28 answers
2
Questions
Asked
6534 views
I'm a marketing major in my 3rd year - but I loved my accounting class! How do I know which to major in?
I am currently a third year student in marketing. I switched to marketing at the beginning of my third year, so the business classes were knew to me. I will be graduating late. I took accounting 1 this fall and I absolutely loved it - which is weird for me to say. I didn't know anything about accounting before this class, so I thought I was going to dread it. It ended up being really "easy" for me since I enjoyed figuring the problems out and didn't mind studying. This was my first college class that I felt this way about. It is making me want to switch my major to accounting. Although, I haven't taken any marketing classes yet. I enjoy marketing partly because I enjoy the free range of job opportunities after undergrad. I like that it is creative and has endless job opportunities that don't all involve a job in a cubicle. I was looking for advice on this decision I have. I definitely need to shadow people in accounting and in marketing, but was also looking for advice on here from anyone! #major #business #college #advisor #accounting #marketing #career #advice #majors #jobs
Login to comment
28 answers
Updated
Josie’s Answer
Hi Grace,
Accounting is such a specialized field that you have to major in it in order to get a job in this field most of the time. It is also not until you get into your second or third class of a topic before you realize that it is something you will want to do for any duration of time.
A marketing degree is a great general business degree that is great if you want to go into marketing or sales within a company. Doing internships and shadowing people or even talking with people that have roles in a field you might be interested in is a great way to best understand if it is right for you.
Accounting is such a specialized field that you have to major in it in order to get a job in this field most of the time. It is also not until you get into your second or third class of a topic before you realize that it is something you will want to do for any duration of time.
A marketing degree is a great general business degree that is great if you want to go into marketing or sales within a company. Doing internships and shadowing people or even talking with people that have roles in a field you might be interested in is a great way to best understand if it is right for you.
Updated
Louise’s Answer
To add on to what Malkia Morris said, another profession that combines accounting and marketing skills is marketing analytics, where you evaluate the effectiveness of marketing, pricing, etc. by collecting data, analyzing it and then making recommendations.
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Grace the options for individuals with a marketing degree are diferent than for those with an accounting degree. Each degree has benefits, but determining which provides more opportunities depends on a number of factors, including career goals. Each field requires different skills to be successful. Jobs opportunities for someone with a marketing degree include sales, marketing, public relations and advertising. The options for someone with an accounting degree include bookkeeping, accounting and auditing. More companies hire accounting degree graduates than marketing degree graduates, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
CAREER OUTLOOKS AND SALRY INFORMATION
MARKETING SPECIALIST – The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts growth of jobs in both these degree fields. Marketing jobs are expected to grow 13% through the year 2028, while accounting jobs should expand 22%. Some 279,000 accounting jobs will be available, especially for those with professional certification such as certified public accountants (CPA), compared to 80,000 new marketing jobs. The average Marketing Specialist salary in the United States is $70,500 as of November 25, 2020, but the range typically falls between $60,000 and $80,000. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS – For public accountants, you can start work in the field and then take the CPA exam and earn your licensure. You may also work as an auditor. Once your foot is in the door, your accounting experience will open many new career opportunities to you. Whether you want to work in a public or private accounting firm, you'll be able to explore ways to advance your career based on the sector you work in, any specialization you have, and your interests. From there, you are more likely to qualify for managerial and senior positions, which will come with more responsibilities and a higher paycheck. Career advancement for accountants in the private sector starts off much like those in the public sector, since you'll find positions early on as a general accountant or auditor. The average Accountant salary in the United States is $82,900 as of November 25, 2020, but the range typically falls between $76,000 and $90,500. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS – Becoming a CPA will take time. The steps to becoming a CPA involves a 4-year undergraduate degree, as well as getting 30 additional credit hours over the course of one year. Most states also require two years of work experience. All this adds up to a 7-year process if you do it full time. Part-time it will take you longer. Certified public accountants in public practice provide compliance, consulting, and advisory services to clients in various industries, helping individuals and organizations with their financial planning and reporting, taxes, investments, and mergers and acquisitions. A CPA in the corporate world is part of the corporation's management team, usually taking responsibility for financial management or internal auditing. The average salary for someone with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the United States is between $112,500 and $461,000 as of November 25, 2020,
