What Was Your Major or Career?

I major in wit, sarcasm, mommy-hood, and cooking (but I went to med school for a few years, weird).

My work now: mom, housekeeper, chauffeur, cook, nurse, psychologist, joker, referee, oh... and I run tech support for my friends online companies. That last one pays the second best; mom being the first ;)

I WANT to finish college, as soon as these kids are out of my house! ;)

If I could do anything, I would want to be a storm chaser, astronaut, doctor, surgeon, ghost hunter, doula, hippie, ambassador for world peace, musician, and a great fiction novel writer.

What would I change? Absolutely nothing ;) I love being all over the place. I have decades to decide what I want to be 'when I grow up' ;)

9 moms found this helpful

my major - Politial Science. I know that shocks you all deeply.

the hottest thing going is alwas going to be medical. You will make the most money and have the best job security in anything medical. Look into an RN program or BS in Nursing. My SIL is making ridiculous money with ridiculous benefits. She studied communication disorders. She's something like a speech tharapist. She's in high demand and her job is very rewarding. For a while she worked with little kids, now she works with the elderly.

4 moms found this helpful

College - major was nutrition and dietetics.

Then it changed to political science - obtained my BS in this area.

I have my JD - I currently practice law.

I had my first child during law school.

I studied for the bar exam as a single (divorced) mom with no money and no help.

This probably explains my passion on some subjects. =)

I would definitely change a lot of things - I would have worked for a few years prior to law school so I wouldn't have incurred so much loan debt.

I think your major in college can be helpful, but far from determinative as to what you end up doing as your career. Work hard and be honest - those traits will never fail you.

Good luck!

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I majored in and have degrees in:

1) Behavioral Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology) of which I specialized in Anthropology and did my Thesis in. Cultural Anthropology. There are many kinds of Anthropology. I also did field work.

2) Fine Arts

3) Interior Design

4) Architecture

I worked in all fields. As in, paid jobs.

What I do now:
SAHM. Not working.

You gotta do, what you like or love.
Or what you are interested in.

I hate working in offices.

As a child: I wanted to be an Entomologist and a Ninja!
Still love those things, by the way.

All the best,
Susan

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I have a B.S. in Economics. After receiving my degree I worked as a Marketing Asst and then moved into the engineering department as an Engineering Requirements Analyst and then finally moved into the procurement department as a Electronic Components Buyer. Each time make more salary as I jump up the ladder & into different departments.

Currently I'm a SAHM. I stopped working after I had my son. I am planning on getting a Masters in Special Ed next year after establishing residency in the state we're moving to. I'm gravitating to education for two reasons: to be on the SAME holiday schedule as my son and also because my son is autistic.

If I could do it differently: I would have stuck w/ going to San Diego State vs. UC San Diego. I had to change my major to Econ because UC didn't offer business. I wasted a lot of time & classes because I didn't know what I wanted. I also had transferred into the university from a JC.
I think I should have pursued Urban Planning or Human Resources. Both degrees seem to always have job openings in the field.

My advice to you, once you figure out what path to take/what you'd enjoy, is to get your self out there and start interning in a field that you like. Also, join any professional affiliation/clubs so you can start networking, memberships allows you to see the job boards they offer, attend conferences, etc. Examples: American Marketing Association, American Planning Assoc., Professionals in Human Resources Assoc. etc., It will cost you money, but sometimes they will offer a student rate if you are still in school. It's well worth the money to get involved & become a member of an professional group!!

The job you start w/ at a company can open doors into other jobs of interest in the same company. Never burn bridges w/ people - ALWAYS be professional. It's a small business/corporate world. People are always moving on & up - those same people can & will help you if you worth helping. And - don't get a degree in Art, Music, Humanities, English - those are not degrees in which you could find solid jobs. No offense to those that have these degrees. :)

Stay focused, be determined and have a good work ethic.

All my best to you!

