Question

Topic: Career/Training

Switching Sectors

Posted by Anonymous on 3/6/2010 at 6:23 PM ET 125 Points
I recently started reading a marketing textbook (that you nice folks on marketingprofs recommended), and I'm finding it really fascinating. One thing I'm curious about though, when it comes to careers in marketing, is how easy it is to switch sectors? For example, I hear Proctor and Gamble is a great place for marketing. Is this still true if you eventually want to work for a different company altogether? For example, would starting out at P&G still be wise if you wanted to eventually work for clothing lines, clothing retailers, or even financial services firms? Or do you really need to start in the "right" industry? Put differently, how much are marketing professionals able to move within various industries?
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RESPONSES

  • Posted on 3/6/2010 at 8:00 PM Accepted
    I can only speak for myself. I started at Procter & Gamble, loved it there and learned a lot about marketing. Then went to Frito-Lay -- still consumer products, but snack food instead of laundry and cleaning aids. Then Playtex -- still consumer products, but now intimate apparel, infant feeding systems, feminine protection. And then as a consultant served a number of B2B clients, including DuPont, IBM, Fujitsu, Louisiana Pacific, etc., as well as clients with consumer products in very different categories (e.g., major appliances, bathroom hardware, fashion apparel, home insulation, etc.), not-for-profit organizations, healthcare and insurance providers, leisure travel, etc.

    I had no problem taking the lessons learned at P&G and applying them in all sorts of industries, categories and situations. In fact, each situation teaches something that can be useful in other industries. You just have to be sure you make the right translations and learn the right lessons.

    My vote: Get the best on-the-job training you can, and recognize that you need to learn the generalized lesson, not one that is so specific to your own business/industry that you'll never need it again.
  • Posted by michael on 3/9/2010 at 9:09 AM Accepted
    You'll learn a lot from a company like P&G or any company with a large marketing department. You'll have room to move and progress and learn. You might even like it and stay your whole career there.

    My only problem with a P&G career is the size of their budget. You get used to access to funds. That's not always the case when you go out on your own.

    Michael
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