CAREER OUTLOOKS AND SALRY INFORMATION
MARKETING SPECIALIST – The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts growth of jobs in both these degree fields. Marketing jobs are expected to grow 13% through the year 2028, while accounting jobs should expand 22%. Some 279,000 accounting jobs will be available, especially for those with professional certification such as certified public accountants (CPA), compared to 80,000 new marketing jobs. The average Marketing Specialist salary in the United States is $70,500 as of November 25, 2020, but the range typically falls between $60,000 and $80,000. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS – For public accountants, you can start work in the field and then take the CPA exam and earn your licensure. You may also work as an auditor. Once your foot is in the door, your accounting experience will open many new career opportunities to you. Whether you want to work in a public or private accounting firm, you'll be able to explore ways to advance your career based on the sector you work in, any specialization you have, and your interests. From there, you are more likely to qualify for managerial and senior positions, which will come with more responsibilities and a higher paycheck. Career advancement for accountants in the private sector starts off much like those in the public sector, since you'll find positions early on as a general accountant or auditor. The average Accountant salary in the United States is $82,900 as of November 25, 2020, but the range typically falls between $76,000 and $90,500. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS – Becoming a CPA will take time. The steps to becoming a CPA involves a 4-year undergraduate degree, as well as getting 30 additional credit hours over the course of one year. Most states also require two years of work experience. All this adds up to a 7-year process if you do it full time. Part-time it will take you longer. Certified public accountants in public practice provide compliance, consulting, and advisory services to clients in various industries, helping individuals and organizations with their financial planning and reporting, taxes, investments, and mergers and acquisitions. A CPA in the corporate world is part of the corporation's management team, usually taking responsibility for financial management or internal auditing. The average salary for someone with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the United States is between $112,500 and $461,000 as of November 25, 2020,
Updated
Kelli E.’s Answer
Hi Grace!!
You said "I enjoy the free range of job opportunities after undergrad. I like that it is creative and has endless job opportunities that don't all involve a job in a cubicle." To me, it seems you have intuitively identified what kind of culture or job environment that you would enjoy working in and what you wouldn't (being in a cubicle). You should go to Linkedin.com and search for accounting jobs and see if the day-to-day job duties are something you think you would love 8 hours a day (which is what I would suggest for marketing as well).
No matter what major you choose, there likely will be areas of weaknesses and that doesn't mean the profession isn't for you, but that you should not find a job that focuses on that area a majority of the time (if possible). If you are able, keep taking both marketing and accounting until one becomes the winner (you said you were graduating late already). It may take you a bit longer, but it will be worth it so that you do not have any regrets. (Some people need to go through doors and shut them in order to move on without regrets while others can observe and research and close those doors without regrets. You have to know which type of person you are by looking back at your past behavior.)
All of us have skills and talent: some of us have more than others and some of us have less. Be a continuous learner, which is something that will help you in life and on the job. In the long-run, a few more classes (or YouTube videos explaining what accountants/marketing agents do) won't seem like it was a bad investment of time, imo.
You said "I enjoy the free range of job opportunities after undergrad. I like that it is creative and has endless job opportunities that don't all involve a job in a cubicle." To me, it seems you have intuitively identified what kind of culture or job environment that you would enjoy working in and what you wouldn't (being in a cubicle). You should go to Linkedin.com and search for accounting jobs and see if the day-to-day job duties are something you think you would love 8 hours a day (which is what I would suggest for marketing as well).
No matter what major you choose, there likely will be areas of weaknesses and that doesn't mean the profession isn't for you, but that you should not find a job that focuses on that area a majority of the time (if possible). If you are able, keep taking both marketing and accounting until one becomes the winner (you said you were graduating late already). It may take you a bit longer, but it will be worth it so that you do not have any regrets. (Some people need to go through doors and shut them in order to move on without regrets while others can observe and research and close those doors without regrets. You have to know which type of person you are by looking back at your past behavior.)
