Question

Topic: Student Questions

Bachelors In Marketing Or Masters?

Posted by akari on 10/5/2014 at 7:00 PM ET 125 Points
Hello,
I recently graduated with degree nowhere near business (B.S. in biology), by the time I wanted to change my major I was told I had too many credits and I should just minor in business so I did that. However, regardless of my degree I applied for marketing jobs and I did get hired for a part-time marketing assistant job, but it's at a small business. There's no promotions here (it's a really small business), but I figured this place at least gave me a chance when I have no bachelors in business or marketing so I'm sticking it out. However, I always knew this would be a temporary thing, I do want to get further into the marketing field, especially in music / entertainment industry. I just don't know what would be the better route? I've been thinking:

- Go back to school and get a bachelors degree in Marketing (second bachelors degree). I would think it would be just 2 years more (if I go to the same university I graduated from) since I have all my core courses done.
- Get a masters in marketing / MBA (I was actually going to choose this first, I figure it would help me since I don't really have a solid knowledge of marketing, only took 1 marketing class at university for my minor).
— If I choose this route...what should I choose: Master of Science in Marketing? (my local university offers this), MBA, Music Marketing (I've heard different names: Masters in Music Business, Master of Arts in Music Industry Administration, Master of Music Business and Entertainment, etc).

I live in Houston and I know it's not the ideal place to start in the business side of the music or entertainment industry, I have been thinking of moving to Los Angeles or New York but not now (I can't afford it).

If I go for a second bachelors degree I would think I could start that somewhat immediately (next semester). If I go to business school to get a masters I was thinking of getting this after working a few years (2 years or so) and then going to school to get my masters.

I'm really just confused at what path to take, what would be the correct thing to do. I've seen lots of successful marketers in the music industry with just a bachelors degree in marketing, so is it worth getting a masters in marketing? Would it give me a level up compared to those just with a bachelors in marketing? Or are we considered on the same level? Obviously I would want to work/intern AND continue my education at the same time, that was my first mistake when I graduated university, no internship in the marketing field.

Thank you for your help.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by Gary Bloomer on 10/5/2014 at 7:12 PM Member
    The bigger question may be: how much student debt do you want to clock up? An MBA may be the better route, but really, MBAs these days are a dime a dozen; in the eyes of many people in business, MBAs are over rated compared to in-the-trenches experience.

    An additional route might be to set yourself up as someone with connections in the marketing and music world. Fortunately, doing this today is far easier than it's ever been. How? Through social media, by setting up a blog, my using e-mail marketing, by making connections, and by working
    your face off—by being visible, by having opinions, by learning, by zigging when everyone else zags.

    Does this help?
  • Posted by Peter (henna gaijin) on 10/5/2014 at 11:56 PM Member
    I would skip the BS in marketing, and go for an MBA or masters in marketing, if you go back for more schooling.

    But if you want to get into music industry, a degree may not be the way. better to just work your way in to it any way possible. Go work at a music store (if there are any left near you), get a spot on a local public access radio station, or whatever. May mean taking the jump and moving to a better market.

    Another option, given your background, would be to look for work that would use your biology background and marketing interest, such as by working in marketing for a biotech company.
  • Posted by mgoodman on 10/6/2014 at 11:24 AM Accepted
    From where I sit, the best approach seems like getting an MBA. Having an undergraduate degree in the sciences (or STEM) makes for a very powerful combination with a Masters in Business. There are a few MBA programs that even specialize in augmenting engineers and scientists. You will probably find that your scientific training actually helps you become a better businessperson.

    The reason I would recommend an MBA over a degree in Marketing (whether a bachelors or a masters) is that the Marketing degree will likely be viewed as less well suited for a senior management position when you get to that point in your career.

    Of course, any advanced degree is going to require a substantial up-front investment -- of time, effort and money. I'm not addressing the issue of whether the eventual payoff will will be worth the investment. That's a decision you will have to make for yourself. It depends on a number of different issues, not the least of which are your own aspirations, skills, interests and psychological/emotional make-up.
  • Posted by akari on 10/8/2014 at 2:06 AM Author
    Thank you all for your responses!
    Gary: I do have some connections already at a very popular music label but I lack a lot of experience which is why I wanted to go back to school to gain knowledge and also was also wondering if it would help in me in the long run. Also this music label is in LA and I have no way of getting there anytime soon. Thank you for the suggestions though!

    Peter: I have tried to apply at radio stations, but no callback, I might take your suggestion though and work at some music store even if it's part-time at least it would be relevant to the field I want to go in. I have also tried to apply at companies relevant to my degree (but in the marketing field) but a lot are intern positions or higher level positions (5-7 years of experience, which I lack). I might do the intern one even if it doesn't pay though just to get in the field. Not sure yet but thanks for the suggestions!

    mgoodman: I haven't actually thought about more than 3-5 years into the future actually, you're right that an MBA would help much more than a bachelors, thanks for this! I wouldn't do an MBA now though since I just want to work a bit longer before applying to any schools (plus take the GMAT). I've always thought of getting further education but my advisors at school would suggest I work to gain some experience to truly benefit from an higher education after bachelors. I just wanted to make sure going to business school for a masters was the right thing more so than another bachelors, which I feel assured that's probably the best thing to do now. Thank you!

    Monmark Group: You do make a point, lately I've seen loads of cars with different state license plates and read that Houston was one of the top cities where people are moving to for work. My dream, though, was to work for a music label company which Houston sort of lacks. There are some but they're small and none are hiring from what I saw, which is why I initially wanted to move to LA or NY. However, who knows what the future holds I might find the perfect job here too. I love Houston (beside the weather) so it actually made me a bit sad that I thought I had to leave but it might have what I'm also looking for. Thank you!
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