Question

Topic: Student Questions

Masters In Advertising: Where To Go From Here?

Posted by Di Ads on 9/14/2017 at 5:42 PM ET 125 Points
Hello,

I am currently in graduate school earning a Master's in Advertising while simultaneously working for a large TV network as a Brand Marketing Contractor. I jumped straight into grad school after completing my undergraduate and have now accumulated 1 year worth of professional experience and 2 years of internships.

My dilemma is that I am struggling to find a job that pays what I believe that I deserve (average starting salary out of my undergrad business school is $58k). In my current job, I am making almost $15k less. I currently live in Atlanta and have formal training in computer science and business marketing as well as design.

With all of this, I am wondering if my Master's degree would help in salary negotiations or allow me to apply for jobs that ask for more than a year's worth of experience. What benefits do Master's in Advertising have? Any advice?
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by mgoodman on 9/14/2017 at 7:44 PM Accepted
    My opinion only: The degree itself is worth very little. What you learn from your professors, case studies and internships is worth much more.

    If that's right, the degree won't help much in salary negotiations and won't allow you to claim a year's worth of experience.

    The benefits of a Master's in Advertising are whatever you learn from the experience and any contacts you make along the way. Some employers might give you a bit of credit for demonstrating you are committed to your craft, but that's about all.

    What does a Brand Marketing Contractor do? Is there an opportunity to turn that into a great learning experience? Can you point to any major successes in that job?
  • Posted by telemoxie on 9/15/2017 at 7:34 AM Accepted
    I largely agree with mgoodman, with this caveat: government positions often reward you with higher salaries for advanced degrees.

    It sounds to me like your plate is pretty full at the moment. My advice right now would be, concentrate right now in your studies and are doing your current job to the absolute best of your ability. I personally have frequently made the mistake of trying to jump ahead and take on new challenges rather than focusing on the job before me.

    Work harder at your current job. Be more diligent. Show up a bit earlier. Develop a reputation for excellence. Network, and meet as many professionals in your industry as you can. Identify subject matter experts who are willing to share their expertise, and cultivate relationships with them. Consider participating in this forum, for example. Seek out those difficult things which other people don't like to focus on or study or do, and become excellent at them. Don't worry about mapping out your entire future quite yet.

    Don't worry about the money. Focus on your work, and on becoming a person of value. Good luck.
  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 9/17/2017 at 12:32 AM Accepted
    Talk to local recruiters to see what they're looking for and paying for. There may very well be regional differences, corporate differences, and market differences. Learn where your "sweet spot" is.
  • Posted by Shelley Ryan on 10/12/2017 at 5:50 PM Moderator
    Hi Everyone,

    I am closing this question since there hasn't been much recent activity.

    Thanks for participating!

    Shelley
    MarketingProfs
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