24 answers
Arsh
Student
Elmhurst, NY
5
Questions
Asked
1048 views
Is this a good idea or no?
Hello, I am in high school and am thinking about what I am going to major in college.
If I major in psychology and minor in business, will it be hard for me to get a job in human resources or marketing?
24 answers
Hannah Rose Grant
Risk and Financial Advisory Analyst
4
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Hannah Rose’s Answer
Hi Arsh! The skills you will learn getting a psychology degree will be transferable to whatever career you choose, especially if you end up going into marketing. I have a lot of friends who majored in subjects unrelated to their current career but the soft skills they leverage the soft skills such as critical thinking, communication skills etc in their current roles. College is all about exploring fields that interest you so definitely take advantage of having the opportunity to learn about anything that you are passionate about!
Anah Ayala
Sound Designer
12
Answers
Lake Worth, Florida
Updated
Anah’s Answer
Hi Ms. Arsh, i think that you could major in those two majors and take classes directly related to human resources to try to get an advantage of what work-related field you want to get into. I took a human resources class in college and i really liked it. I learned a lot and it was a very insightful course. You can ask your professor for help with your resume. And like the gentleman above said, you will probably need certification or something of that nature to get your foot in the door. You can also gain experience by interning or just taking a job in human resources and work your way up the ladder. I know that there are a lot of companies that help you gain experience when you are a college graduate with no work experience. Just do your best.
Hope that helped. Best of luck to you Arsh.
Hope that helped. Best of luck to you Arsh.
Debra Patsky
Sales Effectiveness
14
Answers
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Updated
Debra’s Answer
It all depends on where you want to go in HR. The best place to start in HR is in a recruiting/staffing agency. You are working with companies and getting to know the HR group within the company. Many times they will recognize talent and hire people from agency to come work at the company. Once inside a company, a good place to start is an HR Assistant. And yes the two degrees would be great for a career in HR
Liz Wood
2
Answers
Bradenton, Florida
Updated
Liz’s Answer
Absolutely, I concur with the other contributors. Having knowledge of psychology can significantly boost your HR career, as it allows you to comprehend what drives people, what stresses them, and how to resolve problems. Meanwhile, a business background will enable you to align your efforts with the organization's vision, mission, values, and objectives. It's a fantastic combination. Balancing the needs of the business with those of the employees is a crucial skill.
Cindy Arbeau
VP Sales &Operations
3
Answers
Quispamsis, New Brunswick, Canada
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
Excellent query! My belief is that focusing your learning on a subject you're passionate about is crucial. It shows your ability to absorb knowledge and then use it in your career path. Remember, the secret to success lies in never-ending learning. This will open up opportunities for you to excel in your chosen field.
Kimberly Miyamoto
Chief of Staff
3
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
While I think you'll get the most out of coursework you're passionate about, I feel it's important to consider your future career and the type of experience they'll want to see. In my experience, marketing has more flexibility--I've seen professionals find opportunities to join marketing if they have similar credentials (i.e., Communications), have worked closely across functions with that department, or at a smaller or less traditional company if the individual can demonstrate competency. I'm not as familiar with HR, but at the company I work for I know our Learning & Development department requires a degree in HR to even be considered. That's similar to friends I have who have worked at recognizable tech-related companies like Tesla. I definitely think it's possible to get a role in HR, but like others have said you'll want to be thoughtful about how your frame your experience in your resume, the types of internships you pursue, the transferrable skills you highlight, etc. Employers will want to understand your value proposition compared with those who have a lot of experience in or a degree in HR or marketing.
Quin Ruhl
Talent Strategy Consultant
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Quin’s Answer
Hi Arsh! Plenty of companies do would be happy to hire someone with any major, as long as they show interest & strong potential to be successful. I would guide you though to:
1: Get the relevant experience you need. Shoot for internships that ultimately tell the story of what you want to do when you graduate. Get experience that will make potential employers see that you are capable of whatever job you are applying to.
