Question

Topic: Career/Training

50 Y/o Recently Obtained An Mba In Marketing, Help

Posted by suarez.jose on 9/2/2018 at 10:56 AM ET 125 Points
I've recently obtained and MBA with the hopes of kick starting a career. My Bachelors Degree is unrelated (biology). However not having any experience in advertising, PR or marketing I haven't been able to get more than 2 job interviews. Is there anything I can do? perhaps computer programs, certifications, a specific track? Or should I just accept the idea of starting a job in a nice neighborhood store for my remaining days? When I started my MBA it didn't even cross my mind that age would be a problem and just recently the horrible idea began to fester in my brain.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 9/2/2018 at 6:36 PM Accepted
    Have you talked to anyone in your placement office for suggestions?
    Have you done any informational interviews to learn what it would take to get the job of your dreams?
    Can you leverage your thesis or research projects to get you an "in" at a company?
    What is it you specifically want to do next?
  • Posted by suarez.jose on 9/3/2018 at 2:56 AM Author
    Well my school was completely worthless when it came to any kind of internship etc. There excuse, usually Master's students have jobs so participation for such a program would be too low.
    I haven't set up any informal interviews as you have suggested, I will do that (though I get the feeling no one is going to give me the time of day, Puertorican professional culture, I've found, isn't very altruistic.) As far as a thesis, I did not write one. I did a Capstone project (mistake perhaps).
    I thought Social Media Marketing was the most on demand. The reason I posted this question is because I am willing to work ANYWHERE they will have me, beggars can't be choosers. Suggestions on perhaps further education or pivot completely away from this field due to my age?
  • Posted by telemoxie on 9/4/2018 at 9:44 AM Accepted
    Way back in 1981, I read a book entitled, "what color is your parachute?" Which gave good perspectives and advice on job searching. Where are you located? Is there a good business library near you? If so, I would encourage you to check out a couple more recent books on the topic of job searching.

    There is also quite a bit of good information online.

    I'm curious, which aspects of marketing are you most interested in? What do you think is your real strength? What is it that you bring to the market which would interest potential employers?

    A key issue is, what is your immediate need for money? Do you need to make a massive amount of money right away? Or, can you begin with a lower paying job which can provide you with practical experience and position you for a better job later on.

    Personally, I've spent time in both sales and marketing. I always make more money in sales, but the peaks and valleys of sales compensation can be quite difficult to deal with. If I were personally in your situation, I would try to leverage your undergraduate degree in biology. I would focus my job search efforts on companies which are involved with health related issues.
  • Posted by Peter (henna gaijin) on 9/4/2018 at 12:52 PM Accepted
    What industry and job where you ding prior to getting your degree? Something related to the biology degree?

    In general, the less areas you change at once during a career change, the easier. You are changing fields to marketing, so that is one change. To change industries also at the same time would make it that much more difficult. So looking for marketing related jobs in your old industry might be easier - at least you have industry knowledge which could be helpful for them.
  • Posted by suarez.jose on 9/4/2018 at 7:35 PM Author
    1 I'm in Puerto Rico, so I understand (and really looking forward to) move to the states. Unemployment here is about 14% with new college graduate by the thousands.

    2) Which aspects of marketing are you most interested in?
    I attracted to Social Media and Media Planning. Everything that involves creating.

    2.1) What do you think is your real strength? What is it that you bring to the market which would interest potential employers?
    I am an excellent communicator, I can work with all kinds of people (difficult), I am very innovative and I always look for efficiency. I am studious and like learning. I make interpersonal relationships with ease and people respond really well to me.

    3) I'm willing to start small and get a job I like, but money does play a role since I am 50 and I have $0 for retirement (at the age of 80).

    4) What industry and job where you ding prior to getting your degree?
    Believe it or not most of my work experience is in Customer Service 15+ years. , terrible hours no retirement plan hence the MBA. My science experience only amounts to 1 year, low paying not a good fit for my personality.
  • Posted by Shelley Ryan on 9/18/2018 at 12:22 PM Moderator
    Hi Everyone,

    I am closing this question since there hasn't been much recent activity.

    Thanks for participating!

    Shelley
    MarketingProfs
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