In 2014, over 7 million students undertook an MBA across the world with more than 60% of those in the UK. This is a huge vote of confidence in business schools and the programs that they produce.
MBA is a prestigious degree to have and it signals competence to employers and graduate recruitment agencies. It also provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable work-related experience that will further enhance their prospects in the job market.
With more and more students taking the step to advance their careers via an MBA, it is an ideal opportunity to explore what skills and knowledge graduates need to be successful in their job roles and which courses can prepare them best for these roles. This article will highlight the most important knowledge and skills that digital marketing managers need to have, using Google’s online MBA as an example.
The Value of an Online MBA
The first point to make around the value of an online MBA is the accessibility that it affords to students who might not normally be able to access a traditional MBA. A surprising number of people think that only certain students can benefit from an online MBA, usually those who can afford expensive private universities or those who can attend universities in their home countries. This couldn’t be further from the truth. As we’ve established, the majority of students who enrol in an online MBA program have some form of disadvantage or advantage in their education or work history that makes them suitable or unsuitable for an offline program. Regardless of your personal circumstances, you can benefit from an online MBA.
An online MBA will give you the opportunity to study at your own pace and in your own surroundings. You won’t have to worry about commuting to uni or waking up at uni to take a lecture. You can study when and where you want, enabling you to progress in your studies when you want, without risking missing any lectures due to a lack of transportation or a poor train service. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those who might not be able to devote as many hours to their studies as their peers due to work or family responsibilities.
Why Google’s Online MBA?
When we think about the most prestigious business schools in the world, a name that immediately comes to mind is Harvard Business School. With its origins dating back to the early 1900s and with several recent rankings placing it as the #1 business school in the world, it is clear to see why this prestigious institution continues to thrive. In case you were wondering, Harvard Business School’s online MBA ranks 22nd globally and 5th in the UK according to the 2019 QS World University Rankings.
While Harvard Business School might be top of the class when it comes to business schools, it doesn’t necessarily mean that their online MBA is the best one out there. Far from it, in fact. The truth is that there are hundreds of reputable business schools around the world, with incredible track records of graduating skilled and knowledgeable candidates who find employment in top management positions.
Which is why when you’re sorting through your options for an online MBA, it is important to do your research and make sure that the program you choose can provide you with the skills you need to succeed in the role you aspire to. The most prestigious business school in the world might not necessarily be the best school for you if it doesn’t fit your needs. Remember: you’re paying for the degree so you might as well get value for money.
An Overview of the Google Online MBA
Now, let’s take a quick look at the Google Online MBA to give you an idea of what skills and knowledge you might acquire from this reputable institution. As we’ve established, the majority of people who enrol in an online MBA program have some form of disadvantage or advantage in their education or work history that makes them suitable or unsuitable for an offline program. This is certainly the case with the Google MBA, which is why your experience will vary depending on the type of student you are. However, there are a number of skills and knowledge that you will learn during your studies that will be applicable to your future career. Let’s take a quick look at what you will learn:
Marketing Strategy
One of the most important things that you will learn from the Google MBA is how to develop and test a marketing strategy. You will look at everything from consumer behaviour to market segmentation and you will develop an in-depth understanding of marketing as a strategy, allowing you to choose the right approach for your products and services. The course focuses a lot on the development and optimization of marketing campaigns, measuring their effectiveness and determining what changes you can make to improve your results. This is one of the most crucial modules of the course and you will develop an acute understanding of marketing, ranging from the practical to the theoretical.
Digital Marketing Management
As the name would suggest, one of the key areas of focus for the Google MBA is digital marketing management. This is a broad area, encompassing everything from SEO to content strategy to online lead generation. You will develop an in-depth understanding not only of the theory but also of the practical application of digital marketing. You will look at different platforms such as Google Analytics, Hootsuite, and Canva, as well as learn how to develop and plan a digital marketing strategy. You will learn how to design an effective email marketing campaign and develop strategies for social media and content creation.
Research Methods
The Google MBA also provides you with the opportunity to develop your critical thinking and analytical skills. You will look at a variety of topics ranging from quantitative methods to social sciences and gain a comprehensive understanding of the different types of research available. Not only will this equip you to choose the correct method for the problem you are facing but it will also develop your ability to analyse data and come up with conclusions.
Management
Finally, we arrive at the most important thing you will learn from the Google MBA. Management is about more than just making money. It is about using your skills and knowledge to create value for others. You will develop an understanding of how to lead a team and bring about change, as well as become more comfortable with ambiguity, conflict, and change. From the very beginning of the program, you will develop your people skills and learn how to motivate and engage with your team. As a Master of Business Administration, you will have a chance to apply your learnings in a professional setting.
Now that you have a good idea of what the Google MBA can offer, it’s important to mention a few things that you should avoid while you’re there. First, as we’ve established, the majority of students who enrol in an online MBA program have some form of disadvantage or advantage in their education or work history that makes them suitable or unsuitable for an offline program. You should therefore be wary of any school that requires you to have a good academic record or work history. Also, be careful about the type of work you do. If you’re looking for a graduate job in marketing, you should avoid being over-qualified for the role. You don’t want to waste your time and theirs by having to train the person you’re meeting with for the first time as part of the hiring process. Lastly, make sure that the school you choose has a good reputational standing. Check the reviews and research studies before you commit. For a more detailed list of dos and don’ts, review the entire guide to getting into an MBA.