So I am gradually telling my family about my decision not to become an attorney luckily everyone has been supportive so far. My mom and I discussed how I should have changed my major to marketing/advertising like I discussed my sophomore year of college. Unfortunately, when I told my dad this decision he flipped out like he always does, but that’s beside the point now. And if I had changed my major I likely wouldn’t have met Jeff so I guess things happen for a reason. I am not sure why I had to rack up a TON of student loans to find Jeff, but he is worth it.
Anyway, my mom gave me a few new suggestions on job choices that she thought I would be good at and enjoy. She suggested doing ad work, becoming a travel agent, pharmaceutical sales rep, and a personal shopper.
I’ve always loved commercials and advertising. I think I am probably one of the only people in the world that really watch commercials. I love their humor and I love little ways that they promote the product. For instance the new Sprint commercials the ones that send texts, emails, phone calls to breakup or say that the family’s home is Ho-Ho-rendus if you notice the person making the calls is in black and yellow (the colors of Sprint). I just think that is a really clever marketing tool. I am not sure I can start working in advertising since I don’t have that degree. Maybe since I have a business degree it could work? So I am going to look for jobs in the advertising field as another option. If anyone has any details on this type of job that doesn’t require a marketing degree, please let me know!
Becoming a travel agent would also be fun. I love planning trips and vacations. Plus if I worked for an agency I would get the perk of discounted travel. Wouldn’t that be awesome? Yes, it wouldn’t make a ton of money, but honestly that’s not the point. I want to find a job I LOVE! So I did some research in becoming a travel agent. I figured I could probably just apply for jobs and in my cover letter specify that I love to travel and help people created memories of a lifetime or something cheesy like that. But when I looked at job postings all the jobs required a travel agent certification. WHAT? Who know that you needed one of these? To gain the certificate it is not a huge deal; you take some classes and an exam. But before I sign up for classes I feel like I need to be 100% sure this is what I want to do.
I had thought about a pharmaceutical sales rep around Christmas time when discussing jobs with my brother. I believe I have that personality to get along with the doctors and lets face it. I have had so many illnesses in my life that I could definitely talk about the benefits of the product. My only concern is that the job postings that I have seen required at least 2 years of sales experience. How am I supposed to get this experience if no postings are for entry-level representatives?
The last option is a personal shopper. As most people know I love shopping. I love shoes, I love handbags, and I love everything there is about shopping. I also love watching shows that help give makeovers. I think I could be on What Not to Wear. Obviously not has one of the bad dressers but as someone who helps make someone over styling them, selecting clothes that fit well, etc. I have done this task with my family by giving my dad stylish sweaters for Christmas instead of his usual ugly t-shirts and button up shirts (unfortunately for him he never wore them). I also changed my brother’s look when he decided he was finished with his “cowboy” look. I picked out dark jeans, button up shirts, and sweaters this transformed him and he follows my style advice some still today. I also have picked out date outfits for my aunt and always try to make my mom dress better. So I actually think I have what it takes to be a personal shopper. So I did some online research and looked at stores online trying to find personal shopper jobs. There doesn’t really appear to be many options in Jacksonville. So I started looking to see what it would take to become a personal shopper. That’s when I discovered an article about starting a business as a personal shopper. Obviously the article talked about how to become a personal shopper, but more importantly, the article talked about applying shopping skills to an image consultant business. An image consultant can give advice on fashion, an overall wardrobe, vocal communication, non-vocal communications, and etiquette. When I read the article and other articles regarding image consulting. I became excited. The most excited I have been in a long time. I feel like this is a job where I can put my fashion skills to work, but also the skills of interviewing and personal interaction. I’m in love with the idea of this job. I am not sure if it will actually work out because there is a lot that I need to look into, but I am going to buy some sort of how to book on image consulting and go from there.
I am still not ruling out my other job choices just yet, but for once I am feeling excited about something again.
With a business degree, you would be able to work on the accounts side of advertising. You'd be the liaison between creative and the client. It might be harder to get a job doing creative (copywriter or art director) because you don't have a portfolio of work to show. If you were able to develop a portfolio of spec work, that would help.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't recommend becoming a travel agent because I've read that this is a disappearing job because people are finding their own travel deals online. You could work in hospitality, however - maybe work as a personal concierge at a luxury hotel and plan events for guests...?
Finally personal shopping - for a long time, I've thought that there would be a market for personal shoppers for non-luxury items. You know, middle class guys who have no idea what to buy the wife or girlfriend for her birthday, or people who don't have huge amounts of money to spend on clothes. The issue is figuring out how to get someone who's already on a budget to add a personal shopper into the budget.
I think you'd be good at any of the jobs you listed. Have you ever thought about working on the admin side of higher education? I could see you working in admissions or alumni relations - you could do contract administration, the law degree would help with that.
Thanks lady. Your advice was awesome. I didn't even think of the accounts side to marketing. Currently I'm leaning towards the personal shopper/image consultant. I'm going to do more research obviously but I think there could be a market. Jenny suggested with that I could add wedding planning to help brides w/dresses etc. So we shall see!!
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