3 moms found this helpful

I majored in Economics and Finance in my undergrad and I have worked as a Financial Analyst for Government Contractors. I currently work on an internal project for my company, but finances are where I'm happy. I'm getting my MBA in Global business. I think if you go business in general you'll be safe and can do almost anything you want.

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I am an attorney (BS, then JD). I love my job and the financial stability it brings my family (hubby is a happy and amazing SAHD), but when I grow up I want to be a preschool teacher :).

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I majored in journalism back in 1992. There aren't many journalism programs left.

Over the past 20 years, I have used my degree in both journalism and public relations. I'm currently a freelance public relations writer.

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I wanted to be a nurse, so I started out pre-nursing. Then I discovered that I was horrible at science, so I switched to English. I graduated with an English degree with a minor in Spanish. I was a bartender with an English degree for awhile, then went back for my teaching certificate. :)

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Prior to going to school:
- writer
- us marine
- air traffic controller
- see'er through'er
- underground music industry events
- beach bum

Currently in School (majoring in)
- Anthropology
- Fine Art
- Nursing
- (Psychology - an accidental degree, I padded my quarters and ended up w/ enough credits to qualify. Don't get me wrong, I like psych -obviously-, but I would never master in it to practice clinically)

Working towards

Doing double duty as an Archeologist and Staff Nurse, padding the season with some NGO work, and teaching (community college, hopefully, better pay and hours... I couldn't care a whit about prestige) off season.

I'm specifically going to school for job training. Again, don't get me wrong, I love school/learning... but I'm there to get the qualifications to do the work I love.

My current job: Homeschooling mama & student. What I could go out and get hired for today: Med admin or waiting tables.

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My young life I was a Ballerina. I danced through college.

I was injured in the line of duty. My injury was going to set me back big time. It was one of those life changing things. I was in a tail spin after this happened for a while.

I met my hubby when I was nineteen. We were married and working retail jobs when we had our first kiddo....he went into the food service industry for awhile. Then was offered the chance of a lifetime.

I worked a few retail jobs in-between having kids.

I then was offered the chance of a life time. I have been working on a few books for some author's. It has proven to be tough work! I dont want to do it forever. but it is fun for now.

I will be going back to school as soon as all my kiddos are well into school.

I want to be a Midwife. I am hopefully going for a double major. I want to try and get into the Public School system. Working with youth who find themselves pregnant.

It took three kids and alot of praying to figure out what I actually wanted to do. I now see they path god had me walking on very clear. It took three kids and alot of CHANGING to figure out who I am. I now have a pretty good Idea of who I AM. Had I gone and finished College off after I got injured, I think I would have been a pretty miserable person. Although I loved ballet. I was amazing at it, it was TOXIC. I would have likely killed myself trying to be perfect. I spent alot of years pretty angry I had given up so easy. I the long run, I am pretty grateful I was given an out.

If anything else, I have been a MOM. That in and of it's self makes it a MAJOR career move. Seeing as we had not even talked about having kids when we started off...I think it was the BEST career move!

2 moms found this helpful

I'm an executive office administration major and I have 10 weeks left!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!
*Rachel D. I think we would get a long great :D
I really want to work in the cloth diaper world. I don't want to make diapers, but want to work in adm in the head quarters or something to that effect. A lot of Rachel D answers i would love to try!

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I have a degree in Music Education. I also started grad school in music but never finished. I am now an Information Technology/Systems Analyst. And I LOVE it! Let me just say that love music just as much as I always did. But I love science too.
Originally, I was accepted into school to study meteorology, but due to the poor job forecast in that field, I decided to go to music school instead. Teachers are always in high demand. I was encouraged to pursue music by everyone. Since I know I am gifted musically, I guess I felt pressure to go that route. (I am not sure if anyone was pressuring me- I guess I pressured myself.) So, I auditioned and got accepted to music school.
I am proud of my degree. However, looking back, I wish I had of stuck with what I really love- anything science, data, and technology related. I guess that's how I naturally was drawn into my current career. :)

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I was a pre-med major in college. Graduated and went to work as a pharmaceutical rep for 3 yrs. Loved medical sales!
(My parents had a financial setback with a job and a house that wouldn't sell in the early 80's) so I never went to medical school, was very worried about the cost and the extra stress on my parents.

