How To Choose The Best Master's Degree For You

Accounting, Analytics, Finance, Management & Marketing. There’s so many options for business masters degrees out there, so how do you choose the right one?

Master’s in Management student Q&A

Deanna Hamilton, student at Ivey Business School, starting a consulting career after graduation

Why pursue a Master’s in Management?

I wanted to pursue a career in business and a Master’s in Management seemed like the perfect way for me to develop my knowledge as I did not study business during my undergrad. I also aspire to work internationally one day. Ivey’s Global Lab opportunity offered an eight-week, hands-on, international in-company experience which allowed me to immerse myself in an unfamiliar environment and work cross-culturally.

What advice do you have for prospective Master's in Management students?

Aside from the obvious skills of being a hard worker and passionate about the program, I think it is crucial for students to be open to learning and willing to adapt. It is essential for you to be willing to step out of your comfort zone to really take advantage of every opportunity on the program. Interpersonal and communication skills are also necessary for most jobs and, coming into the program, many of my classmates already had exceptional communication skills.

Masters in Marketing

Ning Li, academic program director of the MS in Marketing at Johns Hopkins, Carey School of Business

Who is a Master’s in Marketing for?

For students looking to continue in their marketing studies or students looking to pivot into marketing from another field. Those who are looking to become marketing experts will receive training in business foundations in addition to numerous high-level marketing electives.

What skills/qualifications do you need to apply?

Candidates will need undergraduate level communication and analytical skills.

What will you learn on a Master’s in Marketing?

Students will learn behavioral and quantitative methods and best marketing practices to address the most critical issues facing today’s marketer, including the impact of data and social media on marketing strategy, consumer behavior, social responsibility, competitive economics, business-to-business marketing, and more.

What jobs can you qualify for after a Master’s in Marketing?

Students can pursue careers in Marketing and Business Analytics, Marketing and Sales, General Management, Consulting, and more. Some employers who have hired our recent graduates include Amazon, China Telecom Americas, IBM, Johns Hopkins Medicine, P&G, and Tencent.

Top tip for applying to Carey?

Be Honest. No applicant is perfect and if there is a part of your application you are concerned about, be honest. Be open to why this program appeals specifically to you. This is important because honestly addressing concerns is important in marketing roles.

Master’s in Marketing student Q&A

Charlie Wang, MS in Marketing student at Johns Hopkins, Carey School of Business

Why pursue a Master’s in Marketing?

I value a program with a multi-disciplinary scientific approach to business where I’m exposed to a range of subjects, such as economics, psychology, and data science. Compared to other programs, Master’s in Marketing students explore a wider range of theories and models, and are able to quickly adapt to work in a variety of industries.

What advice do you have for prospective Master's in Marketing students?

Two skills that are essential are curiosity and fast learning skills. You don’t need to have all the answers, but you do need to be curious. You are expected to quickly adapt to the multi-disciplinary curriculum at a fast pace.

My advice: Start making friends now! Marketing students should be aware of the importance of relationships. Developing deep and enduring relationships with not only clients but also organizations will directly or indirectly affect one’s success.

This article was first published in March 2019 and updated in November 2020