Marketing Degree

LedZeppelin

Hi Ladies! I've been thinking about going back to school to get a bachelor's in marketing. I have an AA, but I think a marketing degree could be very helpful to me. My job right now requires a lot of marketing, and frankly, I'm not very good at it. I'd also like to start selling my artwork, which again would be helped with marketing.

This is what I'm nervous about, though: Cost of tuition, daycare (and cost of), the public speaking, I'm not very good at math (I can pass, but it's kind of difficult for me), and when I had economics (back in high school) I had a hard time understanding it.

So, I would love to hear your opinions. Should I go for it? I would also love to hear your experiences with marketing/business degrees or classes if you have them.

Thanks!

[Deleted User]

Could you get scholarships? Financial aid? My university had a daycare on campus run by the child development and other related majors/departments, so maybe that would be a cheaper option and your kid would be close by.

If it interests you and could help you in your career, then I say go for it. I also am terrible at public speaking, but it gets easier. And, confidence is easy to fake after you get used to talking in front of people.

And, possibly stupid question--would you really have to take a lot of math courses for a marketing degree?

ETA--what kind of art do you do? I prefer oils on canvas but sometimes work with acrylics. Mainly abstract but some realism.

betrothed123

Does the school your thinking of offer online courses?  If you can take as many of those as possible, you might be able to cut the child care costs more than you'd think.

You should take a look at the school(s) you're interested in and get a list of required courses.  If they're really heavy on the economics and math, maybe you'd be better off going for something else related to marketing.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

Well, over a lifetime, a BS or BA will earn more for you than an AA, generally speaking. There will be more jobs you'll qualified for.

i'm currently getting an MA and I go at night. It's a little harder to get all the classes I need, but most state schools are 1) pretty cheap and 2) flexible about students who work full time. What does your fiance do? Can he be home in the evenings with your son while you're at school? (This is assuming you want to keep your current job and go to school part time.)

Also, once you're over the age of 23, married, or have a dependent, you don't need to put your parents' financial information down ont he FAFSA for financial aid. Which can be much more helpful - financial aid will be based on your income alone. Also, I know at my school, there are scholarships specifically for older students and parents of young kids.

MarriedInAFever

Do you have a college in mind for this program? If so, I would talk to the academic advisor in the department about your concerns. In general, I'll try to address some of your concerns just from my experience.

Cost of tuition: You're likely eligible for financial aid, which can seriously help with the cost. A pell grant is $4,000. Apply when you're ready at fafsa.gov

Daycare: Many colleges offer free or discounted daycare on campus. Ask your campus about their daycare offerings.

Public speaking: Frankly, you'll get over it for the most part. Very few people like speaking in public and after you take a public speaking class and give several presentations, you'll get used to. Also? EVERYONE has to do it. No one is judging because they're too concerned about themselves. Just relax.

Math: Talk to the advisor about this. Usually free or low cost tutoring is available. And ALWAYS communicate with your profs about getting through the class. Always do your homework, attend class and go the extra mile and they will help you.

Econ: is hard. Find other resources online and in the library to help you understand it. Talk to your profs about difficult concepts.

I would encourage you to go. You're absolutely capable and having a Bachelor's degree certainly isn't going to hurt anything.

LedZeppelin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_marketing-degree?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:85f14081-9e30-4c9c-8337-666136a15509Post:72d9e7e6-7431-41c6-8d6f-f98925832601">Re: Marketing Degree</a>:
[QUOTE]Could you get scholarships? Financial aid? My university had a daycare on campus run by the child development and other related majors/departments, so maybe that would be a cheaper option and your kid would be close by. If it interests you and could help you in your career, then I say go for it. I also am terrible at public speaking, but it gets easier. And, confidence is easy to fake after you get used to talking in front of people. And, possibly stupid question--would you really have to take a lot of math courses for a marketing degree? ETA--what kind of art do you do? I prefer oils on canvas but sometimes work with acrylics. Mainly abstract but some realism.
Posted by Seshat411[/QUOTE]

They do have an on campus day care like that, but from what I could find it was still very expensive. You can get a large discount on it if you also qualify for a grant (Pell grant, I think). I would have to look into further to see what the qualifications are for both.