2: Consider changing majors. I'd challenge you to consider the why behind majoring in psychology, if eventually you want to end up in HR or marketing. If you are truly more interested in HR/Marketing/Business, make the switch! If not, consider jobs that align to your major if that is where your passion lies.
Ultimately, companies hire potential. Show up to interviews with a clear sense of who you are and what you are capable of. You will do great. Good luck!
1: Get the relevant experience you need. Shoot for internships that ultimately tell the story of what you want to do when you graduate. Get experience that will make potential employers see that you are capable of whatever job you are applying to.
2: Consider changing majors. I'd challenge you to consider the why behind majoring in psychology, if eventually you want to end up in HR or marketing. If you are truly more interested in HR/Marketing/Business, make the switch! If not, consider jobs that align to your major if that is where your passion lies.
Ultimately, companies hire potential. Show up to interviews with a clear sense of who you are and what you are capable of. You will do great. Good luck!
Brook Rosenbauer
3
Answers
Updated
Brook’s Answer
I majored in cognitive science (which studies decision making and is very similar to psychology) and minored in Business. I felt that the combination of these areas of study was not only fascinating to me but was marketable to a wide range of jobs and opens a lot of doors! I was able to pursue my passion of psychology while gaining an understanding in the foundations of business. I think this is a great area of study for human resources or marketing, but does not only limit you to those career paths if you happen to change your mind or want to pursue something else. I am currently in Marketing Technology Consulting, for reference. I would suggest taking a few courses in each area of study during your first year. This way you can decide if you want to continue this path, swap the major and minor or even major in both if your schedule allows!
Ticiana Neves
Marketing
2
Answers
Boca Raton
Updated
Ticiana’s Answer
Merging the fields of psychology and business is a truly fascinating endeavor (In fact, my eldest daughter has just embarked on this journey this summer). It presents you with a golden chance to delve into both areas during your college years and then determine which one resonates with you more. Moreover, as highlighted earlier, gaining practical exposure through internships while you're still studying can be a significant stepping stone towards securing a job in either marketing or human resources.
Andrew (Datu) Datu
Marketing Manager
1
Answer
Jersey City, New Jersey
Updated
Andrew (Datu)’s Answer
Adding to what's been stated - the best thing you can do for yourself is get those internship/job experiences. Your career trajectory isn't linear - you could start off as a desk secretary for a private clinic and then get insights on their HR management processes. This will translate directly toward your future career goals. Take advantage of your networks, access your school career center and/or join a non-profit program focused on undergrad professional development; through these resources, ideally you can find a mentor that can provide you individual support on your career journey.
Joy Foley
Human Resources
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Joy’s Answer
Absolutely, merging psychology and business degrees can pave the way to a rewarding career in human resources. That's the route I took during my college years, pursuing a double major in social work and management. Larger universities offer comprehensive business programs, providing an opportunity to delve deeper into specific areas like human resources or marketing. This will help you discover which path sparks your interest the most. Some roles, such as recruitment, perfectly blend both fields. If you're contemplating which to major in for the career path you're considering, I'd suggest leaning towards a business major with a minor in psychology, especially if your sights are set on human resources or marketing.
Maggie Cavanaugh
Marketing Specialist
3
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Maggie’s Answer
Arsh - this is a great idea. I was in a similar boat when I was going to school and was really interested in both marketing and psychology. I ended up taking classes my first year in both and decided to ultimately double major in both marketing and psychology.
I think psychology provides great insight into human behavior and how that can be applied to in a business setting. I found that a lot of the content in both major tracks really helped each support my understanding of both topic areas. I was able to apply some of the research I was learning in psychology to business classes and decisions that I would have to make in business courses. Once I graduated, I ended up in the marketing field and I received a lot of feedback from hiring managers, teammates, and at networking events that having this psychology background would help me stand out and help me in the future! I think having both perspectives and a major or minor in both areas will ultimately be an asset once you graduate and find a job in HR/Marketing.
I also found that going through the psych major track exposed me to a lot of interesting applications of the degree (consumer behavior, industrial organizational psych) that I didn't know about before!
As others have stated, I would major in which ever interests you more to pursue future career in, but having a minor will still be beneficial with helping get real world experiences through internships/job shadowing.
