Should I continue my education?

Question

I currently have an MBA (no specialization) and I work in Market Research as a project manager (for 2 years now). I would like to eventually become a Director of Market Research within the next 5-7 years. I have been accepted into a Masters of Market Research program. I am still wondering if I should go through the program or not. Do you think it would help my career, or is my MBA enough to get into the position I want?

Answer 1

You are asking the wrong question. You can undoubtedly get the position you want with the MBA - if you have the right knowledge. The problem is that doing market research well requires extensive knowledge of statistics and research design, not taught in MBA programs (I realize that the MBA generally requires statistics, but it isn't enough for many marketing research firms).

So the question is, how much of these things have you learned, either on the job or in some other setting. If your current firm, for example, only does focus groups, or uses a particular approach for all research, then your chances of moving to a Director position anywhere other than at your current firm may be limited without the MMR. If your current firm is one which designs very different projects for each client, and you have been taught about extensively about research design and analysis so that you feel confident doing more than just writing another survey for the next client who comes in the door, then you may not need the degree.

Answer 2

Extra degrees can never hurt, but check with other employees with similar positions, and find out their qualifications. Different companies utilize different services.