The line between marketing and education continues to blur. More and more marketers are taking the digital world by storm with courses and degrees in marketing online. A marketer’s education doesn’t end with a piece of paper; you’ll continuously learn and grow as a professional.

You may be wondering what an online marketer’s education is all about. How does an online marketing degree differ from a marketing certificate or an MBA in marketing? Let’s explore.

Degree Versus Certificate

One of the first questions you’ll need to answer is whether you want an online degree or a certificate. While a degree is always a better option, you should really consider the option of a certificate if you’re seeking flexibility.

An online marketing certificate allows you to get a taste of an on-the-job training program without having to commit to a full-time degree. A certificate in digital marketing is a popular choice among working professionals who want to advance their careers. With many online marketing certificates, you’ll gain exposure to real-life marketing situations, collaborating with talented marketers, and developing advanced marketing skills.

Why An Online Marketing Degree Is Recommended

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings for marketing managers, advertising managers, and brand managers are expected to increase by 29% between 2020 and 2028.

The role of marketing is important because it’s one of the few sectors that isn’t expected to see a decline in jobs. In fact, the opposite is true. According to the BLS, employment opportunities in marketing are projected to grow by 29% between 2020 and 2028.

This is likely because marketing is a needed field. Businesses need to promote their products and services to increase their sales. Consumers need to know about new products before their popularity rises too much that businesses begin struggling to keep up with demand. In today’s world, everyone needs marketers to inform, guide, and entertain in order to achieve total customer satisfaction.

Find The Right Balance

One of the biggest differences between a degree and certificate program is the flexibility. A certificate in online marketing allows you to complete your studies at your own pace. You can pause your studies whenever you want. You won’t need to worry about being employed when you finish. You can use your free time to take a break from studying and pursue your passions.

On the other hand, an online degree in marketing requires you to follow a prescribed syllabus. You won’t get the same level of flexibility with an on-the-job training program. If you do decide to enter the workforce without a degree, you’ll need to find a job with a flexible work schedule that allows you to balance your studies and a full-time job. Many online degree programs include ample amounts of flexibility built into the curriculum. So you may not need to sacrifice much, if any, of your schedule in order to complete your studies. The choice is up to you. You just have to decide which one is best for your needs.

Keep Learning

The key difference between a degree and certificate in online marketing is that you’ll continue to learn even after you finish your studies. The BLS projects that job opportunities for marketers will increase by 29% between 2020 and 2028. According to the organization, job seekers will need to possess the following skills:

• Digital marketing analytics
• Information retrieval
• Marketing strategy
• SEM (Search engine marketing)
• Marketing Management
• Media planning and buying
• Community Management
• E-commerce
• Social media management
• Analytics

By continuing your education in marketing, you’ll gain more knowledge and become more valuable as a professional. You won’t stop learning once you complete your studies. A marketing degree or certificate will not define your education. You’ll continue to develop your expertise and seek out new opportunities for personal and professional growth. A good marketing education should empower you to think critically, analyze new information, and solve complex problems. All of which will make you a more valuable asset to your company and allow you to advance your career.

An MBA in marketing or a marketing certificate may give you an edge in salary negotiation. Many employers value candidates with an MBA because they believe that the degree provides them with a better understanding of complex business issues. An MBA in marketing may also be a requirement for certain roles within a company. A marketing certificate does not require you to get an MBA following your studies. However, it does require you to gain some experience in the field before pursuing a career in marketing. By obtaining a certificate in digital marketing, you’ll be able to gain practical experience while also continuing your education.

To end this article, let’s discuss the future of marketing and education. What will make a difference between then and now? Today, digital marketing is considered a standalone career. In the near future, marketers will have to be even more specialized in order to survive in a competitive environment. For example, a pharmaceutical marketing specialist will be needed to understand the medical science behind a new drug and communicate that science to healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and patients. The specialization won’t end there. In the near future, it’s expected that healthcare will become even more specialized with a doctor specializing in oncology, another in neurology, and so on. In a similar fashion, marketing won’t become extinct but will definitely become more specialized.

To succeed in the future, marketers need to continue educating themselves on the latest trends and technologies. This will ensure that they can effectively communicate with existing and potential customers. Building a personal brand, creating marketing strategies, and leading a team are also key elements to consider as you continue your education in marketing. An online marketing degree allows you to develop your personal brand, gain experience, and continue learning. Your ability to do any of these things will make you a valuable asset to any company or organization. So don’t forget about the importance of education in your personal brand building and career advancement. To end this article, it’s important to mention that the majority of employers prefer to hire individuals with a bachelor’s degree. A marketing certificate or an MBA in marketing may also be a good choice for your personal brand building and career advancement. Having either of these degrees may actually make you more attractive to potential employers compared to someone with only a bachelor’s degree in a completely different field. So keep your options open, explore all your options, and make the right choice for you.