Outside US & Canada?
Changing Gears: Retail Sales to Business Management Careers
By Clare KaufmanQuestion
I am in the process of career transitioning and need some guidance. Here is a little background information:
I am 32, and I have a BFA and two years toward an MFA (which I will not complete) in Theatrical Costume Design/Construction. I have, in the past, worked professionally as a Costume Designer and Costume Shop Manager, cumulative 5 years out of school.
During the past two years, I have been working in Retail Sales/Office Management and I find I really like the detail-oriented aspects of this occupation. I am interested in pursuing an online career in Business (Accounting or Business Management) or perhaps Paralegal in order to increase my future earning potential.
I don't know where to begin. Should I pursue an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree? Will any of my previous undergraduate or graduate credits transfer? I need a great online program, as I am working and cannot pursue full time higher education in a traditional setting. I would like to get on track and into the work field as soon as possible while the market for these jobs remains hot, but I don't want to sell myself short by getting a degree which limits job opportunities.
Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Answer
Your bachelor's degree puts you in a great position to change careers--you just need to supplement it with specialized coursework in your chosen field. Most schools will let you apply some undergraduate credits--namely, your breadth requirements--to a second bachelor degree. You'll simply complete the coursework relevant to your new major, but you won't have to redo, say, English 101. Don't count on transferring those graduate credits, however. Since your MFA work involves specialized coursework in an unrelated field, it's unlikely that your business program will offer credit for it.
The qualification you seek will depend on which career path you decide to pursue. Paralegal, Accounting, and Business Management careers require different levels of training.
To become a paralegal, you simply need a certificate in the field. Certificate programs typically take a month or two to complete, and offer all the training you need to start in the field. Many programs provide internship and job placement assistance.
Accounting or business management may require an advanced degree. Depending on the extent of your accounting experience, you can undertake training at the associate or the bachelor level. Since you've already completed your general postsecondary education, you may be able to skip directly to the specialized coursework and earn your accounting degree without having to invest too much time or money.
If you choose to pursue business management, consider getting an online MBA rather than a second bachelor's degree. Your BFA already qualifies you for most MBA programs. In about the same amount of time, you can earn a more advanced degree and strengthen your job prospects.
Online Education
Changing careers may seem daunting, but you're not alone--most Americans change careers three times in their working life. Online programs offer the most flexibility for working adults. An online degree from a reputable institution can carry the same weight as a traditional campus degree. Quality does vary, though, so be sure to research your options and find an accredited program.
Clare Kaufman is a freelance writer specializing in education and career advice. She has a graduate degree in English.
