Hi Everyone, I am looking some advice on choosing the right program. I live in Canada. Due to my family situation, I am not able to leave my town for education. So distance or online is the only option. I am currently a project coordinator with a non-profit agency. Duties include coordinating events, promoting the organization and promoting events. I also have 1 year of experience in advertising. I think I know what career path I am looking for. I want to specialize in Marketing. I have a BA degree in linguistics and know 4 languages. Here are the programs I've been considering: (from most favourite to least) 1. Northwestern Master in Integrated Marketing Communication (but really pricey, $50k) 2. Boston University Master in International Marketing Management (still pricey $40k) 3. Boston University Graduate Cert in International Marketing (don't know the cost yet) 4. Cornell University Cert in Marketing ($3k) 5. UC Berkerley Cert in Marketing ($4.5k) 6. University of Alberta Master of Communication and Technology ($16k) I really want to get a Master Degree because it is always my goal to accomplish it in my life. But the first 2 options are really expensive. My non-profit organization can't subsidize me even a penny. I am actually looking for a new job in marketing with a bigger company, but it does take time. I am also thinking of maybe doing (3) first. Then when I save enough money in the future, I can just pay and finish a few more courses to get the graduate degree (2). Any thoughts or advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks very much in advance!
Honestly? Before dropping five figures and two years on a graduate degree program, I would make sure you really need it to enter the field. It's better to think of a degree not as a goal in itself, but rather as a tool that helps you reach a goal.
Hi SteveFoerster, thanks for your feedback. Do you think a cert will be a good start instead of investing in a graduate program?
TEKMAN, may I ask why you are against certificate? Is it because employers don't recognize the use of it?
What sort of position do you actually want? I would figure that out first, and then contact HR departments at companies that offer such positions and straight up ask them how to become a competitive applicant. After all, they're the ones who would know. If they say, "Get a Master's in Marketing!" well, then do so. Otherwise, follow their lead.
University of Northern Iowa: MA in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development (MA) | Continuing Education & Special Programs
I would NEVER cough up $50,000 for a Master's in Marketing. Honestly, most marketing staff don't even make $50,000 per year in their first 10 years on the job. I don't see dropping $50,000 on a marketing degree as money that you'll get back. You don't need an MA to work in the field, let alone in non-profits. Degrees in this field rarely up your salary very much. Experience matters most, same with portfolio and connections. And, that kind of dough for a certificate? No way, no how would I do that. (This is coming from a person who has worked in marketing, and who paid literally over $200,000 myself, not one dime in aide or scholarship, for a top tier BA... that I'm still working on.) University of Alberta Master of Communication and Technology ($16k) is at least a Master's, and at least less ridiculously priced than the other two. You don't need a Master's for Marketing. Marketing really doesn't pay that well overall, and no MA required. I would consider an MBA with a Marketing or PR focus. Or, a degree in tech with a PR/social media/marketing focus. Maybe even just a communications degree if it's cheaper. I would learn web programming and graphic design. Marketing staff tends to end up doing a lot of their own tech projects. The marketing certificates that are "only" $3,000 might be a decent balance between studying something you ENJOY, and having a little something to add to your marketing resume. If we were talking an engineering degree, I would say... drop the $50,000 on tuition. But, for marketing? No. You just don't need the MA. If you're wanting to do non-profit management, I would get a degree in that... or an MBA with a marketing focus. Then, use your current non-profit job to get some experience in web/graphic design, event planning, and marketing promotional work. Cheaper than a degree, with likely the same end result. The $3,000 certificate, to me, would just be for fun-- with a slight resume benefit.
Thanks very much for your reply. I'll definitely consider your suggestion. I am actually trying to look for a job with a private company instead of staying with a non-profit. I might just consider doing a certificate in the meantime. Do you think a graduate degree in communication is useful? I know U of Alberta's program is cheaper. But for some reasons, I am a bit hesitated because "communication" degree sounds not very useful (I could be wrong, but just personal thoughts). On the other hand, do you think a graduate program in project management is worth to do it? My friend is also considering a master degree but in project management. She has been managing projects for almost 3 years and looking for career advancement.