Is 35 Too Old to Get a Marketing Degree?

In today's business world, the field of marketing can be competitive. Obtaining a college degree will help you get ahead, but is 35 too late to go back to school?

Being 35 is not too old to get a marketing degree, and your age should not limit your academic pursuits in meeting your career goals.

There are many perks to pursuing a college education later in life. Explore some of the top reasons to earn a marketing degree in your 30s and frequently asked questions to put you on the right path for choosing the best program.

Reasons To Earn Your Marketing Degree at 35

You are never too old to earn a marketing degree, even if you are 35 years old. Pursuing a marketing degree such as an online bachelor's degree in marketing can offer more opportunities than not having one and provide advantages to adult learners returning to school.

Some benefits and reasons to consider getting a marketing degree in your 30s are described below.

Job Options

There are entry-level marketing jobs in many sectors that may not require a degree, but several managerial and senior positions seek candidates who have completed a college program. Returning to school to get your marketing degree helps you stand out, providing opportunities for numerous job options with higher salary earnings.

In-Demand Skills

A marketing degree program provides comprehensive instruction in advertising and promotion for excelling in the field. It also teaches valuable in-demand skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving that can be applied across various roles, making it a versatile degree for those seeking a career change or advancement in their current job.

Life Experience

As an adult learner in your 30s, you can draw from life and work experience that can be very valuable toward obtaining a degree in marketing. This wealth of knowledge can offer you a better understanding of navigating office dynamics and effective ways to collaborate with classmates. Many colleges also offer credit for this experience that students can apply toward a marketing degree program.

What Will I Learn In a Marketing Degree Program?

Students enrolled in a marketing degree program will learn key marketing fundamentals and concepts to understand consumer behavior. They will also gain business knowledge and how it pertains to marketing in order to develop effective advertising and promotional strategies for products and services.

For instance, Southern New Hampshire University is an accredited institution offering an online Bachelor of Science degree in marketing. It allows students to choose a concentration in digital or social media marketing.

The bachelor's degree in marketing at Southern New Hampshire University offers these courses:

• Strategic Brand Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Social Media Marketing Strategy
• Professional Selling
• Marketing Research
• Consumer Behavior
• Digital Analytics
• Writing for New Media
• Mobile Marketing
• Digital Advertising

Marketing coursework varies by program and school, so students should research to ensure it covers their desired topics.

What Can I Do With My Marketing Degree?

A marketing degree equips students with versatile skills in a booming field. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a faster-than-average job growth for the marketing industry, making it an excellent choice for job security and career options.

Here are examples of jobs students can pursue with a marketing degree.

Marketing Manager

A marketing manager applies different concepts and practices to creating and implementing strategic marketing plans. This can include product development and overseeing department budgets. They also perform tasks that affect business sales.

Media Planner

The role of a media planner includes determining the best marketing channels for advertising and promotion. They utilize research tools to understand data like reach and frequency to target the best audience at the most reasonable costs.

Social Media Manager

Most businesses these days utilize the power of social media to promote their products and services. Obtaining a marketing degree sets students up for careers as social media managers who develop strategies to increase followers and gain interest in their products.

FAQs About Starting a Marketing Degree at 35

Uncover additional details about starting your marketing degree at 35 with these most common questions.

Are There Benefits To Starting My Marketing Degree at 35?

Enrolling in a marketing degree program in your 30s presents several benefits. It offers potential career advancement with higher salary wages that can reach six figures and teaches up-to-date marketable skills to help you become a more competitive job candidate. Adult learners tend to have a better focus on their academic and career goals, which provides a strong sense of motivation to learn and apply the concepts taught in a marketing program.

Will Transfer Credits Apply To My Marketing Degree?

Yes, it is possible to transfer credits to a marketing degree program. For example, Southern New Hampshire University permits up to 90 credits to be transferred into their online bachelor's degree in marketing. Pennsylvania State University does not have a limit on the number of transfer credits for its marketing program; however, it depends on the credits that count after students have them evaluated upon application. Generally, you need to have earned credits from an accredited institution for them to qualify.

How Late Is Too Late To Become a Marketer?

It is never too late to become a marketer. Your age should not hold you back or cause a barrier to earning your degree and advancing your marketing career in this in-demand field. Your life and work experience can be an asset in your education and can help you find success in various marketing roles across many sectors.