Going (back) to school, in order to get a degree, makes sense in more ways than one. In theory, one could say that it will not only help in personal development, but it also increases chances of landing an interesting, well paid job.How true is this?

I've spent the last 4 years teaching at an elementary school. During this time I completed a teacher aide program and I'm still working on an Associate in education.

Next, I want to study for a bachelor's in marketing and hopefuly start a new career in about 3 years time. Around that time I will be 42 years old. Is this a plausible age to start a new career? I have been in sales for about 7 years when I was 18: timeshares, advertising...ECT. But I don't have any experience on BA level marketing.

Are there people who have experience with this? Are there maybe website that specialized in these matters?

I'm a bit concerned if a 42 year old can easily get a starter position or not :-)

 

Dankje

 

So if I understand you want to change careers and get into marketing?  From the people in marketing I know (and maybe Terry can help me out) this industry is more about result oriented performance (like sales) than your actual education, age, etc.  Though sometimes education is a check box to get into the door.  Exactly what in marketing are you wanting to do?

With my limited know-how I would say that "Downstream Marketing" interests me most. However, this can change very quickly. Like I said, my know-how is very limited and I might find other specialties that interest me more.

 A question:

I'm checking out Ashworth's marketing degree program. How can I find out which textbooks they use? For example, C16 - the principles of marketing, does this course have a standard textbook which all schools that offer this course use? if so, where can I find a list. I asked this question on the Ashworth forum too, but someone here might know the answer.

 

Dankje

You sound like me just a few years ago.  I worked as a journalist for more than 20 years, and then switched careers and went into marketing at the age of 41.  The fact that I was in a degree program at the time helped me land a new job and a new career.  Cajun is correct that a degree is more of a "check in the box" during the hiring process, although I'm sure an associate or bachelor degree in business or marketing would certainly help you on the job as well.  I know my studies have made me perform better at my job. 

My job is sale-oriented, so being a "people person", hitting sales goals and being a problem-solver are skills that are more important than the degree you may or may not have.  

 The days of working one career your entire life are over.  People start new careers in their 40s, 50s and even in their 60s.  One day I hope to get an adjunct position teaching history, but only after I have made my money in my marketing career for the next 15 years or so.

 

 

Tcord1964,

Thanks for your input. I must say that it has been a very inspirational read.

Recently I’ve started to read books, eBooks and followed some online seminars on marketing. You might say that I had some kind of an epiphany. Like with all good things that happened to me, it was lightning striking.

I had tried to quit smoking for years but never succeeded.   One morning I woke-up and I just knew that I never had to smoke again.

It was the same story with losing weight.  After I had quit smoking, I gained weight like crazy. My weight went from 88 kg to 112 kg. For years I tried to lose excessive weight but never succeeded. And same as with smoking, I woke up one morning and knew that didn’t have to be overweight anymore.  In the end, it took me no more than four months to get back to 90 kg, which is pretty much my ideal weight.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that I found my calling and the only thing that could stop from succeeding is my age, being something that I can’t change.  What you’re saying about it helping you in your job must be true. I’ve had so many ‘ohhh wow” moments. Things that I see happening all around me every day but never gave much thought.

I feel like a sponge and can’t wait to say goodbye to all of my children, in school that is. This link I found on Asworth’s blog:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPJuoziJaE4&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fbusiness.aublogspot.com%2Fcategory%2Fmarketing%2F&feature=player_embedded#t=31

The pure genius of these strategies makes me giddy.

I’d love to hear some more about your qualifications, and maybe a bit more about your job description. These stories really inspire me.

Dankje

I agree with those who see nothing strange about changing careers in one's forties, or later.  There are people who start new careers as a form of retirement.  I think marketing is really interesting, but I don't have much professional experience with it, so it's a good thing you have Terry's experience on which to draw! 

-=Steve=-

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B.S., Info Sys, Charter Oak State College
M.A., Educational Tech Leadership, George Washington University
Doctor of Health Education, A.T. Still University, in progress

Great post, thanks Terry.  Hey, I know it might not count for much but I changed careers at the age of 31 from law enforcement to information technology and project management.  Leaving law enforcement for anything not military or security related is almost unheard of.