With more and more workers opting to become freelancers, contractors, and business owners, there has been a surge in demand for online marketing degrees. According to the International Federation of Accountants (IFA), 15% of the United Kingdom’s workforce is now self-employed or freelance, up from 8% in 2008. Accounting for Work is the research partner of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and has identified accountancy as a profession which is changing to fit the future of work.
The freelance economy is attractive because it offers flexibility and allows individuals to set their own hours. It’s also a great way to gain valuable business experience, so if you’re looking to build your career, this could be a route to take. However, if you’re looking to fund your studies, freelancing can be tricky. Fortunately, there are a variety of funding options available for post-graduates, including the government-backed job bank, Graduate Prospects.
With the right preparation, dedication, and interest, anyone can become an effective online marketer. Although we’ve seen a rise in the popularity of online degrees, not all of them are created equal. To ensure you’re making the right decision for your future, you need to know what to look out for.
Top MBA Online Marketing Degrees
Choosing your future career can be challenging. You won’t know unless you try, but you also don’t want to make the wrong decision. This is why it is important to do your research and discern which degree will give you the best chance of securing employment upon graduation.
What follows is a list of some of the most in-demand online marketing degrees, ranked according to the difficulty of getting in and the quality of the course material. The list is broken down by country to assist with your study abroad application.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is home to one of the largest freelance economies in the world. Accounting for Work reports that 21.4 million people are currently in work in the U.K., making it the 4th largest economy in the European Union. Due to the rise in the number of self-employed workers, there has been a rise in demand for online marketing degrees in the U.K.
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a popular degree to study for among online marketing graduates in the U.K. According to the IFA, the unemployment rate in the U.K. is currently at 4.5%. This figure is likely to be lowered even further as more and more individuals opt to become freelancers and contractors due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent government regulations. As of April 2020, there were 12,500 job opportunities available in marketing and communications, 9,800 in sales, and 7,500 in business administration.
Australia
Like many other countries, Australia faces a skilled shortage in marketing and communications. The IFA reports that 47% of Australia’s working population is currently looking for a job, with the national unemployment rate sitting at 12%.
The Australian government has reacted to this by increasing funding for job-seeking activities, including online learning platforms and job-search assistance. As a result, many employers are now recruiting for talent despite the Covid-19 pandemic. In a bid to increase employment opportunities, the Australian government has also launched a Digital Marketing and Communications (DMC) Diploma, which aims to equip graduates with the skillset needed to succeed in today’s digital world.
United States
The United States has the world’s largest economy and is also the homeland of LinkedIn founder, Bill George. With an unemployment rate of 3.9%, there is plenty of work available for those with the right skillset. However, with more and more individuals moving to freelance work, the demand for online marketing degrees in the U.S. is on the rise.
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a popular choice for online marketing graduates in the U.S., especially as an additional credential alongside a bachelor’s degree. According to the IFA, the unemployment rate in the U.S. is currently 2.4%.
Although the demand for online marketing degrees has increased, there are still only a few international schools which offer these degrees. Students looking to study in the U.S. will need to do their research and find an institution which offers a reputable program.