If you find yourself wondering if you should pursue an MBA in Marketing, you are not alone. Individuals find themselves asking this question during the graduate school decision-making process. Choosing a graduate program can be difficult. Studying for a master’s degree will usually mean a significant outlay of time and money (also see: Is An MBA in Marketing Worth the Cost?). Many students hope that such a degree will lead to better employment opportunities and give them more income over the course of their career, but you want to know if it really will. The field of interest is often the key factor. Historically, a business degree has been a practical path to success. An MBA gives one a broad base on which to build. There are several reasons to pursue an MBA.
Increased Income Opportunities
A college degree is an investment, and most students hope for a monetary return on that investment. According to a Wall Street Journal article, graduates of a full-time MBA program reported a 73% increase in salary post-graduation. This is a compelling reason to consider pursuing a graduate degree in business. It is important to remember, however, that many MBA programs require work experience before one can be accepted. As the article indicates, there are a variety of business graduate programs that are designed to focus on a specific area. These programs may be a good choice for those who have not yet started their career.
Better Job Prospects
An increased salary is only possible when one has a place to earn that salary. Versatility is often the key to finding a position. Rachel Edgington, a research director for the Graduate Management Admission Council, stated in a New York Times article that “The M.B.A. is the most versatile degree out there — most of the others are very field specific, but you can apply an M.B.A. to any field.” Although this article was published several years ago, the statement still rings true. The skills learned in an MBA program can be applied anywhere in the business world. They can also be used in the non-profit sector, education, and to run one’s own company.
Why Marketing?
Once one has decided to pursue an MBA, choosing an area of emphasis becomes the next decision. Should one pursue an MBA in Marketing? Selling and promoting goods and services is a necessity in every business, school, and organization that exists in the free world. Understanding the channels of distribution that take a product from conception to consumer is key. Regardless of their position, every employee should know how this happens. To be an indispensable employee, one should know how to make it happen.
Everyone wants to go to work with the skills and abilities to do their job, whatever that job may be. There are many paths to obtaining those skills. For those who are passionate about business, an MBA may be that path. The knowledge of buying and selling that is so vital to every company can be met with a focus on marketing. Income, employment and indispensability are the answers to the question, “Why should I pursue an MBA in Marketing?”
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