I think psychology provides great insight into human behavior and how that can be applied to in a business setting. I found that a lot of the content in both major tracks really helped each support my understanding of both topic areas. I was able to apply some of the research I was learning in psychology to business classes and decisions that I would have to make in business courses. Once I graduated, I ended up in the marketing field and I received a lot of feedback from hiring managers, teammates, and at networking events that having this psychology background would help me stand out and help me in the future! I think having both perspectives and a major or minor in both areas will ultimately be an asset once you graduate and find a job in HR/Marketing.
I also found that going through the psych major track exposed me to a lot of interesting applications of the degree (consumer behavior, industrial organizational psych) that I didn't know about before!
As others have stated, I would major in which ever interests you more to pursue future career in, but having a minor will still be beneficial with helping get real world experiences through internships/job shadowing.
Kevin Zielinski
Sales Operations Manager
3
Answers
Rochester, New York
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Hello. I'd encourage you to be less concerned about your declared major/minor, and focus more on finding classes that you find interesting. If that turns out to be psychology and some business classes, super! If not, sample and find a subject that interests you. Take the time to participate in the class and learn the content. We tend to like what we're good at and understand, and that may help guide you toward future classes or a major/minor concentration. Happy employees are productive employees.
Also, don't forget to also get to know your teachers/professors and ask them how you can leverage their course to help prepare you for what profession you want to pursue. Professors LOVE students who are interested in learning more. They are in the teaching profession to help people like you to be successful! Good luck!
Also, don't forget to also get to know your teachers/professors and ask them how you can leverage their course to help prepare you for what profession you want to pursue. Professors LOVE students who are interested in learning more. They are in the teaching profession to help people like you to be successful! Good luck!
Denver Stokes
Sales Engineer
3
Answers
Boulder, Colorado
Updated
Denver’s Answer
Hi Arsh,
Speaking from the perspective of someone who works in the quantitative side of Marketing, it's pretty common to see Psychology degrees in this field. In fact, some of the best Marketers I know have them. Additionally, it's not uncommon to see Psychology PhDs in Marketing departments in academia. Psychology will set you up well for how to think like a scientist and design customer experiments that guide Marketing campaigns. Additionally, the psych theory gives perspective into what people don't like to see in Marketing; like being tricked into a purchase.
I'm not as versed in HR, but will echo the advice above that Psychology can be a nice inroad to a career in Organizational Behavior.
Finally, you're still early in your academic career. There's nothing wrong with taking the 101 classes for HR and Marketing to decide which you like more. Shifting your focus during school is not just common, but part of growing. I've shifted my career multiple times in my academic and professional career and the knowledge gained was never a waste of time.
Speaking from the perspective of someone who works in the quantitative side of Marketing, it's pretty common to see Psychology degrees in this field. In fact, some of the best Marketers I know have them. Additionally, it's not uncommon to see Psychology PhDs in Marketing departments in academia. Psychology will set you up well for how to think like a scientist and design customer experiments that guide Marketing campaigns. Additionally, the psych theory gives perspective into what people don't like to see in Marketing; like being tricked into a purchase.
I'm not as versed in HR, but will echo the advice above that Psychology can be a nice inroad to a career in Organizational Behavior.
Finally, you're still early in your academic career. There's nothing wrong with taking the 101 classes for HR and Marketing to decide which you like more. Shifting your focus during school is not just common, but part of growing. I've shifted my career multiple times in my academic and professional career and the knowledge gained was never a waste of time.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
780
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Arsh, embarking on a journey to major in psychology and minor in business can be a promising pathway if you're keen on exploring careers in areas like human resources or marketing. However, it's crucial to weigh the potential hurdles and prospects that this unique blend of studies might offer.
Psychology, as a major, can offer you a treasure trove of knowledge about human behavior, motivation, and interpersonal relations, which are all key elements in fields like human resources and marketing. By delving into the psychological aspects that sway individuals and groups, you can craft effective strategies for talent hunting, employee engagement, customer behavior analysis, and targeted marketing initiatives. Plus, the analytical and research prowess you gain from a psychology degree can be a great asset in data-oriented decision-making processes prevalent in these fields.
