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Graduate Diploma vs Masters

G'day,

I'm after some advice from members who already work in Marketing or research in any field and would appreciate as many comments as possible.

I'm currently enrolled in Graduate Diploma in Marketing and was thinking of switching to Master. The uni allows three options:

switching from 8 units to 12 units (Master of Marketing),
switching from 8 units to 16 units (Master of Commerce - Marketing)
complete the Diploma and then do the remaining units when I apply for one of the masters

My dream is to eventually move into market research, strategic planning/development/management, reputation management... not sales promotion.

QUESTIONS:

what's more valuable in the current climate? Is it worth doing Masters? Is the Diploma enough?
Would doing the Master prevent me from getting into a graduate program in WA?

I'm more interested in doing the Master of Marketing. It involves extra units that cover individual assignments where I can develop my "solo" research skills, instead of always working in groups. Group work doesn't always allow you to focus on what YOU can do as an individual without the help of others. If you know what I mean?

I look forward to reading your thoughts about this. Thanks!

Tags: graduate, help, marketing, master, of, research, student, university

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kylie Macqueen on August 4, 2011 at 9:24pm

Hi Rhonda,

After 3 years since I graduated I am now looking at doing a a Graduate Diploma in Marketing or MBA and have debated whether it is really worth my time (and money) .

My question to you is, do you have much experience working in Marketing? I think getting as much experience as necessary before starting a Masters would be of more assistance, as you can also apply your experience back to your studies. Sales is often the starting point for most marketers (in my case it was as an Account Coordinator which was mainly sales) but I got a foot in the door to get to know the industry and gain some valuable contacts to move into the direction I wanted. I think most employers value experience over how many years you've been at university as you can learn most skills on on the job. I am still keen to pursue further education as I really love to learn and stay in tune with industry trends, but in terms of helping you 'skip' the graduate programs, you still need to start somewhere - usually at the bottom. Plus group work at uni (sometimes quite annoying) also prepares you to work in marketing teams and handle disagreements etc.

Good luck with whatever you decide! :)

Kylie

Permalink Reply by Rhonda Chapman on August 5, 2011 at 10:20am

Thanks Kylie. Yes, group work does prepare for working in teams, but the way the units are structured for the Grad Dip you don't get to focus on your personal skills to see if you are understanding what is being taught. Same goes with the fact that lecturers don't give you your papers back, nor feedback, to see where you went wrong. They approach Masters a bit differently.

I agree with you, experience on the job is more important. So I have decided to focus on that and just continue with the Grad Dip instead. Thanks so much for your comment which is truly appreciated.

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