<p>Hi, I'm just wondering about going into marketing as a career. I go to a top 3 LAC and am going to major in psychology. I like studying people, basically. :) Without any background in marketing, how can I break into the business? Thanks! I'm a freshman, by the way.</p>
<p>Anyone? I was thinking of just trying for an internship through my career center.</p>
<p>An internship is the best way to break into any field; in fact, I am working as an intern under a non-profit marketing department this winter break and I attend a top ten LAC. I worked at this organization last summer in the same department and after pulling a few strings, I managed to get employed full-time this winter break. You’re not going to have the ‘business’ classes that other candidates may have, but I (and my employer) are thoroughly convinced that you don’t need a ‘business degree’ to do this kind of work. Smarts – which I’m sure you have if you’re attending an elite LAC – will take you a lot farther. Funny thing, though, one of my bosses has a degree in ‘Agricultural Business Management’; the organization I work for has nothing to do with agriculture. ;)</p>
<p>Agree with Sligh in that you need to do a marketing internship during breaks. However, I strongly disagree with Sligh in that you don’t need a business degree for a marketing career. In fact, a business degree is very essential for your marketing career in the future. </p>
<p>I understand the situation in non-profit organization. Compared to profit organization seeking to generate constant cash through marketing, the marketing functions of non-profit may not require as high standards of marketing skills as corporations need. </p>
<p>Also, within marketing career, there are different jobs. Marketing research is very different from Brand marketing in sense that each function requires different skill set and knowledge. Psychology major is also suitable for marketing career but it is not enough these days. Like several years ago when jobs were available to less specialized people, yes, non-typical applicants could get a marketing job like Sligh’s boss did - still his/her boss has a business administration-. However, these days, there are SO MANY MANY skilled people. Competition is high. </p>
<p>Psychology, statistics and business (which majors are all welcome for marketing career) and extensive relevant experience are required. Please remember that marketing is not just about understanding people’s behavior. Marketing people naturally understand consumers’ behavior very well, probably better than psychology major people. Marketing career is all about generating money. </p>
<p>If you are interested in just understanding people’s pyche, your better bet would be in a different place. If you are interested in understanding consumers’ (not ordinary or abnormal people) behaivor and more importantly turning your interests into money, marketing career is best suited for you.</p>
<p>If you want to work in advertising company, a solo pychology major would work. Otherwise, do take business or marketing courses or have a dual major in busness, if possible. </p>
<p>Hope this helps. I have been in marketing for more than 6 years.</p>
<p>^ bahahaha if enormous, bulge-bracket investment banks in NYC (pretty damn keen on making as much cash as physically possible) will take kids from top 10 schools with English or History degrees (and no real business experience), then I’m pretty dang sure that marketing companies will too.</p>
<p>Being demonstrably smart is the most important thing for any field</p>