It is a big regret. I would love to be a doc or a physician's assistant right now, but am afraid I would have to start all over with all my college classes. yikes.

I still love the field of health and fitness and now teach weight training, yoga, swim lessons and spinning. And I am Chief Logistics Officer now for our home and run all important operations for 3 teens and a husband.
In 2 yrs the kids will ALL be in college and I will have to be "when I grow up."

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I received a Bachelor's Degree in Communications, then went to acting/improv school to really fulfill my dream. Got married had two children, didn't really get started with acting much, thennnnn...got divorced. (Wish this was all as easy as I am writing it out). I had to do something to work and take care of my children to so I worked in schools the rest of the years. Went back to Paralegal school, got honors, high grades and couldn't get a job in it because I (HELLOOO?) DIDN'T HAVE EXPERIENCE. I even have a brother in law who is a lawyer who said the same (after I spent all sorts of money. Evidently in our parts even lawyers don't have as many jobs and are doing lots of their own paralegal work or relying on current office help. Not that I will totally give up, but I need a job. I remained in schools, have insurance and am now thinking about going to Medical assistant school or winning the lottery (whichever pans out first). Life definitely is amazing no matter how we think we have it all planned out, seems like some thing just push us back into a different path.

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I majored in Elementary Special Ed, then went back to school 4 years later and got a degree in massage therapy.
I am now an Administrative Assistant for a gold mining company.

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing, worked 1 yr full time as RN before entering grad school when I cut down to part-time. Graduated with Masters of Science in Nursing and became a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), worked 6 yrs as a CNM in AK and AZ and then became a MOM. I've been a SAHM ever since 1st child was born and it's the toughest job I've ever loved.

1 mom found this helpful

Major: Comparative Culture-Emphasis in both Middle East & American Minorities
Work: Buyer for book store, massage therapist, eventually psychotherapy
School: Will go back to get PhD when daughter is bit older, have Masters in Marriage & Family Therapy
Change: I go back & forth between wishing I'd taken a straight career path then grateful for the journey and wouldn't change a thing.

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I went to school for Environmental Management and Technology. Now, I work as an Environmental Consultant.

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My degrees are in child neuro psychology and sociology.
I finished school while having my kids.
When I finished I wasn't able to find a job with adequate pay,
so now I am a SAHM doing in-home daycare for 2 other little
girls.

Professionally I've worked with Sylvan Learning Center and
Sandia National Labs. Both rewarding work- but I love what
I do now best. When the kids are older I will see about getting
certified for educational psychology and try to get a job at one
of the schools in the district. At least then I'll have all the same
holidays as my girls. =D

Best wishes-

1 mom found this helpful

Hi M.-

I have a BS in psychology/BA in theatre...worked in university as a 'residence hall director' while pursuing an MS in counseling...I could kick myself for NOT doing the practicum for certification for school system...but hated kids...and always saw my self in university settings...Did almost 10 years as counselor/student training in university settings...and got married and moved to germany. By chance, got a job there training military child care providers in everything from CPR to 'ages and stages' of child development to 'positive discipline and guidance'...Was THE best job to have to prepare me to parent my own kids...

Then...stateside with one child, was the director of a child development center through the birth of my third child. Then stayed home...very busy with kids for a lot of years...

Currently I am subbing...and looking into certification for special ed teaching...Funny the twists and turns life takes!

Best Luck!
Michele/cat

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I went to community college and had several ideas of what i wanted to do and it changed all of the time. First i was going to major in Biology and go for physical therapy, then child development, then social work. Several years later i decided school just wasn't for me. I ended up taking a 10 month course to get my medical assistant certificate. I graduated with a 4.0 and i actually loved it. I only worked for a year and a half, but i was lead medical assistant of a lab when i quit to be a mommy.
I will be entering the workforce again soon and will look for a similar job.
Good Luck

1 mom found this helpful

I have a BS in Clothing, Textiles and Merchandising and a minor in Business.

