Know-How Exchange : Career/Training

Hi Everyone!

I've been putting my brain through continuous torture sessions trying to find the golden answer to my career path. Maybe you'll have better luck than me trying to make sense of all this.


My goal is to transition from a restaurant manager to an advertising/marketing professional. I just turned 30 and re-entered school to complete my Bachelor's in Business with a concentration in marketing from an accredited online university. I mainly have experience in the restaurant industry and some self employment.

My confusion escalates as I try to decide on which career path to pursue; Copywriter, Account Planner, or Brand/Product Manager, basically creative ad agency side vs. client, corporate side. These paths entail different experience and education. I enjoy different aspects of all three and each holds different appeal.


My interests are creating ideas and concepts from scratch, creative conceptualization, branding experience/strategy, strategic planning, everything related to business except for math, psychology, consumer behavior, Includes developing and executing TV commercials, print, radio, internet. My main goal regardless of which area I pursue is to evolve into a VP/Partner of an ad agency or corporation. Climbing the ladder is central to my life's mission.


STRENGTHS: business savvy, street smarts, emotional intelligence, creative flair, forward thinker, problem solver, managerial skills, internet knowledgeable, fluent in MS word, decent in the English writing ( punctuation, etc), and entrepreneurial experience.


WEAKNESSES: (painful, but must do); math, this includes all areas of math, lack of knowledge/experience in graphics and graphics software, lack of experience in press releases, portfolio. Lack experience in any formal marketing role.


My questions are as follows;


Based on my information above, do you see a fit in one of the three positions ( Copywriter, Account Planner, Brand/Product Manager), possibly an easier transition?



Is my age a factor in any of the three career paths? Will this be a possible problem for employment? ( Graduate time= age of 32). I know its illegal but employers do have their methods of hiring.



Does a Brand/Product Manager use math daily and does this position generally lack the creative conceptualization? Basically is this position more of a business role as opposed to a creative role? ( Right brain vs. left brain).



If I pursue a career in marketing on the corporate side, is it common and wise to immediately specialize in a specific industry?


Are math skills significantly important in a marketing and advertising title, if so what areas of math do you recommend I learn?


Are the math free hand calculations or is software generally used to calculate everything?



Are there any distinct advantages/disadvantages to starting a career on the agency side or corporate side?



Are there any distinct advantages/disadvantages to any of the three positions listed?



Why are Account Planning jobs so scarce?


Can an education in Account Planning lead to other employment opportunities, and on the client side?



Do Account Planners use math/statistics daily in their jobs?



Basically, which career path represents the most opportunity for advancement, job opportunities, and greater income?



Any advice and/or insight on these topics or the industry would be helpful and will assist me to crystallize my future.



I greatly appreciate any advice and I look forward to your reply.