Masters in Marketing?

pennstated912

Hi there,

I have a bachelor degree in English. I am currently working in the marketing department of a software company. Previously, I did two internships for non-profits in their marketing departments. I know that I have to start at the bottom of the totem pole as this industry is extremely hard to break into and relies a lot on previous experience. However, it is also extremely competitive thanks to the fact that many recent graduates are struggling.

I have been looking to give myself a competitive edge so I can advance in my career. I have been thinking about going back for a Masters in Marketing. My current company would pay 50% of the cost. 

Would a Masters in Marketing or something else be more effective? I don't necessarily have a specific type of company that I would in which for I would like to work. My passion is strictly marketing and helping people. I have always wanted to go back to school and it is a decision my DH supports. I just need to make sure I'm making the right business move.

pennstated912

...PENN STATE!!

Hey Cayla, 

I always thought about an MBA. I wasn't sure, since I have an English degree and not Marketing, what would be more effective.

I still live in PA, but we are in Allentown. The Lehigh Valley PSU campus doesn't offer a graduate program I was thinking about doing the World Campus but it is much more expensive. I've also heard that having a graduate degree from a university separate from your undergrad looks better (unsure why because I'm a Lion through and through).

I may discuss it with my company in the near future. I think it is something they would greatly support since we are a software company that the marketing plan relies a lot on business strategy.

Thanks for responding. I would love to become a Market Manager or Director in the future and this seems like the next logical step.

 

pennstated912

I'm about an hour and 15 minutes from the city. My current job is 8-5 and 40 minutes in the opposite direction of my house otherwise, I would be applying to the Great Valley campus. I need to be at my job 6 more months to qualify for the tuition reimbursement anyway.

riebeetee

I did my undergrad in History and English and then got my MBA with a concentration in marketing, so I don't think that your undergrad degree would prevent you from getting an into a program!   

I would agree that you should do an MBA over a master's in marketing. I think (my opinion, not based on anything) that a master's in marketing is more for those thinking of a career in academia.

I would say that if you could afford it, definitely do it! Once you have marketing work experience AND an MBA, you would definitely stand out versus other applicants.

FemShep

Definitely do an MBA instead of a Masters in Marketing. Speaking as someone who has hired and worked with a number of marketing professionals, the MBA is the standard degree. An MBA will also give you much more career flexibility, and tends to be valued more highly when negotiating salary. 

People generally recommend going someplace different for your graduate degree so that you have the benefits of two different alumni networks and credentials. An MBA at a good school should open up additional opportunities, not only immediately, but through networking as well. Getting another PSI degree, no matter how great the program and how much you love the school, doesn't bring you any additional networks.  

ruthevans41

Have you considered relocating? I just received my MBA from Babson College. The program is very competitive and I found the experience to be completely invaluable. You have the option of attending part-time or full-time. If relocating is an option for you, I can't recommend this program strongly enough.

mharris141

A masters degree is definitely an advantage in most companies and if you can find one that will pay for at least half of it, you are very lucky. Even if you went with a general business degree instead of marketing, that would benefit you. But if you plan on sticking with Marketing, than getting a masters in Marketing would be beneficial to you. Good luck!

Jaje09182010

I think a masters is a great idea- if I could second the idea of an MBA with a concentration in marketing potentially being more valuable though!

itsobviouslyhil

Just my two cents, but I work in marketing/have a M.S. in Strategic Communications (did my undergrad in Organizational Communication) and find that many smaller companies use "MBA" requirements interchangeably with a Masters in a related field. Go marketing specific if you think that's where you want to be -- no need to suffer through courses you're uninterested in unless you have ultra-specific career goals in mind.