After college, I was in outside sales for a wholesale floral distributor.

Upon moving to TX, I was in marketing at Frito Lay

After Frito Lay, I worked from home assisting my husband who was in outside sales at the time. He did not have customer service or an admin because the HQ was in NY. So I took on that role and learned his business.

After I had our daughter in 1994, I continued to support hubby's position by managing his travel, hotel, expenses, and customer service. His customers called me because they knew that I knew exactly where he was and how fast they could contact him.

Fast forward, he is still in outside sales except it is our company and we work for no one but ourselves. Now I am the Owner/CFO of the business. I continue to manage all his travel, etc and I also run Quickbooks and all related bookkeeping with the business.

It took a long time for us to be able to financially take this jump with NO help financially. We have personally funded the company with our own funds, answer to no one but ourselves, legal counsel and tax accountant and IRS.

We've grown the company in 2 years from sales of roughly $100,000 the first month to about $500,000 per month now with anticipated sales this year to hit above $4 million.

I am not an accountant by trade but I have learned quickly. I have no plans to return to school.

In the meantime, I continue to substitute teach elementary school (going on my 11th year) because I LOVE the children, and it is an outlet from being in the home office and managing our company 24/7, and it is extra income (very little but extra).

We believe in multiple income streams, we are both very dedicated to our company (raw materials, brokering and consulting), and of course dedicated to our one and only extraordinary daughter who is also an officer in our company. Her plans are to pursue a business degree and move on to fashion design.

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I started out in junior college, then transferred to a major university. I have a BS in Mechanical Engineering. I was in that field for 15 years.
An MS in Early Childhood Disorders and 90 hrs towards a PhD in Communication Disorders
When I had my second child, I quit working outside the home. Then became a distributor for a supplement company which had saved my life.
I am also a certified personal trainer, teach exercise classes and do professional free hand engraving.

1 mom found this helpful

My associates degree is Psychology.
My first BA is in Sociology with a minor in Social Work.
My second BA is Psychology.
When I left University I was networking to enter the ABSED program in Developmental Disabilities for at least a Masters degree. I wanted to be a lobbyist for persons with DD to have more rights and be able to have the ability to make their own choices once they become adults. A whole team of people support them in shared and supported living and their parents often take their wages, their clothes, even their food and keep it for themselves. They say their kids are "retarded" and can't make any choices for themselves. Many people who are DD work full time and are able to get back and forth to work and handle their own care in daily living. It stinks when their parents rule over the team consensus and won't let them even have an allowance to go eat out with the other people who live in the group home with them.

I worked for over 10 years in formal child care in center settings, including my own center licensed for 30 kids. The rest of my adult life I worked in sheltered workshops, shared living, supported living, group homes, intermediate care facilities for the Mentally Retarded (ICF-MR), and then those who live independently alone or even married couples with children. I have worked with people with disabilities from the age of 10 up to about 85.

With a degree from the Arts and Sciences you can go into just about any field that requires a bachelors degree for employment. The only hard classes that are math based are college algebra or college math and then a statistics class. I passed college math with much much work and a very low c. The statistics class I took was by the head of the Sociology department and he just made sure everyone had a good understanding of the class and then everyone passed.

If you enjoy sharing information a degree from the college of education might be what you would enjoy too. Otherwise there is the college of Human Sciences that allows you to work in many many different fields.

Most every other degree uses lots and lots of math. If you are good in math buy just don't like it then maybe those colleges might be a good choice for you too. The jobs that use those degrees are usually the higher paying jobs.

