Why Marketing Matters Across Disciplines: A Perspective from Psychology and Computer Science
By: Deanne Pinto
As a fourth-year student at Queen’s University, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Computer Science, I often find myself in conversations about how my educational background intersects with industries beyond academia. Marketing, in particular, is a field where my experience in science meets the business world in surprising and impactful ways. While I’m not pursuing a business or commerce degree like many of my peers on team, my time as a brand ambassador for the Queen's Marketing Association (QMA) has shown me that there’s a place for a variety of skills and perspectives in this industry.
During the past few months as a QMA brand ambassador, I’ve been fortunate to meet and work with an incredibly supportive and diverse team. While many of the members are business students, the environment has always been positive and welcoming. What stands out to me is how the team continually reinforces the idea that marketing isn't just for those pursuing careers in commerce. Rather, upon talking to members of the executive team, I have been assured that marketing is a universal skill that benefits many fields, including science, technology, and even psychology. This has been especially encouraging for someone like me, who didn’t originally see a clear path from my studies to a marketing role.
What I’ve come to understand is that marketing plays a critical role in the progression of fields beyond business. Take scientific research, for example. When ground-breaking studies lead to new technology, treatments, or products, marketing is often the bridge that connects those innovations to the people who need them most. It shapes how the public perceives these developments and, in many cases, how willing they are to adopt them.
One clear example of this intersection between science and marketing is in the development of wearable health tech. Companies like Fitbit or Apple didn’t just develop cutting-edge technology—they successfully marketed these devices in a way that made consumers feel empowered to take charge of their health. This not only accelerated product adoption but also sparked an increased societal focus on health and wellness. Without effective marketing, such technology could easily have stayed within niche markets or the scientific community. Instead, it became part of the everyday lives of millions.
This highlights why marketing should be seen as essential in fields beyond commerce. It is what drives public awareness and creates demand for new technologies, products, or ideas that stem from scientific discovery. The communication of these ideas is key to shaping societal progress, and that is where my interest in marketing lies.
As I continue my journey with the QMA, I look forward to exploring even more ways that marketing can blend with psychology and technology to create meaningful impact. Whether it’s understanding consumer behavior through psychological principles or analyzing market trends with computer science skills, I’ve realized that marketing truly is a field where diverse talents and perspectives are not only welcome but essential.