Question

Topic: Student Questions

On-line Or Not To On-line?

Posted by Anonymous on 9/1/2004 at 3:50 AM ET 100 Points
Hi Everyone!

I've such great luck posting questions so here comes round three. I hate to say this but I need to make my decision in the next several days so your speedy response is very much appreciated.

I'm currently enrolled at a regionally accredited Online university; American Intercontinental University AIU). I'm completing my bachelor's in business w/ an emphasis in marketing. The whole program is 15-18 months long and I will be graduating next May. I've already taken 4 classes and another is on its way.

When I first started this program I didn’t have a strong concept of marketing. After exhaustive research I learned that the creative side is more in the advertising side, which is what I enjoy. I also learned many important things that I never considered before; the importance of internships, alumni resources, ad club participation, and face to face communication.

My school doesn’t offer internship credit nor require it, they don’t have alumni resources, I can’t join an ad club (important due to the fact that the ad club gets to develop campaigns and contests) and there is a weak placement department. Also, the school isn’t well known.

I'm 30 years old and mainly have managerial experience in the restaurant field. Also, I'm considering a career in Account Planning, Copywriting, or Brand/product management. I hate math/numbers so I'm leaning towards Account Planning or Copywriting.

Due to these factors, I'm considering transferring to a 'traditional' university majoring in Communications w/ an emphasis in Advertising. HOWEVER, if I did do this I would be graduating in 3+ years as opposed to 9 months at my current school ( Age of 33) and I would lose over $7,000 in non-transferable classes.

I'm stuck at what I should do. Is age a huge factor in getting entry level work? I'm competing against younger blood in the ad business.

2. Do you think the loss of $7000 + my time is WORTH gaining the 'traditional degree?

3. Do employers really look at the school's name?

4. Basically, I'll be extending my educational goals by 3 years, is this worth it?

5. Do employers look down at someone who has just finished their degree at the age of 33 as opposed to 30?

Either way, my goal is to excel up the ladder and eventually become a partner of an ad agency/corporation or VP. I'm trying to take this into account aslo.

Any suggestions/insights would be helpful!

Thanks!!
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by Inbox_Interactive on 9/1/2004 at 10:49 AM Accepted
    My $0.02 on your questions:

    1. I don't think your age will be a factor in getting entry-level work, particularly as you're still what I would call "young" being only 30 years old. (Oh, those were the days...) This is even less of a factor if you are pursuing something "creative" as opposed to something administrative or managerial.

    2. I do not think the "traditional" degree is worth spending another $7,000, nor would I delay my career plans for another three years, UNLESS you were going to go to a top-tier, name-brand school with a reputation for cranking out winners in your chosen industry.

    3. Along the same lines, I don't think employers spend much time worrying about the name of the school unless it's well-known.

    4. More or less already asked and answered, but no, I would not delay things by three years. Personally, I think the experience is worth more, but I think I am in the minority there.

    5. I don't think there's much of a difference between finishing your degree at 30 or 33.

    I think you first have to decide if what you want to do is account management or something creative like copywriting. Either way, though, I think the most important things in getting a job in a creative, ad-oriented shop will be how uniquely you address the application process and how creatively you differentiate yourself from your competitors. After all, if you can't do it for yourself when trying to land a job, how can you do it for clients?

    This would NOT be the time to send out black-on-white resumes with form cover letters in plain-white envelopes.

  • Posted by Carl Crawford on 9/3/2004 at 9:27 AM Member
    hi opendoor;

    SAVE YOUR MONEY and YOUR TIME



    it does not matter where you got your degree as long as you know what you are talking about!!!!

    experience is the most important thing!!!!!!!

    i get turned down for jobs ALL the time because i DONT HAVE ANY EXPERANCE.

    i am only 19 but i suggest you get out there and "JUST DO IT". (lol) i am still learning how the REAL world works but it is CLEAR to me that EXPERAINCE and KNOWING THE RIGHT person are the way to get jobs.

    Hope this helps you

    Have a nice day

    Sweetasman01

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