The MBA Wasn’t the Finish Line

“Wait…you already have an MBA. Why are you going back to school?”

It’s a question I’ve been asked more than once since starting my digital marketing certificate. On the surface, it probably doesn’t make much sense. If I already have a graduate degree, why would I need another credential?

The answer isn’t exactly a straight forward or easy one, but just like life it is full of twists and turns. After my undergrad degree in December 2019, I could not find a job before Covid happened. During Covid, I decided I had an itch to learn more and that I would work on getting a Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in Healthcare Administration. 

My MBA taught me mainly how organizations operate and went a little into marketing. I had always had an interest in marketing, but was already on track for a healthcare business degree. My digital marketing certificate is teaching me how brands communicate, connect, and grow in a digital world. 

Tackling a digital marketing degree was more about gaining confidence in the field. Things are changing so quickly in the industry that I felt it was important to gain experience in advertising, social media, AI tools, and how they all work together. For example, I had taken an Adobe Photoshop class in the past, but hadn’t had the chance to use it much. I knew I would need to take another mainly for a refresher, but also to learn some of the new tools and AI that had been added. In my undergrad, I knew I enjoyed my few marketing classes, but never really leaned into it. It was important to me that I get actual hands-on experience to better understand marketing.

I touched on this a little previously, but a big reason it was essential to further my studies in digital marketing is how much marketing is constantly changing. Social media platforms, advertising platforms, AI tools, and consumer behavior all change so quickly. The digital marketing certificate I am working on ensures that I stay current. 

I realized I had reached a point where I was comfortable. Not miserable, not unhappy but just comfortable. And while comfort isn’t necessarily a bad thing, I know I wasn’t challenging myself the way I wanted to. I wanted to keep growing, even if that meant becoming a beginner again.

Before starting the certificate, I knew very little about ad platforms, audience targeting, campaign metrics, or content strategy. Now I find myself analyzing commercials, social media posts, and websites in ways I never did before. I will look at an ad and think “I love how they marketed that. It really made an impact.” or “I would have made that commercial totally different. That did not sell the product for me.” But truly the skills I have already learned in my career have already taught me a lot. How patient experience (or customer experience) is so important, how problem solving is a universal skill and can be used anywhere, communication is key to a good work environment, and understanding people (or patients) translates across industries.

Getting my MBA wasn’t a mistake, and pursuing a digital marketing certificate doesn’t mean it wasn’t enough. Instead, each step has helped me get closer to understanding where I want to go next. The MBA wasn’t the finish line. It was simply one step in a much larger journey of learning, growth, and discovering where I’m meant to go next.