All of us have skills and talent: some of us have more than others and some of us have less. Be a continuous learner, which is something that will help you in life and on the job. In the long-run, a few more classes (or YouTube videos explaining what accountants/marketing agents do) won't seem like it was a bad investment of time, imo.
Updated
Cameron’s Answer
Hi Grace. I had a similar issue deciding which major to pursue in college and ultimately went with accounting.
I would suggest you continue to take both accounting and marketing courses to identify which you think is the better option for you. Typically these classes will both count toward your business school requirements so they shouldn't be wasted time when you choose a specific business major or double major.
I would also potentially suggest taking extra classes next semester in accounting and marketing instead of general education classes in order to more quickly identify the major you think you would prefer.
Best of luck with your decision-- either way you can't go wrong! Happy holidays!
Enroll in additional marketing and accounting courses as soon as possible
I would suggest you continue to take both accounting and marketing courses to identify which you think is the better option for you. Typically these classes will both count toward your business school requirements so they shouldn't be wasted time when you choose a specific business major or double major.
I would also potentially suggest taking extra classes next semester in accounting and marketing instead of general education classes in order to more quickly identify the major you think you would prefer.
Best of luck with your decision-- either way you can't go wrong! Happy holidays!
Cameron recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Krishna’s Answer
Hi Grace!
Great questions! There are many pros to both marketing and accounting majors. It is very true that marketing will give you more of a broad range of options in terms of businesses and types of work you can get involved in, including more analytical roles that include fundamentals of accounting. This could include a marketing analytics position or data analytics position. Accounting is a very technical field and will require proper education undergrad and a master's to get enough credits for a CPA. I suggest you take a few more accounting classes and marketing classes to better understand the fields. If the accounting classes truly are interesting to you, you can switch your major or maybe even try to double major. College is the time to learn and figure out what you are passionate about. Use this opportunity to learn your inner strengths.
Hope this helps!
Great questions! There are many pros to both marketing and accounting majors. It is very true that marketing will give you more of a broad range of options in terms of businesses and types of work you can get involved in, including more analytical roles that include fundamentals of accounting. This could include a marketing analytics position or data analytics position. Accounting is a very technical field and will require proper education undergrad and a master's to get enough credits for a CPA. I suggest you take a few more accounting classes and marketing classes to better understand the fields. If the accounting classes truly are interesting to you, you can switch your major or maybe even try to double major. College is the time to learn and figure out what you are passionate about. Use this opportunity to learn your inner strengths.
Hope this helps!
Tania Franolic
Solutions Architect for the Accountant Channel, also a Bookkeeper
3
Answers
Updated
Tania’s Answer
I don't know much about marketing but I know a lot about bookkeeping/accounting. This industry has changed drastically compared to what is being taught in school. With the advance of cloud accounting there are a lot of fun apps to discover so you increase automation as well as turn more into a trusted advisor for your clients. There are a lot of opportunities for accounting in a non-traditional way. Someone else mentioned you could also combine the 2 and help a firm who wants to move toward cloud how to market and what offerings they could provide. Also, remember that what you decide isn't a lifetime commitment. I started in law, went to administration, then bookkeeping (running my own firm) and now into corporate sales. Sometimes the journey getting to your final destination can be quite amazing :).
Updated
Alekxis’s Answer
Hi Grace!
To echo a lot of the other responses above it is great that you have found interest in multiple fields. I wonder if it is possible at your school to try other business classes? If so I would recommend doing so to see if you like any others just as much. Perhaps in taking more marketing and accounting classes you may also find you like one more than the other as they become more niche. I also wonder if perhaps your school offers a general business degree or a management degree that may touch various parts of the business world - always something to consider!
Accounting is also a much more specific degree which generally requires more courses if you are going to become a CPA and may also less room for exploring other business areas depending on your school requirements. When I make decisions similar to this I tend to make an old fashion pros/cons list and physically seeing my thoughts written down tends to help me.
Goodluck!
To echo a lot of the other responses above it is great that you have found interest in multiple fields. I wonder if it is possible at your school to try other business classes? If so I would recommend doing so to see if you like any others just as much. Perhaps in taking more marketing and accounting classes you may also find you like one more than the other as they become more niche. I also wonder if perhaps your school offers a general business degree or a management degree that may touch various parts of the business world - always something to consider!
