background - which your degree is only a starting point for! I love that you have psychology which in my opinion is one of the most important degrees out there because it teaches you how to operate in the real world and work with PEOPLE (which every job requires). And the marketing minor may act as a more "functional" or hard skills ability.
I would say that if you hope to pursue something in the psychology field in the future, to keep in mind that typically you may need a higher education degree for (Masters, etc.) - keep up the great work!!
It ultimately is about being able to find jobs that match your interests and background - which your degree is only a starting point for! I love that you have psychology which in my opinion is one of the most important degrees out there because it teaches you how to operate in the real world and work with PEOPLE (which every job requires). And the marketing minor may act as a more "functional" or hard skills ability.
I would say that if you hope to pursue something in the psychology field in the future, to keep in mind that typically you may need a higher education degree for (Masters, etc.) - keep up the great work!!
Thank you so much for the advice.
kan
Celina Zamora
I build & grow community programs (in technology spaces), currently leading the global Education Creators program.
3
Answers
Updated
Celina’s Answer
This is a great way of looking at things already! Understanding how to balance a college career and focal points that you can use together or even separately. One of the key things that drive more diverse opportunities will be transferable skills. Marketing and psychology offer a wide variety of industries you can leverage those skills. I have jumped industries 4x (advertising, teaching, entrepreneurship, and now tech) because of the skills I learned and my degree (Communications-focusing on advertising and public relations, with a minor in History and Marketing).
Internships and joining clubs (as a member or even as a leader within it) offered a lot of opportunities to engage with other professionals in the space + connect with potential mentors.
Internships and joining clubs (as a member or even as a leader within it) offered a lot of opportunities to engage with other professionals in the space + connect with potential mentors.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
kan
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Anuj’s Answer
Use the next 6 months as a testing phase. Pick your top 3 career interests, spend 2 months actively exploring each (reading, projects, networking), and compare which one you return to naturally and perform best in.
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Hemanth’s Answer
Absolutely! Understanding customer psychology will be a great asset for succeeding in marketing.
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Cathy’s Answer
Hi Kan - I think psychology and marketing are great because they help develop transferable skills, which is especially valuable right now given the rise of AI and the uncertainty of the future job market. They give you the flexibility to pivot as needed. Psychology is useful across many different roles because it helps you understand how people think and behave, while marketing provides insight into how businesses operate, communicate value, and connect with customers.
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Brian’s Answer
Marketing and Psychology are like peanut butter and jelly--a timeless pair. I support the pairing of these two disciplines because they both explore human behavior and motivations, but each approaches it from a different perspective. So, if you are curious about why people think, believe and behave a certain way, then I think studying Marketing and Psychology will provide you with a vast ocean to explore. I have spent 20+ years working as an advertising and marketing creative writer, and I majored in Marketing. My studies gave me a solid foundation of in the ideas of persuasion, expression, engagement and more.
I hope this helps! Best of luck to you.
I hope this helps! Best of luck to you.
Thank you, Brian!
kan
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Breanna’s Answer
Hi Kan, a minor in psychology can be a great match with a major in marketing. It's important to think about what you love and what you're good at, while also considering job opportunities. I combined psychology with business in my studies, and those psychology classes were fun and helped me understand how people think, which is useful in many jobs.
It's also crucial to learn about AI since it's becoming more important in business. Remember, you don't need to have everything planned when you start college. Keep researching and asking questions. Talk to your college advisors for guidance. If you're excited about marketing and psychology, use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in those fields for their insights.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions.
It's also crucial to learn about AI since it's becoming more important in business. Remember, you don't need to have everything planned when you start college. Keep researching and asking questions. Talk to your college advisors for guidance. If you're excited about marketing and psychology, use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in those fields for their insights.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions.
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Christine’s Answer
Absolutely, this sounds like a strong and practical path, especially as a first generation college student thinking about stability. I recently graduated with a marketing degree, and from my experience, marketing is very versatile and can be applied across many industries.
While psychology and marketing are different fields, they do complement each other in meaningful ways. Psychology helps you understand people’s behavior, communication, and decision making, while marketing focuses on applying those insights in real world business settings. Together, they can open opportunities in areas like advertising, human resources, market research, and client relations.
I have also learned how valuable it is to understand both business to business (B2B) and business to consumer (B2C) interactions, and psychology can strengthen how you build relationships in both areas.
Additionally, getting involved in projects early on, such as research or coursework related to your interests, can help you build and showcase your skills. You might also consider creating a LinkedIn profile and starting a resume when you feel ready, so you can begin documenting your experiences, skills, and any certifications over time.
Networking is also very important. Connecting with classmates, professors, and professionals can open up opportunities and give you insight into different career paths. Even simple conversations or attending events can make a big difference over time.
As you move forward, I recommend connecting with your college’s career services and exploring internships or entry level opportunities early on. That can help you confirm what direction feels right and build experience toward a stable career.
While psychology and marketing are different fields, they do complement each other in meaningful ways. Psychology helps you understand people’s behavior, communication, and decision making, while marketing focuses on applying those insights in real world business settings. Together, they can open opportunities in areas like advertising, human resources, market research, and client relations.
I have also learned how valuable it is to understand both business to business (B2B) and business to consumer (B2C) interactions, and psychology can strengthen how you build relationships in both areas.
Additionally, getting involved in projects early on, such as research or coursework related to your interests, can help you build and showcase your skills. You might also consider creating a LinkedIn profile and starting a resume when you feel ready, so you can begin documenting your experiences, skills, and any certifications over time.
Networking is also very important. Connecting with classmates, professors, and professionals can open up opportunities and give you insight into different career paths. Even simple conversations or attending events can make a big difference over time.
