25 answers
Effie
Student
Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia
4
Questions
Asked
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Can I work in comms fields (marketing, pr, etc.) with a Bachelor's in neuroscience?
I'm really intrigued with this subject and riveted to learn more to satisfy my curiosity. However, I can't see myself doing either research based or medical based jobs. I'd like to delve into the creative industry such as Marketing, Advertising and Design. Since there are bootcamps and workshops for these subjects, is it wise for me to major in Neuroscience? #marketing #business #research #neuroscience #communications
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25 answers
Rebecca Rochman
Human Resources
3
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Hi there, I worked in Brand Management and Marketing for 5 years and I can say that you can definitely pivot a neuroscience degree into a communications role, depending on how you sell it. For instance, when I worked as a Brand Manager, we did a website redesign and actually did Neuro testing and mapping to test how the brain and eyes seek and follow information on websites. There are definitely companies that do this work and it could be a great niche spot for you to differentiate yourself. I would recommend looking into some of the market research type roles that are available in marketing as well.
Thank you, Rebecca! You definitely put more hope in me in taking neuroscience. I hope I will be able to take on the forementioned roles in the future.
Effie
Jaysheel Mehd
Sr. Director
1
Answer
Singapore
Updated
Jaysheel’s Answer
Hi Effie,
I am neither in the field of neuroscience nor marketing. However, from my experience in communication internally as well as externally concepts of neuroscience if understood throughly are going to be of utmost importance for communication.
Neuroscience will help everyone get a good grip on cognitive and behavioural aspects of humans. Deep understanding of such fundamentals are truly needed to carry out a message, leadership and building positive environment.
This also helps you build better advertising models, have right & effective communication/PR message and marketing strategies. However, neuroscience has many other areas that it can create impact.
As we move towards a new age, diversity of thoughts and background should start helping in the core area. Eg: understanding of humanities help build better products. In the same way neuroscience should be an asset to Comms field.
I am neither in the field of neuroscience nor marketing. However, from my experience in communication internally as well as externally concepts of neuroscience if understood throughly are going to be of utmost importance for communication.
Neuroscience will help everyone get a good grip on cognitive and behavioural aspects of humans. Deep understanding of such fundamentals are truly needed to carry out a message, leadership and building positive environment.
This also helps you build better advertising models, have right & effective communication/PR message and marketing strategies. However, neuroscience has many other areas that it can create impact.
As we move towards a new age, diversity of thoughts and background should start helping in the core area. Eg: understanding of humanities help build better products. In the same way neuroscience should be an asset to Comms field.
Dear Jaysheel,
I am grateful that you tok your time to reply to my question. I will put your answer in mind when I finally have to decide on a major. Thank you for your time.
Effie
Most Welcome! Best wishes in your future studies and career!!
Jaysheel Mehd
Thaynan Siqueira
Project Manager
3
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Thaynan’s Answer
Hello, there.
There are many aspects of your question that you would need to breakdown, take a look into, and study to reach to a decision. When it comes to communications in general, yes, you can definitely use your knowledge. There are many companies dedicated to the science field that may take great advantage of your knowledge and experience. Keep in mind: communications involve people, and people involve diversity.
Now, depending on the level/role/section at which you would like to work within the communications field, you may need to fulfill some requirements such field may demand from you. This also vary depending on the local regulations and role/position you may pursue.
My main advices to you would be researching and reaching out to the local associations dedicated to the communications field in which you would interested, as well as the institutions and associations that manage the communications for science/neuroscience entities. Think about it: every company/entity, being from science or not, has to have communication practices in place, such as PR, marketing and so on. That will most definitely give you a broad vision of how communications and science come together.
I hope this helps and please feel free to reach out.
Best regards,
Ty Siqueira
Communications: in which field within it are you interested?
Research and reach out: local regulations, existing entities (science field and communications)
Look around your current neuroscience field: who manages their communications?