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went to tech school to become a dental asst. Worked in the field as one for 2-3 years.....hated it. Transferred to front desk. Ended career as office manager/insurance tech/receptionist/payroll/tax clerk.....for a group dental practice. Did everything & loved it. Hated working for drs, tho'.....they'd give a 25cent/hour raise & cut your hours. Over the course of 7+ years, not a single dr (3 different offices) was emotionally-stable.....I found it fascinating how unstable they were!

Spent the next 12 years as a sahm. Found it fun to be with my kids, loved my time with them.....did not enjoy my downtime. I found it to be wasteful for my soul. I prefer being busy!

Husband lost his dream job, took a pay cut of $9+/ hour......& I went back to work. Spent 2+ years at a daycare, hated it! I called it Camp Run-a-muck! Began my own inhome daycare......still loving it 10+ years later!

My next career choice is in the works.....trying to decide between the legal world (paralegal, etc) or accounting. Both are drawing me.....

Thanks for the good question!

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I majored in Psychology and double minored in Biology and Women's Studies (that is less nerdy than it sounds, I swear).

I went to graduate school to become a school psychologist (Masters and then a Specialists degree) and worked as a school psych for 7 years. During that time I returned to graduate school and did another Specialists degree in school administration. I am now a special education school administrator.

When I was in college, I wanted to be a behavioral research psychologist (hence the major and minors). I did a fieldwork project during my senior year and fell in love with school psych. I withdrew my PhD applications for Social Psychology programs and applied to school psych program. It was a good decision for me, but it is certainly not what I set out ot do!

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Hi! I went to school for art. I started out with a concentration in painting but then decided to change to Computer Imaging as it made more sense to try to get a job in the field! I received my BFA (Bachelor in Fine Arts) in 2006 and I was lucky enough to actually get a job almost 5 years ago as a graphic designer! If I could change anything... hmmm... not sure if I would! I wish I could be more creative in my job, it's pretty cutesy, boring work... but hey, I am lucky to be in a creative position at all! I got half way through a Masters program at the University of Denver in Digital Media Studies and then... oops, got pregnant. So here I am. :)

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My degree is in Psychology and Social Work. However, I now work in Business Intelligence (data analysis, data warehousing, reporting, etc). Once I changed careers I went to a community college and took a few courses related to databases. Work is interesting, pay is pretty good.

Would like to eventually go back and teach math or science once my kids are all out on their own and I can take a cut in pay.

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I have an undergrad in Computer Science and a Masters degree in Software Design & Development. I am currently completing my dissertation for a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. I worked as a computer programmer/project manager for almost 10 years, then moved to career management and HR (staffing, recruiting, training) roles.

I work as a career consultant for an outplacement company. I recommend making sure that your career counselor gives you a vocational assessment. One that is based off of the Strong Interest Inventory or something similar. I really like the Birkman, but that isn't widely available. The Myers-Briggs is limited in helping you to understand what professions would appeal to you. It is more useful in the workplace to understand your co-workers better. Another assessment I would recommend is the Strengthsfinder 2.0 by Gallup. This is one you can take yourself and is very inexpensive. Go to www.strengthfinder.com for info. It is not a vocational assessment, but it will help you understand where your natural talents and strengths lie. It gives you a lot of useful information about you.

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I majored in history with a minor in theatre. Since I graduated, I have work in retail management (hated it), customer service/acct. management for a pipe manufacturer, development/fundraising for a private school and an agency that provides services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and now I am the marketing director for a performing arts center (love it).

I tried several majors that would get me a "good" job and really didn't like them and came to the conclusion that if I wanted to graduate maybe I should study what I liked and then figure out how to get a job. The problem with a liberal arts degree is that it has both limitless potential and limited prospects. You can do a huge variety of things with a liberal arts degree but you have to really look and be willing to try different things. Starting salaries are usually lower but if you work your career right you can end up making as much or more than some of the people who studied specifically for a career.

