Question

Topic: Student Questions

Switching Careers

Posted by Anonymous on 9/3/2008 at 4:53 PM ET 250 Points
I am a recent graduate from Missouri University of Science and Technology. I received my degree in Architectural Engineering. I currently work for an engineering firm in Kansas City. It was not until my senior year in college that I realized engineering is not where my passion lies. I could go on for the rest of my life making a great salary, but be unhappy as to the career I have. I know there is a chance of taking a pay cut as well. That is when I started researching what fits my personality and interests when I came across marketing communication and/or integrated marketing communications. I think this field is great for what I hold interests in and love to do. I love being creative and working with people, both of which I am unable to do as an engineer in the position I am currently working in. I would like to go back to get a M.S. in either Marketing Communication or M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications. I have found two programs that I find great: Illinois Institute Technology has a M.S. Marketing Communication (15 months for full time student to complete) and Eastern Michigan University has a M.S. Integrated Marketing Communication (2 years for professional to complete).

My question to all of you is how late is it to switch careers completely? (I am 23 years old right now.) And, do you think it will hurt me when wanting to apply to schools as well as job having an engineering degree as a background rather than a business, communication, or journalism degree? Also, how competitive is the market for IMC or MC jobs especially in Kansas City and Saint Louis (where I am from)? I am currently trying to find jobs out there that I can possibly get into, but I have a feeling that may be hard as well. I'm sure they want people with degrees in related fields.

I am a little nervous about this because like I said it is completely changing my career and my life in a way. However, I don't want to be in my late 20s or 30s unhappy due to never taking a chance with what I wish I could have gone into. I would like to start into my career before I start to settle down and have kids as well.

I appreciate any feedback and help about this. Thank you!
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by ilan on 9/3/2008 at 5:20 PM Accepted
    Hats off to you for recognizing the reality you face. Yes, it is a gutsy move, but one you can make without thinking twice about your age, after all we still retire at 65...
    I teach at the U. of C. in certificate programs, IMC, that include many people like you, and there's a good value to these programs.
    I don't believe that the degree will make you good, the knowledge and your passion will.
    If you want to make a full degree in IMC, go to Kellogg at Northwestern in Evanston, or any other reputable university that really specializes in the subject.
    Make sure the faculty has a healthy mix of academia AND people from the trade.
    Best of luck!
  • Posted by Neil on 9/6/2008 at 8:07 PM Accepted
    By the way, you are *only* 23. Many people have not even started one career at that age much less changed so you are doing fine. People often change careers a few times over their working life.

    Second, I have to be honest, I do not think EMU is that great a school from what I know about it. Not sure about Kansas University.

    You don't have to go to the best school out there but can you get into any place better than EMU? It is not a bad school but if you can go up a notch, try to do so.

    Third, have you considered getting an MBA with an emphasis in Marketing? I think that might give you more options when you finish and your quantitative background will help you, too.
  • Posted on 9/9/2008 at 10:36 AM Accepted
    Shefy,

    It's not uncommon for people with a technical degree to eventually gravitate toward a marketing role. In fact, an engineering background along with an M.S. in marketing complement each other nicely. As you'll learn this profession is both an analytical and creative endeavour.

    In addition to an advanced degree, why not parlay your passion for marketing into an increased scope of responsibilities at your current job? By that I mean use the slow periods during your normal work day to work on marketing related projects. If your company has a marketing director, or someone similar become chums with them and volunteer to help with business development.

    Your actions will show initiative and a genuine interest for marketing, this will only benefit you when applying to business school or a new career.

    Cheers & Good Luck,

    Jesse Kanclerz
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