There are just a few math classes, I think. Maybe I'm just making excuses. haha.

As for the art - I do acrylics now. I used to do a lot of pencil/colored pencil drawings, but now I just do those as basic sketches to lay out ideas for my paintings. I would really like to try oil, though.

LedZeppelin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_marketing-degree?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:85f14081-9e30-4c9c-8337-666136a15509Post:2414e7ee-bcda-4cd9-a63a-8ec0c743ed18">Re: Marketing Degree</a>:
[QUOTE]Does the school your thinking of offer online courses?  If you can take as many of those as possible, you might be able to cut the child care costs more than you'd think. You should take a look at the school(s) you're interested in and get a list of required courses.  If they're really heavy on the economics and math, maybe you'd be better off going for something else related to marketing.
Posted by betrothed123[/QUOTE]

So far, I've only really looked into ASU, just because it's the main school around here. I'm sure they offer online classes, I would just have to look into it further.

I do have a list of required courses.There's not a ton of math, but there's good amount of economics. I'm not sure if it's one of those things that I'm not good at right now, but could learn and become good at it. Or if it's something that I will just never be good at.

goheels05

I wouldn't worry too much about math.  If you took any at the community college, that credit will transfer and be sufficient, I would imagine.  I didn't take any math in college (and I majored in accounting).  I took math at the CC before my freshman year.  Any other classes, if you're passionate about getting your BA or BS, it will be easier to put the work into what you think is a really hard class.  There also should be some free tutoring available.

Ditto on the on-campus daycare and scholarships.  You will probably qualify for a lot of them--you're a female, you're probably what they consider a non-traditional student, you have a small child, you already have relevant work experience. 

I think the public speaking thing will come easier than you think.  Presentations and group work are generally a big part of any bachelors degree program, but remember that all of your classmates will have the same fears, and if anything, they will be intimidated by YOU because you are the one who is already out of school and working. 

As far as how helpful this will be to your career, I really don't know.  In my experience, I would guess that whatever you have learned on the job about marketing is already way more than you will learn from books and lectures.  But as others said, it will look great on your resume and will give you a big boost in the long run as far as job hunting and pay. 

LedZeppelin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_marketing-degree?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:85f14081-9e30-4c9c-8337-666136a15509Post:d2891e2b-cb80-48ca-8f50-a98749d0531d">Re: Marketing Degree</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>Well, over a lifetime, a BS or BA will earn more for you than an AA, generally speaking. There will be more jobs you'll qualified for</strong>. i'm currently getting an MA and I go at night. It's a little harder to get all the classes I need, but most state schools are 1) pretty cheap and 2) flexible about students who work full time. What does your fiance do? Can he be home in the evenings with your son while you're at school? (This is assuming you want to keep your current job and go to school part time.) Also, once you're over the age of 23, married, or have a dependent, you don't need to put your parents' financial information down ont he FAFSA for financial aid. Which can be much more helpful - financial aid will be based on your income alone. Also, I know at my school, there are scholarships specifically for older students and parents of young kids.
Posted by msmerymac[/QUOTE]

This is exactly why I've been thinking about it so much. FI works the normal 8-5, so he is home in the evening. That is a good point about the night classes. He, also, needs to finish his degree and I'm not sure when he would take his classes. My work schedule is very easy to work around, though, because I can make my own schedule.

