Anyone in Marketing/Communications?

[Jasmin416]

I am looking to get into Marketing so that I can be more creative but also use my business degree from Penn State. I am considering getting my Masters degree in Marketing. I don't want to start in an entry level position making peanuts. I do have some Marketing and event planning experience already in Real Estate.

1. Do you think I NEED to get the Masters degree or is there another avenue that I might take?

2. If I get my Masters then do you think I can bypass an entry level position?

I would love to hear about what type of marketing anyone else does and how you may have gotten started and what credentials you have gotten. I appreciate any help you smart ladies may have to share

Tina

 

[RapidBreath]

no body really by passes those entry level positions

At least not in my field. But maybe its different in marketing. I worked in the independent film industry and now I'm self employed as a videographer. If you think you already know how to do this without the guidance of a degree I would say why not hang out your own shingle? Go into business for your self and see if you can do it. Just a thought.

 

[ElleJay]

You could work in a business development department of some of the larger companies - your business undergrad and your marketing would work well in BD . The company I work for does many trade shows across the company and the world, and does lots of marketing and research of the other companies. The level that you are hired under where I work is dependent on the amount of experience and education that you bring with you as applies to what you are applying to.. Good luck!

 

[shanihib]

Chances are you'll need to pay your dues. If you have the experience to bypass the lower levels, it will show on your resume and just talking to you... if you don't, then they'll want you to get it. Learning at the lower levels makes you a more solid employee. Don't discount it. But, I totally understand wanting to move past them! I have my MBA. I put in a lot of time in the trenches, and ultimately rose through the ranks quickly (but not as quick as I would have liked). I work in consumer goods though (more along the lines of category management) rather than the type of work you seem interested in.

Shani

 

[melimcn]

I have to echo the others. I have my Bachelors in Marketing, which wound up equaling sales because I didn't want to start at the bottom, making $30K/yr for God only knows how long.
To my knowledge, everyone in Marketing or Advertising makes very little until the reach the very high up positions.
I really think it depends on your field about your ability to bypass entry level. But if you're just getting started in Marketing, I'm going to go with the others and guess that you'll need to get your footwork at the bottom first.