There are many aspects of your question that you would need to breakdown, take a look into, and study to reach to a decision. When it comes to communications in general, yes, you can definitely use your knowledge. There are many companies dedicated to the science field that may take great advantage of your knowledge and experience. Keep in mind: communications involve people, and people involve diversity.
Now, depending on the level/role/section at which you would like to work within the communications field, you may need to fulfill some requirements such field may demand from you. This also vary depending on the local regulations and role/position you may pursue.
My main advices to you would be researching and reaching out to the local associations dedicated to the communications field in which you would interested, as well as the institutions and associations that manage the communications for science/neuroscience entities. Think about it: every company/entity, being from science or not, has to have communication practices in place, such as PR, marketing and so on. That will most definitely give you a broad vision of how communications and science come together.
I hope this helps and please feel free to reach out.
Best regards,
Ty Siqueira
Thaynan recommends the following next steps:
Dear Ty,
Thank you so much for your answer. I am aware that every company needs to implement communication practices. I have, however, checked in LinkedIn and my local jobsearching websites, and what I noticed was most of these companies have degrees such as Communications, Marketing or PR as requirements to fill in these positions.
Again, thank you for answering and broadening my horizons in this aspect.
Effie
Kimberly Snyder
IT Program Manager
1
Answer
Olive Branch, Mississippi
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
Absolutely! Many people find their careers take them in a direction different than their initial education interests. It's just a matter of understanding how to apply your education and sell your skills to your future employer. I actually started my career in marketing and design, and moved into a more technical field over time.
There is a lot of opportunity for marketing in the healthcare field, and generally scientists and engineers are hired into these roles. People with a scientific background understand how to explain the information. If you have artistic talent there's a need for illustrating these things as well.
There are also a lot of neuroscience and neuropsychology theories that involve how people process information and respond to it. This is applied to marketing approaches all the time. For example, there are entire courses dedicated to things like Iconography - understanding how people process icons and images.
If you are certain this is the direction you want to go in, fill up your electives with as many relevant courses as you can think of. The wide experience will help you in the long run.
There is a lot of opportunity for marketing in the healthcare field, and generally scientists and engineers are hired into these roles. People with a scientific background understand how to explain the information. If you have artistic talent there's a need for illustrating these things as well.
There are also a lot of neuroscience and neuropsychology theories that involve how people process information and respond to it. This is applied to marketing approaches all the time. For example, there are entire courses dedicated to things like Iconography - understanding how people process icons and images.
If you are certain this is the direction you want to go in, fill up your electives with as many relevant courses as you can think of. The wide experience will help you in the long run.
Hi Kimberly, thank you for your answer and insight :)
Effie
Mahnoor fatima
fashion designer/ business consultant
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Mahnoor’s Answer
Marketing is a very diverse field and the best part about marketing and PR related roles is that the drive, confidence and experience count the most. I would recommend that you should take advantage of free online courses related to marketing and PR, LinkedIn can be a great source, to begin with. Additionally, many reputed universities offer short courses like Intensive Fashion Marketing which I can tell from personal experience is a great way to get a clear direction, learn and meet people from the field.
Hi, Manhoor.
I will look more into those programmes. Thank you so much for your answer.
Effie
Roberta N
Project Management
2
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Roberta’s Answer
Hi Effie,
I have studied Marketing and never worked in the area, but what I have learned is that Marketing is such a wide embracing area that can be combined with pretty much anything you do.
Marketing uses the studies of the human way of learning, perception, how memory is stored, psychological behavior and many other neuro-knowledge to plan campaigns, designs, fashion, user experience, clients' journey, client success, statistic predictions and so many other areas. This is a sector that is growing and becoming part of many different other areas.
There are great suggestions given by other people here and it's great that you are doing your research.
You can be sure that any knowledge you bring is always a plus.
Good luck!
I have studied Marketing and never worked in the area, but what I have learned is that Marketing is such a wide embracing area that can be combined with pretty much anything you do.