That is good to hear about the FAFSA, though. I am 23, have a dependent, and will be married in March. FI's income is OK, but I make next to nothing. That would be great if I could get some kind of financial aid.

goheels05

Econ was my favorite class in the College of Business.  I'm such a nerd.

goheels05

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_marketing-degree?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:85f14081-9e30-4c9c-8337-666136a15509Post:6fe3d1c3-76d7-4cbf-af8c-eaa60d1d8556">Re: Marketing Degree</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Marketing Degree : This is exactly why I've been thinking about it so much. FI works the normal 8-5, so he is home in the evening. That is a good point about the night classes. He, also, needs to finish his degree and I'm not sure when he would take his classes. My work schedule is very easy to work around, though, because I can make my own schedule. That is good to hear about the FAFSA, though. I am 23, have a dependent, and will be married in March. FI's income is OK, but I make next to nothing. <strong>That would be great if I could get some kind of financial aid.</strong>
Posted by LedZeppelin[/QUOTE]

It sounds like you will.  When my mom went back to school, they practically paid her to go.  She even got a stipend for gas money. 

Shaye526

I only had to take one economics class in high school so before college I don't think many people know that much about it unless it happens to be an interest for them. I think that the first economics class you take will probably be a basic course where they don't assume you have any prior knowledge of it. It might not be as bad as you think. You'll probably learn from the beginning and build it up and apply it to the other areas you're studying related to marketing.

I would definitely discuss this with one of the advisors there. They are usually pretty good at explaining your options and putting you at ease if you feel worried.

I was the same way when I was in school. I have been terrible at math my whole life and it always worried me when I had to take a class that involved it.

LedZeppelin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_marketing-degree?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:85f14081-9e30-4c9c-8337-666136a15509Post:327c183a-d356-4604-b197-09248aaadccf">Re: Marketing Degree</a>:
[QUOTE]Do you have a college in mind for this program? If so, I would talk to the academic advisor in the department about your concerns. In general, I'll try to address some of your concerns just from my experience. Cost of tuition: You're likely eligible for financial aid, which can seriously help with the cost. A pell grant is $4,000. Apply when you're ready at fafsa.gov Daycare: Many colleges offer free or discounted daycare on campus. Ask your campus about their daycare offerings. Public speaking: Frankly, you'll get over it for the most part. Very few people like speaking in public and after you take a public speaking class and give several presentations, you'll get used to. Also? EVERYONE has to do it. No one is judging because they're too concerned about themselves. Just relax. Math: Talk to the advisor about this. Usually free or low cost tutoring is available. And ALWAYS communicate with your profs about getting through the class. Always do your homework, attend class and go the extra mile and they will help you. Econ: is hard. Find other resources online and in the library to help you understand it. Talk to your profs about difficult concepts. I would encourage you to go. You're absolutely capable and having a Bachelor's degree certainly isn't going to hurt anything.
Posted by MarriedInAFever[/QUOTE]

So far, I've only looked into ASU. Those are all really good points, though. You guys are making me feel  more confident about going for it.

LedZeppelin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_marketing-degree?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:85f14081-9e30-4c9c-8337-666136a15509Post:90a17100-7c78-45e5-abba-72116a2eb3c7">Re: Marketing Degree</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Marketing Degree : It sounds like you will.  When my mom went back to school, they practically paid her to go.  She even got a stipend for gas money. 
Posted by goheels05[/QUOTE]

That's awesome!

LedZeppelin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_marketing-degree?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:85f14081-9e30-4c9c-8337-666136a15509Post:c25c597a-7a7d-446c-a697-a4d6f45a7f07">Re: Marketing Degree</a>:
[QUOTE]My degree is in marketing. I went to school in New Zealand though, but I know we had a lot of exchange agreements with universities in the US, so my information may still stand. Once you start looking into schools, you should also consider what angle of marketing you'd like to look at once you get through the basic courses.  My interests lie in the supply chain management end, or in the social marketing specialities, but you can do consumer behaviour, advertising, international marketing etc etc.  If you're worried about the math involved, I would suggest to try and look for a school that has a solid core set of subjects to get you into the basics, or at least take a basic stats course, because that is one you'll use quite a lot when it comes to studying market research methods. We only ever used very basic economics stuff, and aside from that it was basic arithmetic with a friendly calculator.  I really loved my degree.  I took it with a Mandarin Chinese minor, which I hope will eventually offer some interesting opportunities.  The good thing about marketing is that it can be combined with a lot to make for some useful skills.  I've also found that the overall grounding in business function has served me quite well.  I don't know if I have much else to add, but please pm me if you have any questions :-)
Posted by rhonwynv[/QUOTE]

That's really cool that you went to school in New Zealand. Are you from there or did you just go for school?

