I get asked all the time: “Why in the world are you wasting your money on an MBA?”
Being in the search marketing world, I think I get it a little more often than most. In traditional business it has almost become expected. Well in a technology-based industry having a degree is a luxury. Most IMs never finished their degrees, if they started them, and are much better at search marketing than some with bachelors and masters degrees. So why?
1. Changing of Search Marketing – Industries change, the world changes, and search marketing is brand new. I didn’t study search marketing in school. Not because I didn’t want to, it wasn’t an option! The one marketing class that mentioned internet marketing … I taught that one day. One day. By request of the professor because I was working in the industry. Times will change, and I want to have something to differentiate myself. I spend time learning, socializing, testing, and networking just like everyone else. But I am also dedicated to doing this. Something that has the potential to set me apart in the future.
2. Goals – I’ve always been goal oriented, and this is one of my goals. It happened that my life is open to completing this goal right now. I have the means and time to get my MBA. No kids, no spouse, and “extra” income to where I don’t need to take out loans. The time was right.
3. Teaching the Next Generation – Remember the comment before that I couldn’t learn about search marketing in school? I want to change that. But in the US you can’t teach at the college level until you at least have your master’s degree. I have thought about teaching as a profession before, so this would aid that if I choose that path in the future. It’s something I think would benefit the economy as a whole. I also know that the best teachers are those performing and have past experience in the subject. Lining those dominoes up now.
So will it bring me fortunes in search marketing now? Nope. Does it make me better than anyone else? Oh hell no.
When I get done, I will have the same knowledge I did the day before, and some that people learn in the School of Life. But what I am learning now will aid in making strategic business decisions in the companies I work with. Understanding business as a whole, seeing the bigger picture, is not something everyone does. We all have different talents, and that seems to be one of mine.
So I hope that answers some people’s question.
I even think I might have found a topic for my thesis. In the program I am in, you can do a thesis or not. I chose that because I want to focus my MBA on what I do, not just some random electives just to get the degree. I’ll explain more as I delve into the subject, but for now things seem to be nicely on track.
4 Comments
Add Yours →Lady…I could not have said it better myself!
I’ve gotten this same question many times given what I want to do as a career as well. It definitely comes down to wanting to see the bigger picture for me too!
I think it’s critical. But then I’m a touch brain-washed 😛 *she says wearing her MBA sweater*
Kate, you are definitely set apart. Your degree and what you learned is your POD, your Point of Differentiation. You saw the opportunities, knowing it would require sacrifice, seeing past the comfort of the present. This tenacity will carry forward as a work ethic into any business venture you enter.
Plus, we need quality search marketing instructors in college. Who knows? You might be the one to build up the next generation!
I taught Web Design for 3 semesters at a university without a Master’s. My BS is in “Telecommunications, Multimedia & Applied Computing” – sounds like BS. 🙂 Anyway, some universities will allow one to teach as Adjunct Faculty if one is a subject-matter expert. However, the pay scale is much lower. I did it for the experience while also running a small Web company, which is where I made “real” money. If you do decide to teach, the time you are putting in right now will mean a much higher pay scale.
No matter what you do, you will reap what you currently are sowing! Go, girl! (You, too, Kristyann!)
Kate – I think it is awesome you are getting your MBA and I fully support your decision on it (you know what I mean) … It is definitely something to be proud of … I know I would be
[…] the argument that we are getting less of an education is completely relative. As I have explained before, I am getting an MBA because it is a goal of mine. I believe it will assist me in my personal […]