How do you pursue a career in fashion marketing?

Can someone provide an insight to different industries that someone with an MBA in Marketing could pursue a career with?

• I am a recent graduate with a MS in an engineering degree from a top US school. I have about two+ years of experience in the same field and coupled with a bunch of internships. However, I have realized I don't see myself in this industry in the next 10 or 5 years. I want to give a shot at Marketing and have been thinking of pursuing a degree, something which had been on the back of my mind, but never sought after it. What skills are particularly necessary for different industries in marketing? I am not sure if any of my present educational background can apply to it. But, I am trying to understand where I could fit myself, as well as see what is best for me.

• Answer:

  I wouldn't suggest pursing an MBA to 'give a shot' at Marketing.  Business school is an expensive and time-consuming means to try something new.  First - I'd suggest deep introspection to understand what it is about a marketing career you really want.  There might be a way to achieve that (gradually) without having to go to b-school (save yourself $100K). Second - Do some preliminary research around the various career paths within Marketing.  No need to go too deep, as you're just assessing potential categories.  Maybe take a MOOC or two in marketing so you have a better understanding of the drivers in a generic marketing job.  Third - Start talking to folks in those fields.  One place to begin would be your school's alumni network.  By talking to those folks, you can get a better idea around what positions interest you, and what the paths were to get there. Fourth (maybe) - Find a way to do those tasks, whether through your existing company, or volunteering your time to do it at a non-profit or unfunded startup.  With a graduate degree in engineering, at least you should have the training necessary to help with a 'big data' marketing analytics project.  By the time you're done with all of this, not only would you have a definite idea as to whether or not a career in marketing is for you, but - if you choose to go to business school for marketing - you will have the story and experience to put your application above the rest.