Have you ever felt stuck in a career that just doesn’t spark joy? Maybe you, like me, once felt that you didn’t choose the right career path for yourself, or maybe your priorities or views on the world changed from what they were in your early 20s. No matter what your reasons are, if you are considering taking the big step (as I did) of moving into one of the many marketing career paths, you’re in the right place to hear about my professional and academic journey and ultimately decide – is a master’s degree in marketing worth it?

Perhaps you’re a recent graduate eager to launch your marketing career, or a seasoned professional seeking to elevate your skillset. I’m here to share everything I’ve learned throughout my journey to (hopefully) help make your decision-making easier!

A Bit About My Journey

In my early 30s, I’ve decided to change my career direction completely. At that point in my life, I lived in five different countries, traveled to more than forty, spoke five different languages, and had a very successful and interesting career working for the government with amazing benefits and a promise of growth and constant adventures. I was married and we were seriously considering expanding our family. However, I wanted a bit of a different lifestyle after our move to NYC, less traveling and I felt like my previous career did not give me the work-life balance I was looking for.

I always had a lot of interest in anything digital and I had a lot of skills that could have been implemented in different areas of marketing, and eventually I decided to start working in eCommerce as it combined marketing and sales. After gaining some experience for a couple of years, I decided to take a job as an eCommerce Manager for one of the biggest glassware manufacturers in the world. This was back at the end of 2018, and I definitely didn’t know how this would change my life and lead me to join a master’s degree in marketing program (in addition to surviving a pandemic). 

Beyond Textbooks: Unveiling the Real Value of a Master’s in Marketing

Let me start by saying this: yes, a master’s degree in marketing can absolutely be worth it! But the true value goes far beyond simply adding a fancy new degree to your resume. Buckle up, because I’m about to share more about my personal journey and the unexpected benefits I gained from the Master of Science in Digital Marketing program at Rutgers Business School.

Sure, there were textbooks – mostly digital versions of course! There were lectures filled with new vocabulary (think “conversion rate” and “target audience”). But the best part? This program wasn’t just about memorizing facts. It was about diving headfirst into the real world of digital marketing. We dissected successful (and sometimes not-so-successful) marketing campaigns, learned from professors who were seasoned marketing professionals and got down to the nitty-gritty of applying marketing strategies in real-life scenarios. Suddenly, marketing wasn’t just a trial-and-error chaos – it was a skill I could actually use properly!

Different analytical charts of masters degree in marketing

From Lurking to Creating: Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

When I was thrown into the pool of managing social media, digital agencies, content creation and building not one but two D2C websites among other marketing responsibilities, I had almost zero experience and knowledge. I had to do a lot of research and self-learning to keep everything working properly. And while I successfully managed to achieve our KPIs and bring incredible ROI I still felt like I was lacking a proper educational path to master my marketing skills. But guess what? This program turned me into a master marketer and content creation machine (well, maybe a well-oiled content creation hamster wheel!).

We learned how to craft compelling blog posts, and social media captions that would grab attention (and not put people to sleep!), and even dabbled in the fascinating world of video editing in addition to understanding consumer behavior (you have no idea how primal we are), marketing law & ethics, how to conduct effective marketing research, SEO and most importantly – how to measure all your efforts (and which are more challenging to measure). 

There were moments of panic, like the time I wrote a whole paper and didn’t save it before my computer crashed. But through trial and error, and a lot of support from classmates and professors, I gained the knowledge and confidence to proudly say I’m a digital marketing powerhouse thanks to the skills I learned in my master’s degree in marketing program.

Balancing Act: Juggling School, Work, and Maybe Even a Life

Let’s be honest, a master’s degree in marketing requires dedication and discipline. Imagine yourself mastering the art of the triple espresso shot while simultaneously crafting a marketing plan and eCommerce strategy while explaining to your significant other why you haven’t seen sunlight in days. There will be moments you’ll question your sanity (a lot of those actually) as you juggle school deadlines, work projects, business travel, trade shows, moving cross country, having another baby, and maybe even a screaming toddler or two (no judgment!).

But here’s the secret weapon: it’s absolutely doable. The Rutgers master’s degree in digital marketing programs is designed for busy adults like you and me. They understand we have lives, unlike that one professor who assigned a group project due the day after a major holiday (seriously, what was he thinking?).

