Question

Topic: Advertising/PR

Masters Degree????

Posted by Anonymous on 8/19/2009 at 2:53 PM ET 250 Points
I finished my undergraduate degree in Communications with an emphasis in Advertising and minor in Art in 2006. I’ve been working for a small optical company in the Marketing Department for the past 3 years. Being at a small company, I get the opportunity to do a lot, there are only 2 of us in the marketing department. I’m the creative mind and my boss is the business mind. I’m starting to feel creatively trapped and behind on media advancements.

The company is amazing to work for, so I don’t really want to leave, I just want to enhance my skill level. I’m not sure if this is best for my career. I wanted to get professional opinions. Should I try to find a different job that may be able to offer me more creative learning or go back to school and get a Master Degree and bring my new findings to this company? Then if the answer is get a Masters Degree, do I get an MA (I found an interesting Digital Media MA) or a MBA in Marketing?

If you could provide any information or tips on this subject, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thank you.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by BizConsult on 8/19/2009 at 11:54 PM Member
    An MBA (full or part time) could be a good option - ensure you're getting one that has a good track record placing graduates in the industries and companies you want to work for.

    Another alternative (or additive action) is to start networking with other industry professionals who you can share professional challenges with: Linked-In, etc.

    If nothing else, or in addition to the above, make an effort to continually educate yourself with the plethora of low-cost or free online educational webinars, blogs, white papers and other resources: Set aside some time each week just to read up on what's going on in the marketing and media fields and in your industry or categories of interest.
    -Steve
  • Posted by Peter (henna gaijin) on 8/20/2009 at 11:16 AM Member
    I am a strong believer in education, but just make sure you understand the costs (beyond the money). Can you do it while keeping this job/do you need to quit, etc.

    There are alternate ways to keep up on creative advancement without leaving or going for another degree. Consulting, as mentioned above, is one. Becoming active in appropriate associations in new media, advertising, etc. also allows you to keep in touch with what is going on. or even just reading the right trade magazine would help.
  • Posted on 8/20/2009 at 11:27 AM Accepted
    You're way to young to be a freelancer, so I'd not pursue that suggestion. As for the MS/MBA, I'd go for it UNLESS you can't swing it economically. You work for a small company in a 2-person marketing organization - where is your future growth there? Now imagine yourself with an MBA - can you envision a different (better) career?

    Part time masters will take forever, so consider full time. The economy will be back in 2 years anyway.

    As to MS or MBA, depends on how much you want to focus on core marketing skills versus how much you want to be a broader-skilled, business-savvy marketer. I've answered this question several other times so link to my other answers if you need more clarification on what i've said here.

    Either way, you are at the perfect juncture to be considering this career decision. Best of luck!
  • Posted by marketbase on 8/20/2009 at 10:53 PM Member
    Once upon a time, when I had just finished my BBA, I was offered a promotion to COO then invited to become a partner in the CRE services company I'd spent many years working for. I was mulling over MBA vs my own shop. A well respected mentor (who was himself an MBA) advised me to enhance my talents and 'keep on building my spirit.' Unlike the 'corporate' mindsets, he, like Phil, above, was a consultant to the core and ultimately, became a nationally recognized author. I, too, authored a book (commercial real estate marketing) but learned that the wisest words he told me were "keep your health first and foremost." He was right. IF you can afford it, follow Steve's advice and learn, learn, learn! You're young, smart, motivated. All signs aimed at success in the long run.

    Best,
    jag
    MarketBase
  • Posted on 8/21/2009 at 9:03 AM Author
    Thank you for all of your responses! There was a lot of really helpful information here. I want to learn until the point of destruction (not really, but you know what i mean), so I have decided to make an appointment with an university adviser to discuss options (money, schedule, programs, etc.).

    I have also started getting online every night to do a little light reading about the Marketing/Design world.

    Again, thank you!



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