I didn't even think about the different angles of marketing. Thanks for pointing that out. and I'm glad to hear about the just using the basic economics!

Lenore2010

If you can finance it without heavy student loans OR your student loans are really going to pay off in earned income, go for it I say. I know that sounds like a no-brainer, but it happens so easily sometimes that you end up with a big education and a ton of student loans that have not really paid off in extra earnings.

I have two undergrad degrees and a Masters, and they have paid off against the loans I had out-but barely. Then again, career changing had a lot to do with that, too.

LedZeppelin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_marketing-degree?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:85f14081-9e30-4c9c-8337-666136a15509Post:546336c4-0d39-4938-80cb-57ceac0bef38">Re: Marketing Degree</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Marketing Degree : eh, I really liked statistics...you're not alone in the nerdiness
Posted by rhonwynv[/QUOTE]


I'm jealous of your nerdiness. Those classes make me cringe. I think my brain just doesn't work that way. haha.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_marketing-degree?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:85f14081-9e30-4c9c-8337-666136a15509Post:546336c4-0d39-4938-80cb-57ceac0bef38">Re: Marketing Degree</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Marketing Degree : eh, I really liked statistics...you're not alone in the nerdiness
Posted by rhonwynv[/QUOTE]

Uh, my Fi is a statistician. No joke.

And LZ, you'll totally get aid. I'm not sure how you two file taxes, but if you file separately and list your son as a dependent (which you'll be able to do on the 2011 FAFSA, since you won't be married until next year), you'll get a ton of grants, and whatever you don't get in free money, you'll be able to get in federal loans.

LedZeppelin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_marketing-degree?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:85f14081-9e30-4c9c-8337-666136a15509Post:e0f93d6a-b155-48f2-96f0-b718fdc038e6">Re: Marketing Degree</a>:
[QUOTE]If you can finance it without heavy student loans OR your student loans are really going to pay off in earned income, go for it I say. I know that sounds like a no-brainer, but it happens so easily sometimes that you end up with a big education and a ton of student loans that have not really paid off in extra earnings. I have two undergrad degrees and a Masters, and they have paid off against the loans I had out-but barely. Then again, career changing had a lot to do with that, too.
Posted by Lenore2010[/QUOTE]

The student loan is another big concern of mine. I would not feel comfortable going that route because I don't know how we would pay them off.

The PPs have  said that I should be able to qualify for some other forms of financial aid, though, so that makes me feel better.

LedZeppelin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_marketing-degree?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:85f14081-9e30-4c9c-8337-666136a15509Post:dbcc28af-8fb4-40b1-921c-afcad55761b0">Re: Marketing Degree</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Marketing Degree : Uh, my Fi is a statistician. No joke. And LZ, you'll totally get aid. I'm not sure how you two file taxes, but if you file separately and list your son as a dependent (which you'll be able to do on the 2011 FAFSA, since you won't be married until next year), you'll get a ton of grants, and whatever you don't get in free money, you'll be able to get in federal loans.
Posted by msmerymac[/QUOTE]

Ok, I'm a bit confused when it comes to taxes and things. We have been filing seperately, so far. Is there a way to file jointly if we aren't married yet? We have had people tell us that FI should claim our son on his instead of me claiming him because FI makes more. If we did that, though, can I claim him on the FAFSA?

