<p>As in, I know that most people don't actually get or end up pursuing a career in the same path that they've majored in, but generally speaking I feel that it's not something that drastically far away from what they originally studied. </p>
<p>I'm currently a Sophomore marketing major and not uncommonly do I have those moments of doubt about whether or not this is the major that I want to pursue, however, I don't entirely know what else I should switch to, and all the while I wait, I feel like I'm just slowly approaching the point at which deciding to switch would carry hefty opportunity/financial costs. </p>
<p>I don't know that marketing isn't what i want to do yet, and it certainly is what I want to do if I end up as a business major, but I also have a strong love for the outdoors, and dream to move to California post-college. </p>
<p>Put simply; marketing is interesting to me, yes, but I love being outside, and cannot see myself at a desk job for much of my life, but don't know what major I would (or if i even should at this point) switch to. So, if I get a degree in marketing, would it be completely unreasonable to hope that I can find an outdoor, average paying job, that may in fact be at the opposite spectrum from the business field?</p>
<p>Sometimes the best jobs are found in the seams between two areas. Almost every industry needs business expertise. That means ski resorts, outdoor trip companies or schools, vinyards, companies that make outdoor gear, etc. Someone has to do the marketing, finance, accounting, and IT for those companies. See if you can intern in a place like that. A business degree is pretty useful in the long run, no matter what industry you are in. It is always helpful to understand a bit of accounting, a bit of marketing, a bit of finance, etc. I have a marketing degree from 30 years ago… I have never actually worked in marketing, but have found the general knowledge from my business degree to be very useful at other things over the years.</p>
<p>Thanks for that advice, that makes a lot of sense too, definitely put me more at ease about the whole situation. </p>
<p>What if I decide the environmental side of the two is more really my thing later down the road, like nothing marketing at all? I know having an environmental sciences degree would be advantageous in that situation, but would it not even be realistic to think i can get a career in that field with a Marketing degree?</p>
<p>I cannot stress enough the importance of getting an internship, even unpaid, in marketing over the summer so that you can get a better sense of your interests in the area, and in order to improve your chances of getting a job.</p>
<p>How about environmental non-profits? They still have to perform business functions. For example, I know someone who worked in marketing for the National Wildlife Fund quite a few years ago (no longer there, but she liked it). And maybe you could minor in something like environmental science. Or even if you don’t minor, try to pick up several classes and note that on your resume. In the college section of your resume, you would say something like:</p>
<p>“University of XX, undergraduate degree received 2015. Major in marketing, also significant coursework in environmental studies.”</p>
<p>You can also indicate your interest in the field in the summary section of your resume. But… tailor the resume for who you are sending it to. Only leave the interest in environmental science or outdoor/environmental organizations in when you actually send it to that type of organization. :)</p>
<p>I agree completely with the need to get some kind of internship for next summer, and maybe the summer after that move you toward whatever your goal is. Start looking NOW if you have not already.</p>
I have a marketing degree from 30 years ago… I have never actually worked in marketing, but have found the general knowledge from my business degree to be very useful at other things over the years.</p>