Accounting is also a much more specific degree which generally requires more courses if you are going to become a CPA and may also less room for exploring other business areas depending on your school requirements. When I make decisions similar to this I tend to make an old fashion pros/cons list and physically seeing my thoughts written down tends to help me.
Goodluck!
Updated
Brittany’s Answer
If it is possible, we recommend double majoring. This will give you a broad range of knowledge in the business field. Accounting can help with the technical knowledge of business. It is also a solid base knowledge of all things business. On the hand, marketing can help develop your soft skills. In our opinion, if you can not double major we recommend you choose accounting. It can help get your foot in the door as a young professional.
Updated
Alison’s Answer
Hi Grace!
It's great that you've found areas that you love in both marketing and accounting! I actually thought I wanted to major in accounting but switched to focusing on marketing later on. I would agree with other advice here on exploring these subjects more in-depth through classes and meeting with an advisor.
I would recommend you reaching out to alumni or others you may know in the industry. They can help give you a first-hand look into what they do and help guide you when making your decision. It's also a great way to build your network when looking for jobs/internships.
I'd also say that there's elements of accounting/finance I use in marketing, especially when planning & managing budgets throughout the year. If you enjoyed the problem-solving aspect of accounting, there's definitely areas to apply those skills in marketing. Good luck!
It's great that you've found areas that you love in both marketing and accounting! I actually thought I wanted to major in accounting but switched to focusing on marketing later on. I would agree with other advice here on exploring these subjects more in-depth through classes and meeting with an advisor.
I would recommend you reaching out to alumni or others you may know in the industry. They can help give you a first-hand look into what they do and help guide you when making your decision. It's also a great way to build your network when looking for jobs/internships.
I'd also say that there's elements of accounting/finance I use in marketing, especially when planning & managing budgets throughout the year. If you enjoyed the problem-solving aspect of accounting, there's definitely areas to apply those skills in marketing. Good luck!
Updated
Lea’s Answer
I was a business major and ended up working for an accounting firm and becoming a CPA. I also was interested in marketing before getting an internship with a big accounting firm. What drew me to accounting in the end was actually the flexibility in job options! I ended up being a tax consultant, traveling about 25% of the time to client sites and advising clients on tax issues to help them reinvest in R&D and get tax benefits for that.
Follow your interest and the jobs will be there - whether in marketing or accounting. Both are great options. Shadowing or interning is a great way to get a real feel for the job itself, and like others have said, looking on LinkedIn for jobs in the field can give you a sense of what is out there.
Follow your interest and the jobs will be there - whether in marketing or accounting. Both are great options. Shadowing or interning is a great way to get a real feel for the job itself, and like others have said, looking on LinkedIn for jobs in the field can give you a sense of what is out there.
Updated
Diksha’s Answer
Hi, Grace!
I graduated from my university as an Accounting major with a Marketing minor so I understand where you are coming from. I suggest getting a LinkedIn and networking with professionals in both the accounting and marketing fields and analyze whether you would want to pursue that path.
I would also suggest taking a couple more classes in both marketing and accounting to see which one you would prefer. I would also suggest speaking to your Academic Advisor and seeking their advise if you were thinking of switching majors or adding minors.
Wishing you the best of luck!
I graduated from my university as an Accounting major with a Marketing minor so I understand where you are coming from. I suggest getting a LinkedIn and networking with professionals in both the accounting and marketing fields and analyze whether you would want to pursue that path.
I would also suggest taking a couple more classes in both marketing and accounting to see which one you would prefer. I would also suggest speaking to your Academic Advisor and seeking their advise if you were thinking of switching majors or adding minors.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi Grace!
You've gotten some good advice so far! I would echo this point from others very strongly: take classes in both accounting and marketing before you make any decisions. I actually had a pretty similar experience to what you're describing. I was a marketing and strategy concentration, but I was shocked to discover that I LOVED my first accounting class. Then I took another... Accounting is a language. My introductory class was learning basic vocabulary, maybe stringing some sentences together. (Yours may be similar, maybe not.) Then I took the next level, and suddenly it was like reading novels in a foreign language with all these grammatical rules that I couldn't make heads or tails of, and I realized I did not, in fact, like accounting very much at all.
