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Formal education, what are the cons and pros?

by thet
6 replies
Two formal education:

1. Broad marketing with a emphasize on Online marketing
2. Pure digital and online marketing

What would be the cons and pros of both?
#choose #education #formal
  • Profile picture of the author DABK
    Pros:

    Formal education gets you a degree, which gets you a job easier (at least around here, a lot of companies want a 4-year degree in business or marketing for things I can do with one hand tied behind my back, though my degree is in literature.

    Under the best circumstances (good school, good professors), you get a solid foundation and more (you know the theory and you get practice, hands on training).

    Cons:

    It takes long.
    It might have no hands on component (happens!)
    You are limited by the curriculum.
    It costs a good chunk of money.


    Originally Posted by thet View Post

    Two formal education:

    1. Broad marketing with a emphasize on Online marketing
    2. Pure digital and online marketing

    What would be the cons and pros of both?
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    • Profile picture of the author thet
      Originally Posted by DABK View Post

      Pros:

      Formal education gets you a degree, which gets you a job easier (at least around here, a lot of companies want a 4-year degree in business or marketing for things I can do with one hand tied behind my back, though my degree is in literature.

      Under the best circumstances (good school, good professors), you get a solid foundation and more (you know the theory and you get practice, hands on training).

      Cons:

      It takes long.
      It might have no hands on component (happens!)
      You are limited by the curriculum.
      It costs a good chunk of money.
      The debate to me is between 1 and 2. So the broader education, or the specialized one.

      It's a part time study. Very hands on. Employer pays
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      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
        There are a lot of factors here. a broader education is going to give you some of the fundamental principles and ideas of marketing the online only program may not. In turn the online only is going to probably be more in line with what you are wanting to accomplish ( I could be oh so wrong here )

        Looking back at what you have done so far, A newsletter. the broader scoped marketing program is going to help you better understand the skills needed to make these more effective. BUT, the online program may teach you how to better increase open's etc.

        The best question to ask is what environment are you looking to excel in? Basic marketing principles are easier to find and study online. Online marketing tactics are a bit shrouded. Something simple like building a squeeze page. we are not talking a headline some text an image and a opt-in. there is a bit of science to it, and its that "Science" part that becomes difficult to find.

        A good chunk of that science would be covered in the broad scope learning, but there will always be that little piece that is more online oriented, and hard to learn.

        Not that I have made the choice any easier. you really need to analyze what it is you want to get out of this segment of learning. look at both of the curriculum and see which is a better match for you and your needs.
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        • Profile picture of the author thet
          Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

          There are a lot of factors here. a broader education is going to give you some of the fundamental principles and ideas of marketing the online only program may not. In turn the online only is going to probably be more in line with what you are wanting to accomplish ( I could be oh so wrong here )

          Looking back at what you have done so far, A newsletter. the broader scoped marketing program is going to help you better understand the skills needed to make these more effective. BUT, the online program may teach you how to better increase open's etc.

          The best question to ask is what environment are you looking to excel in? Basic marketing principles are easier to find and study online. Online marketing tactics are a bit shrouded. Something simple like building a squeeze page. we are not talking a headline some text an image and a opt-in. there is a bit of science to it, and its that "Science" part that becomes difficult to find.

          A good chunk of that science would be covered in the broad scope learning, but there will always be that little piece that is more online oriented, and hard to learn.

          Not that I have made the choice any easier. you really need to analyze what it is you want to get out of this segment of learning. look at both of the curriculum and see which is a better match for you and your needs.
          See. Good question. My edited my own question title because the first title practically said: Please make the decision for me! (it was something like: What would you choose)

          However, to answer your question. Where I want to excel at, is branding.

          That's a long road ahead but that being said, the broader probably is better.
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          • Profile picture of the author savidge4
            Originally Posted by thet View Post

            See. Good question. My edited my own question title because the first title practically said: Please make the decision for me! (it was something like: What would you choose)

            However, to answer your question. Where I want to excel at, is branding.

            That's a long road ahead but that being said, the broader probably is better.
            Ok so you want to "Brand" here is a great read on the subject. The Marketer's Guide to Developing a Strong Brand Identity

            I find that there are 2 types of branding. there is offline branding which entails more of branding a company name. then there is online branding which entails the branding of not only the company name, but the URL as well. If you look at branding in todays world, much of it is centering on social media. The overall concepts that the "big guys" are employing are to make a "brand" human by nature.

            Social media plays very well in this concept. so what this looks like is open conversation with the "Brand". Sounds goofy, but look at Coke or Pepsi or any large restaurant chain - Taco bell does well with this. and you will see the humanization of the brand.

            These types of tactics are probably better learned through the online program. Again really not trying to answer the question for you, as much as make you ask and answer the questions you need to guide you towards the right direction.
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  • Profile picture of the author MoneyDan
    Banned
    Originally Posted by thet View Post

    Two formal education:

    1. Broad marketing with a emphasize on Online marketing
    2. Pure digital and online marketing

    What would be the cons and pros of both?
    Formal education is expensive, time consuming, and frustrating because you almost never truly apply what you've learned. It's about creating a way of thinking, never really about the material. On the other hand, formal education provides a steady, solid job of good pay.

    W/O formal education, it's all on your shoulders. More risk, more reward. Learn what you need and directly apply what you learn. Make money, it all goes to you...make none, get none.

    If you value stability and assurance, choose formal.
    If you value sky high ceilings and low, low floors, choose self education.
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