University of Wisconsin's Marketing Research MBA with Kristin Branch (Part 2 of 4, Grad School Series)

10/10/19 • 33 min

About this Episode
In this second part of the marketing research grad school series, we speak with Kristin Branch, Director of the marketing research specialization for the University of Wisconsin-Madison's MBA. Formally known as the A.C. Nielsen center, the MBA specialization is the premier MBA program with a full emphasis in consumer insights.
In this episode, we'll hear from Kristin who shares her background and trends that she sees in the industry, given her role with hiring companies and as lead for the 30-person advisory board comprised of Insights leaders ranging from pharma, to consumer goods, to tech.
As an alumnus of the program, I share the key reasons why I chose--and am very happy with--my choice to attend the program for my MBA.
About the A.C. Nielsen Center (MR focused MBA)
The A.C. Nielsen Center for Marketing Research trains students in the specialized ideas, issues and techniques of marketing research, consumer insights, and analytics. We support students studying marketing, consumer behavior, and analytics. In the country’s premier marketing research specialization, our MBA students develop:

Business acumen to work in cross-functional teams
Research, analytical, and methodological approaches to learn the who, what, when, where and even the why behind consumer behavior
Marketing knowledge to translate the discovered insights into business recommendations to drive business growth

Established in 1990, the A.C. Nielsen Center is built on the legacy and funding of the Arthur C. Nielsen Jr. family, pioneers in the field of marketing research. Our mission includes the discovery and dissemination of new insights knowledge.

Biennially, the A.C. Nielsen Center hosts an industry conference, our Summit, and welcomes alumni, the external advisory board, and industry friends of the Center to campus for a full day of learning and networking.

Link to A.C. Nielsen Program Website:
https://wsb.wisc.edu/programs-degrees/mba/full-time/career-specializations/marketing-research
Link to Episode Show notes:
http://diggingforinsights.com/5

Business acumen to work in cross-functional teams
Research, analytical, and methodological approaches to learn the who, what, when, where and even the why behind consumer behavior
Marketing knowledge to translate the discovered insights into business recommendations to drive business growth

Link to A.C. Nielsen Program Website:
https://wsb.wisc.edu/programs-degrees/mba/full-time/career-specializations/marketing-research
Link to Episode Show notes:
http://diggingforinsights.com/5

Previous Episode

University of Georgia's Master of Marketing Research (Part 1 Grad School Mini-Series)

This is the first part of a mini-series on marketing research graduate programs.
About this Episode
In this episode, we'll get to hear from Marcus Cunha Jr, the Director of the Master of Marketing Research program at the University of Georgia. As one of the oldest of the US MMR programs, Dr. Cunha shares an overview of the insights industry, discusses his path as professor and shares the skills that are most valued by recruiters. Whether you are a prospective student or an experienced insights professional, this episode has something for everyone as Dr. Cunha shares the backstory of one of the most prestigious institutions in the market research industry.
About the UGA MMR
The Terry Master of Marketing Research program was the first of its kind. In 1979 there was a need for high-caliber marketing researchers and so, in conjunction with some of the leading marketing professionals in the field, UGA faculty developed an 11-month program focused on real-world marketing research problems and insights into consumer behavior.

The UGA MMR program is one of the top programs for developing skilled marketing research professionals and executives, and has more graduates than any other program. Visit to learn more.
Helpful Links
UGA MMR Summit -- https://www.futureofinsights.com/
UGA MMR Overview -- https://www.terry.uga.edu/mmr/
Episode Show notes -- http://diggingforinsights.com/4

Next Episode

Five Key Lessons to Choose a Graduate Program with Stephen Griffiths (Part 3/4 Grad School Mini-Series)

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

In this third part of the grad school mini-series, I take a step inward and share my own stories about choosing a graduate program (in my case, a marketing research MBA). I hope the lessons I share can be applicable to anyone considering a graduate degree.

Seven years ago I was nervously making some big life decisions. What graduate program was right for me? What career did I want in the long term? I was leaning towards quitting my job to enroll in a full-time MBA program, with a focus on marketing research, but was I making the right choice? Scenarios of sky-high student debt and graduation without a job loomed in my mind.

Through the help of friends, mentors and family, I found the perfect MBA program for me and graduated with a dream job: Consumer Insights at General Mills. In this season of gratitude, I can’t help but be thankful for those who helped me make that possible.

In this podcast episode, I hope to pay it forward by sharing the five things I wish I knew before choosing a graduate school program. Whether you are fresh out of college or thinking about a mid-career switch, these lessons can guide you to a good graduate program and ensure you make the most of that experience—and land a good job.
SIGN UP FOR FREE COPY

As I mentioned in the podcast episode, I put together a free PDF that outlines the five lessons to consider when choosing a graduate program.

Just visit the site below (show notes) to get the free PDF emailed to you.
https://diggingforinsights.com/6-2/