For example, when we decided to move from New York to Texas I took a semester off. When I had my second baby, I took two semesters off. I might be the person who used the full four years to graduate from this program, but you know what? I’m about to graduate with honors, proving that with dedication, discipline, and a little creative scheduling, you can achieve your goals.

woman standing on an open book and juggling three balls

The Investment Pays Off: The Unexpected Benefits of a Marketing Mastermind

The rewards extend far beyond the potential for a raise and a fancy new title on your business card (although those are certainly perks!). This program transformed me from a marketing novice into a well-rounded marketing professional. Here’s a glimpse of the unexpected benefits that come with the package:

Communication Masterclass

Marketing is all about getting your message across, clearly and persuasively. This program honed my communication skills to a razor’s edge. Whether it’s crafting a concise email, delivering a confident presentation, or even negotiating with a stubborn vendor (we’ve all been there!), my communication skills are now on point. I got great tools that helped me improve my remote work and school collaboration skills.

English was only my 3rd language, and I always was a bit hesitant to give major presentations to big groups of people. Well, this program helped me unlock my inner communication powerhouse. Now I’m confidently presenting complex marketing strategies to a room full of executives, and my voice is clear and articulate.

Data Analysis: No Longer a Scary Monster

Remember that time you got a big sea of data and had to analyze it? Well, guess what? I learned to navigate it, and even interpret it effectively so I can always make data-driven decisions! This program equipped me with the skills to analyze data like a pro. I can decipher customer trends, identify target audiences with laser focus, and even use sophisticated software to make sense of complex information. Data is no longer a scary monster under the bed – it’s a powerful tool in my marketing arsenal.

Data tends to be the most complicated part in this profession, as in addition to understanding data yourself you need to explain your metrics sometimes to people who have zero understanding of metrics. This program will give you the tools to explain data analysis to a four-year-old and a top executive (I did both successfully).  

The Power of Critical Thinking: From Memes to Marketing Marvel

Let’s face it, the internet is overflowing with information (and a fair share of very strange memes). However, this program taught me to think critically about the information I encounter. Is this source reliable? What are the underlying motives behind this marketing campaign? By developing my critical thinking skills, I can separate marketing gold from fool’s gold, ensuring my campaigns are based on sound strategy, not just the latest internet fad.

As part of your Consumer Behavior in a Digital World course, you will have the chance to read two amazing books that will give you the tools to analyze some of the most expensive ads in the world (someone said Superbowl ads?) and understand why some of them were extremely successful and why some failed. I will never be able to look at an ad again without those critical thinking tools.

Finding the Right Program: Your Personalized Marketing Path

While I’ve shared my experience, it’s important to remember that every journey is unique. Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing a Master’s in Marketing program:

  • Specialization: Many programs offer specializations in areas like digital marketing, social media marketing, or content marketing. Consider your specific interests and career goals when making your selection.
  • Coursework: Review the program curriculum to ensure it aligns with your learning objectives. Do they offer courses in the latest marketing trends and tools?
  • Flexibility: If you’re a working adult, consider online or evening programs that cater to busy schedules.
  • Faculty: Research the professors’ backgrounds and expertise. Are they industry professionals who can share real-world insights?
  • Tuition: Make sure you fully understand the tuition structure. Is in-state and out-of-state tuition the same? How much is international tuition?
  • Scholarships: Many programs have various scholarships, make sure to inquire which ones you might qualify for as this can save you thousands of dollars.
  • Employment Based Tuition Reimbursement programs: Make sure to check with your HR department if your employer offers any tuition reimbursement programs and what are your obligations if you use those programs.
woman seating and a table and working on her masters degree in marketing

Verdict: Is a Master’s Degree in Marketing Worth It and Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision of whether to pursue a master’s in marketing is a personal one. However, if you’re passionate about marketing, eager to elevate your skillset, and ready to embrace a challenge, then this program could be the key to unlocking a world of exciting career possibilities. The program is constantly being updated and new courses are added, and even after you graduate you have the opportunity to “sit” in classes as an alumnus which is a lifelong value way beyond the degree program length. You will get the chance to be a part of one of the best-ranking online marketing graduate programs.

Earning a master’s in marketing is not just about the degree; it is about transformation. It equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in the ever-evolving world of marketing. It allowed me to pursue a path that truly excites me. Increase my income (by more than 50% and that’s before I even graduated), elevate my title and skills but most of all be proud of myself and the personal example I set for my kids. Whatever your reason is to consider the master’s in marketing degree, take it from this enthusiastic (almost) graduate: you won’t regret it.

My overall degree will cost around $43K (note: based on current tuition). However, if you can finish the whole program in 2 semesters, you’ll pay around $32K. I used all the possible benefits I could use (scholarships, employment tuition reimbursement, etc.) so my actual total will be around $25K. So, are you ready to unleash your inner marketing whiz? Take the leap, embrace the challenge, and get ready to embark on a journey that will transform you from a marketing novice to a marketing master!

is a master's degree in marketing worth it