Are you looking to further your career in marketing and promotion? Do you want to use your professional skills to help businesses increase their revenue? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide on how to choose the right online business marketing degree for you.
The Evolving Online Business Marketing Degree Curriculum
Traditional academic institutions began to embrace online learning years ago. In fact, many business programs have transitioned to an entirely online format. This has enabled students to continue their education even while working full-time. It has also provided universities the flexibility to update their curriculums as technology changes and subjects evolve.
Today, the field of online business marketing is largely digital marketing which includes the marketing of products and services over the internet. However, the field has expanded to include social media marketing, SEO, and PPC. In addition, many universities are adding additional topics like customer experience management or brand identity to their online business marketing degrees.
What this means for you is that as the industry evolves, so does your potential for career advancement. Just make sure you’re getting the most out of your education by choosing the right program for you.
The Evolving Role of Digital Marketing Specializations
Before the pandemic, many roles in digital marketing were concentrated in larger cities. However, the role has since shifted to remote working and location independence. As a marketer specializing in digital marketing, you’ll need to be comfortable leading a marketing team and strategizing marketing campaigns across different platforms (i.e., web, mobile, social media).
Additionally, you’ll need to be comfortable using digital marketing software and analytics tools to track performance and measure results. Due to the remote working environment, you’ll also need to be comfortable collaborating across geographic boundaries and ability levels.
Why Choose an Online Business Marketing Degree?
An online business marketing degree can help you gain the skills you need to succeed in this ever-changing field. Thanks to modern software and robust learning platforms, you can advance your career with an online business marketing degree while continuing to develop your skills and gain experience.
An online business marketing degree can also help you gain the flexibility to continue pursuing your professional goals and personal interests. During your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to set your own hours and work remotely if desired. Additionally, you can use online marketplaces like LiveChat to communicate with professors, course creators, and other students. This can help you get the assistance you need when you need it.
What Should You Look For In An Online Business Marketing Degree?
There are several qualities you should look for in an online business marketing degree. First, make sure the program you’re applying to is approved by the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) and the American Advertising Federation (AAF). A reputable institution that is AAF and 4A approved will ensure you’re receiving a high-quality education and can help you navigate the complexities of the workplace.
Also, look for an accredited institution that offers a broad curriculum. Even if you ultimately choose to specialize in digital marketing, it’s essential you learn the foundations of marketing so you can become a more well-rounded professional.
Determining The Right Time For A Further Education In Digital Marketing
An important consideration when choosing a further education in digital marketing is the time commitment. Most universities offer part-time courses so you can continue to build a career while focusing on your personal life. However, if you’re looking for a full-time job or interested in a long-term career change, you should consider looking into whether or not an online business marketing degree is right for you.
An Important Note About Employability
Even if you’re fortunate enough to land a job in digital marketing after completing your studies, it’s important to understand that not all employers will value your skills the same way. For this reason, it’s essential you research the average salary for a professional in your chosen field before accepting any job offers.
Additionally, you should be realistic about your career prospects as a digital marketer. While the field is expanding and evolving, many companies will still only look at your degree as a proxy for your skills. This means that even if you do have a degree, you might not always be able to leverage your skills to your advantage.
Choose The Right Location
When looking for a university, it’s important to consider the town you’ll be living in. You’ll need good transport links and have the opportunity to explore the local culture and get involved in the community. However, if you’re looking for a city break or a change of scene, you might not want to live in a small town.
Get Your Hands On Some Real-World Experience
To truly advance your career, you should strive to gain as much experience as possible. For this reason, it’s essential you find a way to get your hands on some real-world experience. One of the best ways to do this is to get a part-time job in your chosen field while you continue your studies. Even experience that is on a virtual learning platform like Udemy can be valuable in terms of learning and gaining confidence in your professional skills.
What Specializations Will Get You The Most Bang For Your Buck?
As mentioned above, many roles in digital marketing are becoming more specialized. If you want to truly advance your career, it’s important to choose a specialization that is in demand and lucrative. Below, we’ll discuss the various specializations within online business marketing and the opportunities that exist within each one.
Data Science
If you’re looking for a career in data science, then an online business marketing degree with a specialty in data science can help you gain the in-demand skills you need to succeed. Data science is the practice of analyzing large amounts of data to uncover valuable insights and trends. You’ll need to have a strong background in mathematics and statistics to be successful in this area.
Many data scientists are now specializing in marketing and promotions, retail analytics, and behavioral science. If you’re looking to further your education and gain in-demand skills, then data science might be the specialty you’re looking for. According to an annual survey conducted among software developers, data scientists, and IT managers by the Computing Science Accreditation Board (CSACB), the average salary for a data scientist jumped by 20 percent in the past year to nearly $98,000.
Account Management
If you have an in-depth understanding of the customer experience and the value that a brand or business provides, then you might be suited to account management. This is an area of speciality that has emerged from the need to manage complex client relationships and ensure that client goals and business objectives are met.
Account management requires you to have in-demand communication skills and the ability to strategize. Additionally, you’ll need to be comfortable leading and directing the work of others. Thanks to the increasing use of technology, many employers are looking for candidates with a background in marketing. If you’re looking to gain experience and a meaningful long-term career, then account management might be the specialty you’re looking for.
Strategic Marketing
If you want to truly advance your career, you should choose a specialization that will get you the most exposure and the opportunity to gain the most experience. According to the above-cited Computing Science Accreditation Board (CSACB) survey, the highest-paying specializations in digital marketing are:
- Strategic Marketing
- Marketing Analytics
- Digital Marketing
- Marketing Strategy
- Advertising & Marketing Communications
All of these specializations require you to have a thorough knowledge of marketing and how to effectively plan and execute marketing campaigns.
If you’re looking for a long-term career and are interested in gaining in-demand skills, then one of these specializations might be the ticket to success you’re looking for.
Sales And Marketing Management
If you’re interested in a more traditional route to success, then you might be better off choosing a specialization that will get you a job in Sales and Marketing Management. This is an area of speciality that has seen a massive shift to online learning. Even traditional academic institutions have adopted online learning so you can continue your education and gain experience even while working.