Zoe
Should I pursue the Marketing and Information Systems degree?
I've reached the point in my academic career wherein I must make a choice. I'm applying for transfer, and I have to choose my concentration for my major. I am very apprehensive and scared in making the choice. I am a business major and am presently taking some more business-oriented courses: Macroeconomics, Financial Accounting, Business Writing, etc. I've noticed through my time in college that my interests tend to fall into things that require me to be creative: Writing, music, speech, and so forth. These areas are also my stronger skills. I am less moved by numbers, though I am capable of making the calculations once I've been taught. I've maintained a 4.0 GPA the past three semesters, and am on the path to graduating with a transferable Associate degree in Business Administration and an Associate Degree in Communications. I'm looking at Cal State Fullerton; they have a program there that I find may be very lucrative and suitable for someone such as myself: Marketing and Information Systems. However, I am aware that pursuing Marketing may not be a safe and stable choice. If I major in Finance I'll be able to find my way into the Marketing Field than the other way around. During my academic pursuits, though, I want to enjoy what I am learning to enhance my engagement and efforts. I'm afraid if I go into Finances, the duration of studies will be full of material I don't find as engaging, which may in turn take a toll on my drive and passion. I know I can change concentrations at University, but I've been informed that it is really hard to do. I don't want to waste time, but I also don't want choose something I find more creative and interesting over a stable future. Some additional questions would be, is Marketing a stable career choice? Is it fruitful even for those who don't wound up working for incredibly successful businesses? Is it a feasible goal or are successes in the field rare? #college #business #marketing #career-choice #college-transfer #specialization
3 answers
Marilyn Balke-Lowry
Marilyn’s Answer
Dear Zoe,
I would concur with the good advice that Ken Simmons offered to you. With the way our job market changes, I think that making a definite decision is not an easy one. Based on the way that you wrote your letter, it really seems that deep down you prefer the creative direction as opposed to the financial. You will not stay in one particular job your entire career, so I would advise that you research the areas carefully but then go with your basic reaction. It is important to be happy, and when you are enthusiastic about your field, you will be successful.
Best of luck in your future,
Marilyn Lowry
Anna Lange
Anna’s Answer
Susan Zaffarano
Susan’s Answer
My son is struggling with the exact same situation... Marketing seems like a broad degree and one that you can move into many different areas; Info Systems is surely a great degree but will require more logical vs. creative classes although long term, you could do consulting work and use your creativity to help create new products or services. Regardless of choice, I am directing my son to look at augmenting his college degree with online learning through direct firms (salesforce, microsoft, LINKEDIN Learning) as technology and skills required are changing so rapidly. Good luck..and as others said, go with what you will be good at and keep up those grades!
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