Going back to school ?

pennstated912

I work for a retail store and am in the process of interviewing for a management position. During the interview, one of the managers mentioned that the store has a tuition reimbursement program as long as the degree you are obtaining will help your ability as a leader in the store. He encouraged me to at least begin thinking about whether or not I'd like to go back to school.

Which would be more helpful in a career of retail management (I am planning to work in retail long-term)? An MBA or a Master's in Marketing? 

Photo5kCupcakes

I honestly do not know which would be  better, but if you plan on working in retail long-term, look into the various areas that are available to you for advancement. I know someone who worked as a manager, she now works in purchasing.

Good luck!

pennstated912

Photo5kCupcakes:

I honestly do not know which would be  better, but if you plan on working in retail long-term, look into the various areas that are available to you for advancement. I know someone who worked as a manager, she now works in purchasing.

Good luck!

This is exactly what I'm looking to do. I am looking to work as a manager, and once I obtain the education and the experience in the store, to go on to a district level.  

jmaiuri

The best thing you can do is research everything.  A MBA will allow you to do different types of business stuff, but if you are looking to stay specifically in Management in retail, I would look for degrees that are specific to your dream job.  Good luck with the search!

Ciardasully

If it were me, I think I would go for an MBA.  My reasoning is 1) with this economy, you never know and you should be prepared if you needed to do something outside the retail field.  2) I am not sure if a Master's in Marketing would have the other aspects of running a business (like keeping the books).  If you got the MBA, could you concentrate on marketing.

 Though to contradict what I just said, my brother got a Masters in Accounting over an MBA because he wanted to be more specialized.

 Either way, I wish you the best!  It is exciting you get this opportunity.

 

lauram730

An MBA will probably get you further if you're not entirely sure what direction your career might ultimately take you.  I suggest speaking with your manager about this - let them know that you are serious about continuing your education to improve your contribution to the company and would love their feedback on which tends to be most attractive at the corporate level.  A conversation like this could set you apart from the competition.  Good luck!

fbf2006

I'll get an MBA with a concentration in Marketing or whatever else interests you.

pennstated912

Thanks for all of your responses! 

This has been really helpful! I am excited about the idea of going back to school.