Marketing uses the studies of the human way of learning, perception, how memory is stored, psychological behavior and many other neuro-knowledge to plan campaigns, designs, fashion, user experience, clients' journey, client success, statistic predictions and so many other areas. This is a sector that is growing and becoming part of many different other areas.
There are great suggestions given by other people here and it's great that you are doing your research.
You can be sure that any knowledge you bring is always a plus.
Good luck!
Dear, Roberta
Thank you so much for taking your time to answer my question. Your encouragement is very appreciated as I was doubting my decisions beforehand.
Effie
Marina Baker
24
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Marina’s Answer
This is a really wonderful combination of studies and interest! I don't know what degree requirements your university has for this type of degree, but I imagine there is a great deal of research and most likely focus on medical applications only, so if you're going to pursue it, you'll need to mindful of that. With that said, having a better understanding of how & why people think, work, behave will serve you well in any marketing, advertising, and design career.
I found this Princeton article that shares a list of careers in Neuroscience: https://pni.princeton.edu/undergraduate-concentration/careers-neuroscience. Here are some of their suggestions for a career in the creative sector:
-Graphic designer for any company/ organization on this list
-Design web-based scientific education material (NIH, Scitable, University Science Centers, Startup companies)
-Science consultant for the media (TV, movies, books, etc)
-Artist specializing in how the brain perceives things
-Architect who specializes in how the brain perceives spaces, color, texture, emotion, etc
-Toy designer- use knowledge to make brain developing toys
-Musician/instructor (understanding hearing and the brain and its role in composition, performance)
-Write neurosci-fi screenplays
-Web design, art, and/or writing for any neuroscience organization
Lastly, the best piece of advice I received in high school: your college degree does not always dictate the job/career you do. Many employers just want to see you have four-year college degree.
I found this Princeton article that shares a list of careers in Neuroscience: https://pni.princeton.edu/undergraduate-concentration/careers-neuroscience. Here are some of their suggestions for a career in the creative sector:
-Graphic designer for any company/ organization on this list
-Design web-based scientific education material (NIH, Scitable, University Science Centers, Startup companies)
-Science consultant for the media (TV, movies, books, etc)
-Artist specializing in how the brain perceives things
-Architect who specializes in how the brain perceives spaces, color, texture, emotion, etc
-Toy designer- use knowledge to make brain developing toys
-Musician/instructor (understanding hearing and the brain and its role in composition, performance)
-Write neurosci-fi screenplays
-Web design, art, and/or writing for any neuroscience organization
Lastly, the best piece of advice I received in high school: your college degree does not always dictate the job/career you do. Many employers just want to see you have four-year college degree.
Hi Marina,
Thank you for such an all-rounded answer. I am able to gain even more insight by reading this, as well as newer perspectives. I'll definitely keep this in mind. Thank you.
Effie
Stefanie A
Marketing
3
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Stefanie’s Answer
Hi Effie,
I don't think its impossible at all. I personally don't have any exposure to what neuroscience involves but I can tell you that I currently work in Marketing, has a degree in Finance and I never actually thought marketing would be something I do (and for awhile people thought the combination of the two is unusual - its actually not!).
As I got further in the career and got more exposure (directly and indirectly) into the area I actually enjoy it. The combination of the two 'world' (analytical and non-analytical) actually work well together as you can apply a lot of science behind marketing which can make it more powerful.
Its great to hear that you have already done your research on workshops - they're definitely great options for you to try. Work experience, internships etc can also be a useful if they are available over there as they tend to be more hands-on and generally gives you a better picture to what the job might actually look like. Sometimes the only way for you to know is to try it out yourself and keep it open mind!
Good luck!
I don't think its impossible at all. I personally don't have any exposure to what neuroscience involves but I can tell you that I currently work in Marketing, has a degree in Finance and I never actually thought marketing would be something I do (and for awhile people thought the combination of the two is unusual - its actually not!).
As I got further in the career and got more exposure (directly and indirectly) into the area I actually enjoy it. The combination of the two 'world' (analytical and non-analytical) actually work well together as you can apply a lot of science behind marketing which can make it more powerful.
