I have been accepted to UCSB for Communications where I can also earn a certificate in marketing and join the American Marketing Association (many of their graduates go on to careers in marketing, yet I am concerned that I will not be a top candidate because of UCSB’s party reputation, and communications is not an actual business or marketing degree), UCSD for International Business with a minor in Communications (Only draw back is that International business is the only business degree offered, but it comes from an accredited school), Chapman for Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing (Drawback: not as prestigious as a UC and huge debt after college), LUM Marketing (Drawback not as prestigious as a UC and huge debt after college). I have to decide which is best for a future in Marketing!
Go to the school where you think you’ll be happiest and fit in best. Careers in marketing are VERY tough to come by for kids right out of college. Most will need to go into sales first and then transition into marketing or work a few years, pursue an MBA and then transition into marketing. Having an undergrad degree in marketing vs communications vs international business will not make much of a difference in an employers eyes. Your comment about UCSB’s “party reputation” making you a less desireable candidate is just not something I’ve seen in the workplace (as a UCSB alum). If anything, I’d say it’s helped me. UCSB students tend to have great leadership and communication skills (in addition to being smart), and that serves employers well (especially in marketing!). UCSB also has a very strong alumni network and a general willingness to “go the extra mile” to help a fellow Gaucho because of the strong school pride. I’d spend time on both UCSB and UCSD’s campuses and see where you see yourself fitting in best. They’re very different schools and likely one will feel like a better fit. Both great schools, so just follow your gut. Good luck!
I am a global marketing manager for a fortune 500 company… I have a BS and MBA - both Finance focused. Many of my peers have scientific and engineering degrees. We just added a college hire to our team, she is an English major but, had some really great on-campus experience and tangible examples of when she’d used her skills to create marketing material - in support of a couple of campus related ECs. Clearly having a ‘Marketing’ degree isn’t critical to success in the field of marketing. What you need is a business sense and a knack for communication. The tactics like social, digital ads, and such, you can learn on the job and will change constantly.
Go where you will be your best. When you get there, engage with the campus community, find a club or other org where you get a leadership position. AMA is good but, all clubs need people to make flyers, work recruit booths, manage their social media accounts, etc. Learn what you can from them but, you might find it easier develop your skills and demonstrate your talents in a non-Marketing club.
DO NOT incur a dime of debt you don’t need. Either of your UC options are a good ckoice - go where you will feel most comfortable. Nobody will care about the ‘party school’ or Socially Dead reps of either.
Well, I would say go to the school where you think you’ll be happiest and absolute fit in the best. Careers in marketing are VERY tough to come by for kids right out of college. Most will need to go into sales first and then transition into marketing or work a few years, pursue an MBA and then transition into marketing. CBU Online and Professional Studies one of the best school for me to [career in marketing.](https://www.cbuonline.edu/).