Should a strategist do an MBA?
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No. You’re not learning many business skills in an MBA program (aside from a few technical areas like financial modeling). Most of the curriculum is group projects and presentations. The real value of an MBA is in building your network, not your education.
In my opinion, an MBA is only worth it if you get into a T15 program (since those have the strongest networks), and if you’re looking to switch into a field that actively recruits MBAs, like consulting, tech, or finance.
Don’t get an MBA just to stay in marketing or advertising. This industry doesn’t pay well enough to justify the $80k+ in loans you’ll have to take out to attend the program.
Unfortunately I don’t have a good answer for you other than go brand side and try to learn on the job. Or do an online course.
Yes. Useful to actually have some business skills
My experience working with MBAs is that it’s about the network and the importance of the credential in corporate settings. The latter may actually hurt you in advertising (agencies don’t trust corpo biz guys, and clients are hiring you specifically *not* to replicate the perspective of their team) and the former will help you, but less as a strategist as more as a connected new biz generator.
My unfair opinion is that the financial management and modeling stuff is useful but rarely your job, and the famous case studies that get regurgitated in the place of ideas or insight are available for a lot less - subscribe to HBR and take up golf and you’ve basically gotten the same value for less time and money.
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Nah not needed!!
This industry doesn’t pay enough to justify the expense. Even if you went to B school, I’m willing to bet you’d end up at a consultancy by the end of it instead of an agency. I feel bad for people who felt the need to get an advanced degree or go to a strategy “boot camp” or similar programs. Didn’t do any of that.
Focus on honing your creative sensibilities instead. That’s what’ll fast-track a strategist in a creative agency—being good at evaluating, building on and selling the work. If creatives love you and you’re making the creative product better, you’ll climb quickly.
Now, whether that’s the kind of work that appeals to you—especially long term—is another story…
How old are you and what did you study in undergrad?
Wow, I’ve never heard of such a problem! That’s a no brainer, you should 100% get your MBA.
I would also say its really not needed. I would probably only do it if it was being paid for by the company you are working for.
I suggest pursuing a Master's in any Social Science (sociology, anthropology, psychology, etc.
Do it if it doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg. I have one. The conversation with clients and other c-level are smarter. You would also be different than all the planners because you can have a business, money making, margin and share growing conversation than just tweaking an ad. They way the industry is going a business understanding will serve you well. If you are a go-getter hustler type, adding an MBA would super charge your growth. Strategy is about making smart choices and increasing the odds of success. This will help you.
But, like, why get an MBA and stay in brand strategy when it can open doors to higher paying careers, sooner? I’d try working a brand strategy angle while in a role at a consulting firm, instead of staying in agency-world. But maybe I’m not thinking about this the right way