Its great to hear that you have already done your research on workshops - they're definitely great options for you to try. Work experience, internships etc can also be a useful if they are available over there as they tend to be more hands-on and generally gives you a better picture to what the job might actually look like. Sometimes the only way for you to know is to try it out yourself and keep it open mind!
Good luck!
Hi Stefanie,
It must be an amazing experience to be able to delve simultaneously into both the analytical and creative aspects of business. Thank you for your answer, and best of luck with your job.
Effie
Woodson Martin
General Manager
4
Answers
Atherton, California
Updated
Woodson’s Answer
I majored in English Literature and have spent my career in the technology industry - in product management, marketing, and operations roles. People in general are way too focused on education as a direct path to specific careers. The most valuable employees bring diverse perspectives to business challenges.
Also, consider the field of user experience design - a lucrative and in-demand job category that is fundamentally about optimizing the way software (websites, apps, etc.) appeal to the human brain. Right in your sweet-spot, perhaps.
Also, consider the field of user experience design - a lucrative and in-demand job category that is fundamentally about optimizing the way software (websites, apps, etc.) appeal to the human brain. Right in your sweet-spot, perhaps.
Richard A.
physician
2150
Answers
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Yes! It is easier to go from hard science to comms than vice versa. Consider a minor to gain even more flexibility!
Geoffrey Becker
Government Relations
5
Answers
Tallahassee, Florida
Updated
Geoffrey’s Answer
I think that is a fantastic idea. There is a great deal of research being done in the combination of the two fields. How people process information both from visual and auditory standpoint. In addition, the neuroscience field is always in need to expert communication strategic to convey their efforts to a wider audience.
Hello Geoffrey, thank you for answering my question. I definitely feel more encouraged after reading it :)
Effie
Natalie St. Denis
Brand Marketing
6
Answers
Boulder, Colorado
Updated
Natalie’s Answer
I definitely think you could work in Marketing roles for Med Tech companies that work with neurologists and neurosurgeons all day long! I worked in Marketing for the technologies listed in the above answer and it's always super-humbling working with the world's Neuro Institutes and Surgeons "talking marketing" with them. Sheer joy when you can translate at both ends to ensure all is understood and is compelling.
Keana Anderson
Supervisor
12
Answers
Southfield, Michigan
Updated
Keana’s Answer
Hello, I believe any degree can branch you in Communications. I have a Developmental Psychology degree and I'm in Communications with a health insurance company. You use several skills such as your attention to detail, writing skills, diligence and more. How you pitch or sell your skills with your degree is key on your resume and interview!
Jim Takashima
Communications
11
Answers
Pleasant Ridge, Michigan
Updated
Jim’s Answer
Hi Effie. I think this is definitely possible. I’m sure your degree could be very helpful specifically if you are working in a field that focuses on science or medicine. The fact that you’ve completed your degree demonstrates you are hard-working. This commitment is just as important as education or training in the field. Good luck!
Janet J
Employee Engagement & Communications
3
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Janet’s Answer
Absolutely!
Many industries in the medical field (such as hospitals and pharmaceutical companies) offer professions in communications (PR, media relations, internal communications, social media) and having a background in science, like neuroscience, will only benefit the communications team trying to develop messaging for its products and services.
I worked recently worked on a communications team and many of my teammates didn't have backgrounds in communications -- I know attorneys, psychology majors, and many others who entered the communications field (starting at the bottom and working their way up). Good luck!
Many industries in the medical field (such as hospitals and pharmaceutical companies) offer professions in communications (PR, media relations, internal communications, social media) and having a background in science, like neuroscience, will only benefit the communications team trying to develop messaging for its products and services.
I worked recently worked on a communications team and many of my teammates didn't have backgrounds in communications -- I know attorneys, psychology majors, and many others who entered the communications field (starting at the bottom and working their way up). Good luck!
Liz Ebbers
marketing brand strategy
2
Answers
Memphis, Tennessee
Updated