Do I need to get a masters in marketing?

Question

I am currently getting my bachelor's degree - my major is anthropology and my minor is psychology. I am interested in a career in marketing, marketing research mainly. Do I need to get my masters in marketing or will I be able to get a job with my bachelors, even though it is not in marketing; however, it does involve understanding humans? Thanks...

Answer 1

The research methods and stats courses of a Master of Arts program will help you immeasurably in that career field.

I'd suggest the graduate degree if you're sure marketing is where you want to go and if you can afford another year or two of study.

Answer 2

No. It's not a bad idea though.

I work for a multi-national Fortune 100 company. We have people that don't even have degrees because they worked their way up.

Your bachelors will definitely get you where you want, at least in the beginning. Having a masters is a great thing though.

I myself am back in school to get the extra edge and I can only take 1 to 2 classes a semester and it is REALLY hard. I have a family, home, pet's, toys like boats and other time consuming things.

If you want to work for a large company you'll have a LOT of competition, the Master's will definitely give you an advantage. If you can get it now, go for it. When you're older and decide you need it to get further in your career, it will be much harder.

My company has over 200,000 employees. Any time a higher position opens up I have to compete with a LOT of other people. The problem I run into is some of the younger people who don't have families have more time than I do, and they will spend more of their personal time improving their marketability to get a better position like I once did.

As a side note, sometimes having a Master's tells job recruiters and hiring managers you'll likely command a higher salary. It's not uncommon for managers and companies to hire somebody with "less" because they know that person will work harder since they are at a disadvantage. You should have no problems though, if you're good at marketing you'll be able to market yourself as somebody willing to start at the same salary as somebody who only has a bachelors.

Then after you have proven yourself and want to move into a higher position you can pull the "Master's" card out.

Hope this helps. I didn't have anybody to explain these things to me when I started my career. The best I have is asking questions, experience and reading books written by people much older than me who have the experience.

Always listen to elders, they've been there. I just turned 30 but I've been in my career for 7 years now and know the ropes of what gets you places.