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sign lang interpreter

You should have a career that will provide you w/a job you love & can deal with for a long time & can also make you money so you won't hafta worry about where your next meal is coming from or "if" you'll be able to pay bills. I ended up graduating w/a certificate in Office Admin & while I do a great job in office work, I really had planned on/had my heart set on being an architect but back then there was no internet so I had only the 'school counselors' to rely on for information & they wanted me to stay at the school I was already at & refused to offer me any assistance. I didn't wanna stay at that school b/c they didn't offer any architecture classes & anyone I asked mentioned only 2 schools that offered it, neither of which I was happy with & there was no other way to do any type of research or looking into which schools offered those classes. Years later, I'm only now beginning to be able to research for my intended major but I've found out that I'd be in my '50s before I could even apply for a license (6 yrs of apprenticeship first! after graduation...unless I move to Florida which they only require 1-2 yrs) but also, the way the economy is, I doubt I'd be successfull now in that field so I've been trying to find something else to major in. My advice to you would be to find a 'career' that will provide & you'll be happy with & not just 'a job' that allows you to pay bills. I think if I'd actually majored in a career field, I'd be more set in life. I've struggled w/living from paycheck to paycheck & w/keeping jobs ever since graduation. While it's sad to say, I haven't been able to keep a job for more than 2 yrs at a time! (and that's since 1995!). I've done just about every job imaginable just to be able to pay bills & while I liked most every job I received, I just wasn't content or able to keep up w/the bills...always having to borrow, etc. After deciding that I've had enough of secretary work, I've finally found a different type of job I like & while it doesn't pay much, it's in a great, friendly environment & it's a job I can do. I've burned out on secretary work a long time ago (I got tired of being everyone's personal assistant & no one taking me seriously or harrassing me at work all the time & I do know that was my own experience & not necessarily the way it is for everyone). But again I'd really think about what you'd really like to do, what are your talents and/or skills? See what careers would be good providing careers. If only I could do things all over again I'd be a lot happier changing what I majored in. I still want to finish school in getting an actual degree but the right time still hasn't come for me yet & I'm not sure it will. I feel like I had one chance & blew it but you still have plenty of time to decide but don't take too long. I'm a college graduate (even though it's only a certificate) & after 20 yrs, am only making about $400 a month! I wish you nothing but best wishes. Don't let my story discourage you, let it inspire you to do better than I did! At least now, there are a multitude of resources available now to research different majors & schools to go to...even going to school online!! Just remember, pick something you'd be interested but also something that will be in demand. The medical field or legal field has a lot of great & different opportunities as a thought...Warm regards...

I majored in Wildlife Ecology. When I got out of school, I worked in the lab animal division at the university I attended. I did that for a while, took some time off to have kids, stayed home for 4 years and then became a Pre-K teacher, and now a substitute. I used my degree a lot, in a roundabout way. Anything science related I am very good at and people come to me for help/advice. Now, I am back in school to get my credentials for Physical Therapy assistant.
I didn't want to teach anymore and my boys are all in school, so it was time for me to do some serious soul searching. I had spent the better part of a year in PT for various reasons. It seemed like something I would be good at, have fun with, be able to work part time and still make a decent living.
My priorities at 38 are significantly different than they were at 20!

What do you love? Reading, cooking, being with kids? None of those? I would do something related to what you love, so that it doesn't seem like work. Even though I am often one of the oldest students in my class, I have had a blast being back in school!

Good Luck!

I started as a psychology major. Then studied abroad and found a love of spanish. Came back and added a second major in Spanish and a business minor. Finished all of those and ended up with a job as a rep. for Ford Motor Company (working in the marketing and sales field as a liasan between the company and dealers). Loved my job for the 7 years I was there (minus the office politics). I am now a SAHM. If I had to do it again, I would have majored in business because it was super fascinating and applicable to almost anything you want to do. Think about it... Almost every field has a marketing and sales aspect as it relates to the consumer/ business growth. A business degree will certainly never hurt you. The key will be getting in to business school. Some schools are competitive even in their undergrad program.

Good luck deciding.