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Anyone who works in the marketing industry knows just how quickly things can change. While marketers of the past relied on paper advertising, word-of-mouth, and television commercials, they are now competing for the limited attention of internet users, who are bombarded daily with thousands of offers. Technology is changing rapidly and simply keeping up with current best practices can feel like a full-time job.
If you want to boost your career in this critical field, then you might want to consider getting a master’s degree in digital marketing. There are lots of benefits to getting an advanced degree that go well beyond bragging rights. Here’s how a master’s in digital marketing could help your career.
Provides Authority and Builds Trust with Employers
Lots of people claim to be marketers in today’s job market. However, lots of these marketers don’t have much or any formal training. While it is possible to become an excellent and effective marketer without a degree, it can be difficult to prove your expertise to employers.
Having a master’s degree in digital marketing indicates that you have more in-depth knowledge of marketing than the average applicant. Employers are likely to respect your expertise and trust you to make important marketing decisions, should they hire you. Overall, getting a degree will make you a more competitive candidate.
Fills in Any Knowledge Gaps
If you’ve been working in the digital marketing industry for any length of time, then you know how much there is to know. As a digital marketing professional, you can expect to continue learning throughout your career. However, it’s important to have a strong knowledge base you can build on so you can be successful now and in the future.
Whether you have a bachelor’s degree in marketing or in another field, a master’s degree will help you fill in gaps in your knowledge that could be important for your career. You’ll feel much more confident and prepared to create effective campaigns if you have the right training.
Improves Your Earning Potential
Employers know that getting a master’s degree is an investment of time and money. They understand that only people who are serious about their careers will put in the effort to get an advanced degree. That’s why people with a master’s degree can generally expect higher salaries than people with a bachelor’s degree or no degree at all.
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Your degree will give you more negotiating power during the hiring process. Not only that, but you will be able to move up the corporate ladder more easily, allowing you to earn more in both the short and long term. Over time, your degree could more than pay for itself—it could help you earn enough to upgrade your lifestyle and save for the future.
Allows You to Build In-Demand Skills
Right now, employers want a lot from the marketing professionals they hire. They want people who have in-demand skills in areas like video content, influencer marketing, and data analysis. In recent years, data analytics has become a critical skill for marketers as the industry now relies heavily on data-driven campaigns.
Today, marketers should make an effort to build their analytical skills, which can be difficult without a teacher guiding the learning process. By pursuing a master’s degree that includes analytics training, you’ll get the opportunity to learn these skills from the ground up.
Most marketers are highly creative and know how to use psychology to get people engaged with their brand. However, being able to embrace both the creative and analytical sides of the industry is much rarer. People who have both skillsets will have no problem finding a job in today’s market.
Helps You Feel Excited and Engaged
Ongoing professional development is important for everyone, but especially for digital marketers. Once you understand just how quickly the marketing landscape changes, you understand how important it is to keep up with current best practices. Additionally, ongoing learning can help you feel more engaged and connected with your career.
In a master’s program, you’ll be discussing the material with other students who are enthusiastic about marketing. This can help you feel excited and motivated, not only for your classes but for your career. You’ll probably start to think more creatively through these discussions and come up with content ideas or innovative solutions to problems that you can use in the workplace.
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Gives You Networking Opportunities
When it comes to getting a job, it’s often about who you know, not just what you know. Getting into a high-quality master’s program will give you new opportunities to network and form valuable connections.
During your program, you’ll make new friends and start to grow your professional network, which could lead to a job down the line. You might also get internship opportunities, which will give you a chance to practice your skills and impress people in the industry.
When it comes to networking, being friendly and helpful will help you go far. Networking is all about building relationships, not just seeing what you can get from someone else. Be willing to learn and help out when you can, and give more than you take. Your master’s program will give you a chance to build your networking skills and help you advance your career.
Choosing the Right Program
If you want to get a master’s degree, it’s important to take your time and choose the right program. Many students are working professionals and choose to attend an online program, rather than in-person classes because it is more convenient. There are lots of different programs to choose from, whether you are looking for a general master’s in digital marketing or something more specific, like an online master’s in marketing analytics.
Do your research and find the right fit before you apply to a graduate program. Remember, you’ll usually spend around two years completing your degree in addition to the financial investment. Make sure the program you’re considering is worth the investment! Getting a master’s in digital marketing can help you push your career forward so you can reach your professional goals.
About the Author
Ryan Ayers is a researcher and consultant within multiple industries including information technology, blockchain and business development. Always up for a challenge, Ayers enjoys working with startups as well as Fortune 500 companies. When not at work, Ayers loves reading science fiction novels and watching the LA Clippers.
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