The problem I’m encountering is that most companies looking to hire a Director of Product Development want an MBA. I am very willing to complete my MBA, however the curriculum doesn’t seem to include much marketing. Do you have any suggestions?

Tracy Sinclair

AQUENT

Tracy Sinclair is the Director of the Marketing Practice at Aquent, a talent agency for marketing and design talent. Prior to Aquent, Tracy was a Brand Manager at Procter & Gamble and a strategy consultant for Zyman Group. She has a BA from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Cornell University.

Answer

It can be frustrating not to have the educational background required for a particular position. But generally, there is a reason for that requirement, and for you to be successful in the role you need to fit the academic requirements.

If you are interested in completing your MBA, keep in mind that there are many different schools and different types of programs. Some schools are known for their marketing (like Kellogg) whereas other schools, like Cornell University’s brand management immersion program, are focused subsets of an overall MBA.

MBA programs are meant to be general business management programs. Don’t underestimate the power of that training when it comes to marketing. Many of the skills utilized in marketing, particularly product development or brand management, are actually general management.

Careers

The problem I’m encountering is that most companies looking to hire a Director of Product Development want an MBA. I am very willing to complete my MBA, however the curriculum doesn’t seem to include much marketing. Do you have any suggestions?