LedZeppelin

Oh! Exciting! I just re-read the required class list and it says "public speaking or small group communications." I've taken small group communications in CC, so hopefully it will transfer and then no public speaking!

snoangel79

My degree is in Business with a double concentration in MIS and Marketing. I work in a health related field now (donor coordinator soon to be cord blood collector). At the beginning of my career I was a Marketing Assistant then moved on to working for a non-profit. I also had a hard time with math and had to get through a Management Calculus, several Statistics courses, and econ classes. No worries calc was my only big issue. But worked with the teacher to understand it! Ended up graduating with a decent 3.25 while working full time <: Good Luck!!!

LedZeppelin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_marketing-degree?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:85f14081-9e30-4c9c-8337-666136a15509Post:d27e5253-450e-4594-a46b-2af29b8e48db">Re: Marketing Degree</a>:
[QUOTE]My degree is in Business with a double concentration in MIS and Marketing. I work in a health related field now (donor coordinator soon to be cord blood collector). At the beginning of my career I was a Marketing Assistant then moved on to working for a non-profit. I also had a hard time with math and had to get through a Management Calculus, several Statistics courses, and econ classes. No worries calc was my only big issue. But worked with the teacher to understand it! Ended up graduating with a decent 3.25 while working full time <: Good Luck!!!
Posted by snoangel79[/QUOTE]

Thank you! That is good to hear!  And congratulations on your accomplishments!

Lenore2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_marketing-degree?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:85f14081-9e30-4c9c-8337-666136a15509Post:01b0d650-4075-4fdc-b223-68c31c996f7e">Re: Marketing Degree</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Marketing Degree : The student loan is another big concern of mine. I would not feel comfortable going that route because I don't know how we would pay them off. The PPs have  said that I should be able to qualify for some other forms of financial aid, though, so that makes me feel better.
Posted by LedZeppelin[/QUOTE]

I also wanted to add that if you do loans (and they CAN be worthwhile, just be careful) go for the Federal Direct student loans. I think private loans are for the people who are 100% sure they will make the money to deal with them-like Med students. Federal loans have a LOT of options built in that no private loan (or very few) have-like being able to go for forbearances for unemployment of economic hardship. It may suck to pay back any loan, but a Federal loan will not sink you financially if you are smart about it. 

LedZeppelin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_marketing-degree?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:85f14081-9e30-4c9c-8337-666136a15509Post:8cb98f0e-87c3-49ae-84d7-c184453ad5db">Re: Marketing Degree</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Marketing Degree : I also wanted to add that if you do loans (and they CAN be worthwhile, just be careful) go for the Federal Direct student loans. I think private loans are for the people who are 100% sure they will make the money to deal with them-like Med students. Federal loans have a LOT of options built in that no private loan (or very few) have-like being able to go for forbearances for unemployment of economic hardship. It may suck to pay back any loan, but a Federal loan will not sink you financially if you are smart about it. 
Posted by Lenore2010[/QUOTE]

That is good to know. Thank you for the information!

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_marketing-degree?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:85f14081-9e30-4c9c-8337-666136a15509Post:d4acdf7d-30f2-4914-8611-6eda7d149ac9">Re: Marketing Degree</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Marketing Degree : Ok, I'm a bit confused when it comes to taxes and things. We have been filing seperately, so far. Is there a way to file jointly if we aren't married yet? We have had people tell us that FI should claim our son on his instead of me claiming him because FI makes more. If we did that, though, can I claim him on the FAFSA?
Posted by LedZeppelin[/QUOTE]

No, you can't file jointly while technically single, I don't think.

i've only filled out the FAFSA while single and with no dependents, so you'll have to look into the whole dependent thing more. I think you do have to claim your child on your taxes in order to do so on the FAFSA, but I'm not sure. You can also talk directly to the financial aid office and explain you have a dependent whom you did not claim and see what they can do for you.

If you are married and filing separately in future years, I'm not sure if you need to include your husband's income on your FAFSA. That's something else you should look into eventually.

katiewhompus

Stupid question, but would courses taken while getting a BS also transfer if I wanted another degree? (General Educations courses anyways)
I've thought about going back to school for a better degree (currently have a BS in Anthropology) but am hesitant because I'm still paying the student loans for the first degree which has not provided me with a career.