You may have a very different experience. Your introductory accounting class may be more advanced than mine was; you may continue to love accounting. Like all new things, we don't have a very good grasp about what a field of study is all about when we're just getting started. As a marketing major, your time wouldn't be wasted by taking another accounting class or two before you make a decision (check with your academic advisor to make sure this will keep you on track with your overall plan). If you choose to stick with marketing, you'll probably have times when you have to manage a budget, track expenses or--especially if you go the product management or marketing analytics route as Louise suggested--do financial analysis for a product or opportunity. If you go the accounting route, having a few marketing classes will help you understand business strategy that will give you good perspective as an accountant. Either way, take some time to decide and you'll come to the right decision.
You've gotten some good advice so far! I would echo this point from others very strongly: take classes in both accounting and marketing before you make any decisions. I actually had a pretty similar experience to what you're describing. I was a marketing and strategy concentration, but I was shocked to discover that I LOVED my first accounting class. Then I took another... Accounting is a language. My introductory class was learning basic vocabulary, maybe stringing some sentences together. (Yours may be similar, maybe not.) Then I took the next level, and suddenly it was like reading novels in a foreign language with all these grammatical rules that I couldn't make heads or tails of, and I realized I did not, in fact, like accounting very much at all.
You may have a very different experience. Your introductory accounting class may be more advanced than mine was; you may continue to love accounting. Like all new things, we don't have a very good grasp about what a field of study is all about when we're just getting started. As a marketing major, your time wouldn't be wasted by taking another accounting class or two before you make a decision (check with your academic advisor to make sure this will keep you on track with your overall plan). If you choose to stick with marketing, you'll probably have times when you have to manage a budget, track expenses or--especially if you go the product management or marketing analytics route as Louise suggested--do financial analysis for a product or opportunity. If you go the accounting route, having a few marketing classes will help you understand business strategy that will give you good perspective as an accountant. Either way, take some time to decide and you'll come to the right decision.
Updated
Brittany’s Answer
Hey Grace! It's so great that you've found a passion in multiple fields within business! Marketing is such a great major with a lot of career mobility and transferrable skills associated with it. Depending on what you want your job to be post-graduation, your major doesn't necessarily define your career path. My suggestion would be to take an additional accounting class or two (perhaps an upper-level class) to see if this is something you are truly passionate about before switching majors. Even if you don't switch your major, you can still take those accounting classes and draw upon your experience in said classes to pursue a career that incorporates elements of both majors. There are plenty of opportunities within the marketing field where you can incorporate your passion for numbers.
Updated
Malkia’s Answer
Hi,
There are opportunities in accounting where you can combine both marketing and accounting. For example, Purchasing and Inventory Control. Also you, could work as a project manager or content manager that will allow you to apply both disciplines. Accounting is great supplement to almost any field that you have an interest.
Definitely check out the occupational handbook for additional ideas and information.
There are opportunities in accounting where you can combine both marketing and accounting. For example, Purchasing and Inventory Control. Also you, could work as a project manager or content manager that will allow you to apply both disciplines. Accounting is great supplement to almost any field that you have an interest.
Malkia recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Andrea’s Answer
Hello! A class in accounting and a profession solely in accounting are two different things. I work for PwC in their Marketing & Sales Department. So I do marketing/sales/account management, but I work with accounting teams. To me, this is the best of both worlds! If you like marketing but also have an interest in accounting, it may be beneficial to look into a hybrid position. This way you are working with accounting folks, but are also using the core marketing skills you learned in your major. Hope this helps!
Updated
Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Grace! I don't have too much information on both majors, but the answers provided are definitely points to think about. I would also like to add in addition to shadowing to take maybe a couple more classes in accounting to be sure of it! Sometimes one or two classes can seem fun and easy but with any major/career choice there are bound to be some difficulties. So just to be sure become more immersed in it to see if you would maybe like to switch over.
I wish you the best!
I wish you the best!