Define Goals: Identify what you aim to achieve with the program. Check Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited for quality assurance. Review Curriculum: Verify it covers up-to-date trends and tools. Faculty Expertise: Look for instructors with relevant industry experience. Flexibility: Opt for programs that accommodate your schedule, including online options. Networking Opportunities: Evaluate access to industry contacts and events. Cost-Benefit: Assess the program's cost against potential career benefits. Alumni Feedback: Seek opinions from past students about program impact. Career Services: Consider available career support services. Compare: Shortlist and compare programs to find the best fit.

Having been asked to contribute to LinkedIn on the topic of continuing education, I have a few nuggets of wisdom in this field. On the topic of research options, I would suggest if you are just going back to school after a long break, take a few warm-up courses related to your general interest or professional goal. For example, jumping right into statistics after a decade hiatus from any academic endeavours, is likely to cause some strain, instead try something a little lighter while you are "learning to learn". It adds a few months but makes the process more enjoyable will help you make the most of the curriculum.

In my experience, there were two reasons I pursued education. The first was to "open doors" or "get a seat at the table", a master's degree afforded some of this. Later in my academic career, I pursued purely out of professional interest. If you are lucky enough to enjoy school (as I do) then the work-load of academia is less burden. When considering the value to "future-you", think about taking programs that test your capacity, theses and dissertations are designed to test your ability to focus on a single stream of thoughts for months or even years, this focus is invaluable to your professional development. It also adds a bit of context to your day to day work when it involves strategy, which can be a several years endeavour too.

From my experience, during the course of higher learning, balance with sleep, exercise and good food will help you to perform better. If you have a partner, make sure they know the sacrifice too as the time comes from somewhere, usually your partner will notice that all your weekends are spent with your head in the books. Finally, when you consider marketing research as a focus, do not be afraid to start in the 60's and 70's. The discipline of these researchers was admirable as they sought to bring forth reputability to the social sciences. They were unafraid to apply academic rigours to a science that is still regarded as second-class. If you like marketing research, pursue it and enjoy.