Moreover, Arsh, remember that pairing your psychology major with a business minor can furnish you with a robust foundation in crucial business tenets, such as management, finance, marketing, and organizational behavior. This pairing can serve as a bridge, connecting the theoretical comprehension of human behavior with the practical implementation of business strategies. It can also signal to potential employers your adaptability and your knack for navigating the crossroads of human psychology and organizational goals.
However, it's vital to keep in mind that while this educational trajectory can be beneficial, it might not be a straightforward path to landing a job in human resources or marketing. Some employers in these sectors may favor candidates with specific degrees or certifications directly tied to the field, such as human resource management, industrial/organizational psychology, or marketing. In such scenarios, you might need to contemplate pursuing additional certifications, internships, or entry-level roles to accrue practical experience and prove your qualifications.
Furthermore, the competition in these fields can be intense, and employers might prioritize candidates with pertinent work experience or specialized skills. Thus, it's essential to actively hunt for internships, engage in extracurricular activities, and build a robust portfolio of projects or case studies that exhibit your abilities and enthusiasm for these fields.
In summary, Arsh, remember that while a psychology major and business minor can lay a solid groundwork and offer valuable insights for roles in human resources or marketing, it might not be a surefire path to employment in these sectors. It's crucial to thoroughly assess your interests, strengths, and career aspirations, and think about enhancing your education with relevant certifications, internships, and practical experiences. Plus, networking and forging professional ties within your chosen industry can significantly boost your odds of securing a job in these competitive arenas.
Psychology, as a major, can offer you a treasure trove of knowledge about human behavior, motivation, and interpersonal relations, which are all key elements in fields like human resources and marketing. By delving into the psychological aspects that sway individuals and groups, you can craft effective strategies for talent hunting, employee engagement, customer behavior analysis, and targeted marketing initiatives. Plus, the analytical and research prowess you gain from a psychology degree can be a great asset in data-oriented decision-making processes prevalent in these fields.
Moreover, Arsh, remember that pairing your psychology major with a business minor can furnish you with a robust foundation in crucial business tenets, such as management, finance, marketing, and organizational behavior. This pairing can serve as a bridge, connecting the theoretical comprehension of human behavior with the practical implementation of business strategies. It can also signal to potential employers your adaptability and your knack for navigating the crossroads of human psychology and organizational goals.
However, it's vital to keep in mind that while this educational trajectory can be beneficial, it might not be a straightforward path to landing a job in human resources or marketing. Some employers in these sectors may favor candidates with specific degrees or certifications directly tied to the field, such as human resource management, industrial/organizational psychology, or marketing. In such scenarios, you might need to contemplate pursuing additional certifications, internships, or entry-level roles to accrue practical experience and prove your qualifications.
Furthermore, the competition in these fields can be intense, and employers might prioritize candidates with pertinent work experience or specialized skills. Thus, it's essential to actively hunt for internships, engage in extracurricular activities, and build a robust portfolio of projects or case studies that exhibit your abilities and enthusiasm for these fields.
In summary, Arsh, remember that while a psychology major and business minor can lay a solid groundwork and offer valuable insights for roles in human resources or marketing, it might not be a surefire path to employment in these sectors. It's crucial to thoroughly assess your interests, strengths, and career aspirations, and think about enhancing your education with relevant certifications, internships, and practical experiences. Plus, networking and forging professional ties within your chosen industry can significantly boost your odds of securing a job in these competitive arenas.
Thank you for taking your time to explain this. I really appreciate it!!
Arsh
Nicole Brodzik
Marketing and Communications Specialist
3
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Pursuing a minor in business can help you get closer to a career in your passion for marketing and human resources! The beauty of these sectors is that job listings frequently call for candidates with degrees from diverse fields, and business is almost always among them.
A tip to consider is to explore marketing roles at your school or internships during your later college years. While your degree paves the way for opportunities, real-world experience or extracurricular activities (such as contributing to your student-run newspaper's business department or interning at local marketing firms) can truly make you shine in your job search!