As you move forward, I recommend connecting with your college’s career services and exploring internships or entry level opportunities early on. That can help you confirm what direction feels right and build experience toward a stable career.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
kan
Updated
Linor’s Answer
I think Psychology is a fascinating field and pairs really well with Marketing because both focus on understanding people, behavior, motivation, and decision-making.
If you're interested in mental health, research, or helping people directly, Psychology could be a great major. One thing I'd encourage you to think about is whether you might want to pursue graduate school in the future, since some psychology careers require additional education beyond a bachelor's degree.
That said, a Psychology degree can still lead to stable careers without pursuing a doctorate. Many graduates go into fields such as human resources, recruiting, employee training and development, market research, consumer insights, customer success, healthcare administration, behavioral health, and nonprofit leadership. A Marketing minor could complement those paths nicely by adding communication and business skills.
Since you've mentioned wanting a stable career, I'd also encourage you to explore a Business degree. Business can provide a broad foundation that applies across many industries while still allowing you to take marketing courses, participate in internships, and build specialized skills. A Psychology minor or second major could pair well with Business by helping you better understand people, communication, and consumer behavior.
Ultimately, there isn't one right answer. Both Psychology and Business can lead to stable careers, just in different ways. Business and marketing may offer more flexibility across industries and can sometimes lead to higher earning potential, particularly in fields like sales, though compensation can be more performance-based. Psychology-related careers can also be very stable, especially when paired with a clear career path and, in some cases, additional education.
Yes, it is a good idea!
If you're interested in mental health, research, or helping people directly, Psychology could be a great major. One thing I'd encourage you to think about is whether you might want to pursue graduate school in the future, since some psychology careers require additional education beyond a bachelor's degree.
That said, a Psychology degree can still lead to stable careers without pursuing a doctorate. Many graduates go into fields such as human resources, recruiting, employee training and development, market research, consumer insights, customer success, healthcare administration, behavioral health, and nonprofit leadership. A Marketing minor could complement those paths nicely by adding communication and business skills.
Since you've mentioned wanting a stable career, I'd also encourage you to explore a Business degree. Business can provide a broad foundation that applies across many industries while still allowing you to take marketing courses, participate in internships, and build specialized skills. A Psychology minor or second major could pair well with Business by helping you better understand people, communication, and consumer behavior.
Ultimately, there isn't one right answer. Both Psychology and Business can lead to stable careers, just in different ways. Business and marketing may offer more flexibility across industries and can sometimes lead to higher earning potential, particularly in fields like sales, though compensation can be more performance-based. Psychology-related careers can also be very stable, especially when paired with a clear career path and, in some cases, additional education.
Yes, it is a good idea!
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
kan
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1388
Answers
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Kan,
Yes, that can actually be a very practical combination, especially if you are thinking about both stability and flexibility. Psychology helps you understand people, behavior, communication, and decision-making, while marketing adds business, branding, strategy, and career versatility. Those skills can work well together in a lot of industries.
One thing I would encourage you to think about is what kind of work you want long term. A psychology degree by itself sometimes requires graduate school for certain careers, especially clinical or counseling paths. Marketing, on the other hand, can open more direct entry-level opportunities after college in areas like social media, communications, advertising, recruiting, customer experience, or brand strategy.
Because you are a first-generation college student, it is smart that you are thinking about stability early. Along with choosing your major and minor, focus on gaining experience while in school, internships, campus jobs, networking, leadership roles, or certifications. Those experiences often matter just as much as the degree itself when it comes to getting hired.
You also do not have to lock yourself into one identity right away. Psychology and marketing together can lead toward business, mental health advocacy, human resources, user experience research, communications, nonprofit work, or even graduate school later if your interests grow in that direction.
My advice is to keep the combination if you genuinely enjoy both subjects, but pair it with practical experience and career exploration early. That is what usually creates the strongest balance between passion and stability.
Best wishes!
Yes, that can actually be a very practical combination, especially if you are thinking about both stability and flexibility. Psychology helps you understand people, behavior, communication, and decision-making, while marketing adds business, branding, strategy, and career versatility. Those skills can work well together in a lot of industries.
One thing I would encourage you to think about is what kind of work you want long term. A psychology degree by itself sometimes requires graduate school for certain careers, especially clinical or counseling paths. Marketing, on the other hand, can open more direct entry-level opportunities after college in areas like social media, communications, advertising, recruiting, customer experience, or brand strategy.
Because you are a first-generation college student, it is smart that you are thinking about stability early. Along with choosing your major and minor, focus on gaining experience while in school, internships, campus jobs, networking, leadership roles, or certifications. Those experiences often matter just as much as the degree itself when it comes to getting hired.
You also do not have to lock yourself into one identity right away. Psychology and marketing together can lead toward business, mental health advocacy, human resources, user experience research, communications, nonprofit work, or even graduate school later if your interests grow in that direction.
My advice is to keep the combination if you genuinely enjoy both subjects, but pair it with practical experience and career exploration early. That is what usually creates the strongest balance between passion and stability.
Best wishes!
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
kan
You're welcome!
Chinyere Okafor
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Cameron ’s Answer
Hello! Those two go really well together. I think you could have more opportunities if you major in Marketing and minor in Psychology. Having a business degree might help you stand out from others applying for the same jobs!
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Trissha’s Answer
Definitely! Pairing psychology with marketing is a very complimentary academic combination; I myself majored in psychology, with a focus on consumer behaviour.
Psychology gives you a deep understanding of why people behave the way they do, and marketing is essentially the applied science of putting that knowledge to work.
Psychology gives you a deep understanding of why people behave the way they do, and marketing is essentially the applied science of putting that knowledge to work.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
kan