Today’s world is, as you know, very competitive and it is getting even more so everyday. Differentiating yourself from other qualified professionals in your chosen field of expertise is critical to getting the job that you desire. In this respect, a Master’s degree would definitely be helpful. It allows for a higher salary when you join and also gets you jobs that you may have lost out on as an undergrad pass out.
There is no question about the potential benefits of a master’s degree. The more pressing questions is; when is the right time to pursue a master degree program? Should it be immediately after obtaining your bachelor’s degree or a couple of years later when you’ve got some work experience?
The are valid points for both sides of this question and this article will highlight the advantages of either choice.
Reasons to Pursue a Master’s after your Bachelor’s degree
You’re still in study mode
Some people delay their Master’s so they can start working, get a salary, get an apartment, get a family and so on until the delay becomes infinite. After graduation, you’ll find the energy and the motivation more easily. You will still be used to going to class, do homework and study for exams, without the constant nag, at the back of your mind, that you have other things to do and should juggle with a thousand things at a time.
Readily available scholarships
As a fresh graduate, it will be easier to ask schools for a scholarship. Additionally, good academic records will alert potential scholarship awarding groups about you as a potential candidate for a scholarship.
Streamlined path to goals or targets
Jumping into a master’s degree program right away offers candidates the opportunity to embark on a streamlined path in pursuit of their career goals. It also has the benefit of providing candidates with a number of career opportunities and useful skills. For example, students may get industry exposure from interactions with professors and speakers who work in that particular field, as well as from the career guidance team and fellow students.
Reasons to obtain a Master’s degree a little later
You’ll know what you are looking for
There are many recent graduates who don’t have a clear idea about what the next step is for them; it’s a normal and very common feeling that many individuals deal with. A Master’s degree means you want to specialise in something. It may be tempting to jump straight into a graduate program to buy yourself some more time to figure out what exactly it is that you want. However, this isn’t an advisable option. Graduate programs are very expensive and should only be pursued if you are sure about your career goals and aspirations.
Gain valuable work experience
The greatest advantage of a later Master’s degree is that you already have work experience and you have a clearer path and idea of what you want than those damn kids, who always listen to their music way too loud.
Classes will be easier for you to understand, with so much practical training backing you up. You can also get more out of the same classes that would have meant nothing just a few years prior. Moreover, once in the workplace, an employer might even assist with tuition when you decide to pursue your master’s.
Easily fund your own studies
Earning money may also help you fund your own studies. This could save you the headache and hassle of trying to apply for scholarships and hounding your parents for money. Depending on how much you’ve saved, you can go wild and have your own independent student experience, without worrying you are a burden or that you should live on instant food, or else your electricity could be cut.
All in all, the decision of whether or not to pursue a master’s degree right after you graduate or after you acquire some work experience is a personal decision. It is influenced by a number of considerations, which are unique to you and your career aspirations. When attempting to make this decision, take some time to carefully determine what your goals are. Then, accordingly, weigh the pros and cons of doing a master’s immediately, or after you’ve worked for a while.