A tip to consider is to explore marketing roles at your school or internships during your later college years. While your degree paves the way for opportunities, real-world experience or extracurricular activities (such as contributing to your student-run newspaper's business department or interning at local marketing firms) can truly make you shine in your job search!
Wenny Katzenstein
4
Answers
Updated
Wenny’s Answer
Often what you start with in your undergraduate degree is a stepping stone but not a direct path to every stage and step in your career. It's almost more important in past roles where I've hired early career candidates to have strong sense of curiosity, problem solving skills, an understanding of numbers, and great communication skills (written and verbal). You may want to also consider taking a few of these courses as electives to better understand the basics of business and the wide berth that marketing also might cover. I agree with a poster above, that these are all additive regardless of the path you choose!
Karen Wedge Landry
Digital Marketing Producer
5
Answers
Rochester, New York
Updated
Karen’s Answer
From my experience, for many jobs, having a degree is more important than having a specific degree, and I think that will be true for you in HR.
My degree is a major in Music and a minor in French and I have never used my Music degree. I did get my foot in the door based on my ability to speak French, by applying for a job in a call center than needed French speakers. But my non-music and non-French related classes have helped me just as much as an employee.
My degree is a major in Music and a minor in French and I have never used my Music degree. I did get my foot in the door based on my ability to speak French, by applying for a job in a call center than needed French speakers. But my non-music and non-French related classes have helped me just as much as an employee.
Susan Gross, ICF-PCC, PHR, SHRM-CP
Staffing Manager
4
Answers
Cape Coral, Florida
Updated
Susan’s Answer
I think both areas of study are important for a career in HR. That said, if there is an opportunity to take elective courses in HR, such as Organizational Behavior (which would probably be of interest due to your Phycology degree) that would be helpful. Also, strive to do internships within the HR field, as that not only shows drive/interest, but will be real life teaching experiences for you. College graduates should always have at least one relevant internship in my opinion.
Deena LaMarque Piquion
CMO & CGO
7
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Deena’s Answer
Increasingly, marketing departments are seeking individuals with particular marketing abilities and skills. Therefore, it's crucial to include any relevant marketing knowledge, courses, certifications, and so forth in your resume. I believe that a combination of psychology and business is an ideal match for a career in Human Resources.
Jamine Hill Fraser
Marketing
5
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Jamine’s Answer
Hello - if you choose that path a HR career is a viable option. If you want a business career it will be more advisable to major in business if you want to pursue Finance, Marketing, or Accounting.
Sonya Terando
5
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Sonya’s Answer
hello! As a current business major, I would recommend swapping the two and majoring in business (admin, management etc.) and minoring in psychology. Also, If you want to get into marketing at all I would recommend concentrating in marketing as a part of your business major. Business core classes in college will provide you with a much better foundation to enter HR/marketing than a psychology major will. Moreos, companies often look for business majors over social science majors when hiring for internships.
Laura Bugaj
Pricing
6
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Laura’s Answer
I had a major in psychology and minor in business! It was a great background for me to pursue multiple things. I thought I wanted to be a psychologist, but then I really enjoyed the business part, and went to work initially in sales. I think the Psych background actually helped me be a better sales person. then I went on to get my MBA - so the business minor was a great path to that, and then I had a career change within my company moving from sales to a finance/pricing role and then into management and leadership roles. So I think that is a flexible major/minor combination to enable a lot of different future career possibilities.
Boris Fantini
Marketing Manager
4
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Boris’s Answer
Hello Arsh! Choosing this career direction will definitely open doors for you to utilize your talents in marketing and human resources. Businesses really appreciate a good understanding of their industry, no matter what the specific field is. Having a solid foundation in psychology will surely give you an edge. My friendly advice is to keep up with the newest developments in both marketing and HR. Participate in workshops, webinars, and courses that can boost your knowledge and abilities. These activities also provide a great platform for networking and establishing connections with top professionals in these fields. Wishing you all the best!
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