Thinking of taking your education to the next level? If you already have an undergraduate degree under your belt, you might want to consider a master’s degree. Since many candidates now have a bachelor’s degree as standard, it’s worth looking at ways to elevate yourself over your peers. One way to do just that is to continue your education.
If you’re not sure whether you want to continue your academic career, we’ve got you covered. Within this guide, we will take a look at why a master’s degree is useful to recruiters, which careers value it the most, and how it may help your career path.
How can master’s degrees be useful?
Before we go any further, let’s talk about the benefits of gaining a master’s degree. When you already have your undergraduate degree, you might think that you are all set and ready for the working world. However, getting an advanced degree could help you get ahead regardless of the career path you choose. With that in mind, here are some of the reasons that some recruiters will favour candidates who have a master’s degree:
When you have considered all of the above, you can decide whether postgraduate study is right for you. Needless to say, the decision to study for a master’s degree is not one you should take lightly. You need to consider whether you can afford the fees, whether you want to study full-time or part-time, and how the studying will fit into your lifestyle.
Industries that value a master’s degree
If you’re not sure whether a master’s degree is right for you, you may want to consider the industry you are in. The truth of the matter is that some sectors value postgraduate study more than others. Since the job market is increasingly competitive, it’s a smart move to learn what recruiters now expect from candidates. Here are some fields where it matters:
Teaching
Teaching can be hugely fulfilling — you get the chance to shape young minds. If you are a primary or secondary school teacher, chances are you will already have a standard PGCE qualification. However, there are further qualifications that will give you a competitive edge.
Luckily, there are plenty of teaching courses available. If you want to learn more about higher education and go for a leadership position, you may find that this is the right path.
Perhaps one of the most advantageous would be the Master of Education (MeD). The master’s degree expands on your existing skill set to give you a wider understanding of the teaching sector. Note that you will need at least two years of teaching experience in an educational setting to get onto these master’s programmes.
Business and marketing
Do you work within the business and marketing sector? If so, you will know the value of continually outshining the competition. These industries are highly competitive and change rapidly. For that reason, it is a wise move to gain a master’s qualification to suit your skills.
If you are in the business realm, learning more about finances and budgeting is the way to go. This is an increasingly hot topic among fledgling companies. Recruiters are often looking for candidates who understand the financial health of the business going forward.
Work in marketing already? If you have a way with words, it’s time to prove it by getting a master’s degree. Gaining a qualification in marketing communication is an obvious choice. Recruiters are looking for marketing professionals who have years of experience but also invest in themselves. You might find that this type of degree aligns with your career goals.
IT
It hardly takes a genius to know that the world of information technology (IT) is always changing. As new technologies come out all of the time, you need to keep your skill-set sharp. Undertaking a digital-related master’s degree is the way to go.
Degree holders should find gaining a role in information technology (IT) is no big feat. This master’s qualification can increase your earning potential and shows recruiters that you are up to date. Prospective employers expect nothing but complete dedication here.
Project management
Are you a natural-born leader? While you can work your way up the career ladder, it’s worth looking at management master’s programmes. Studying this exciting and vast discipline in a formal environment will help you hone your skills. These master programmes often teach you things like communication, business administration, and project management. You can use all of the above to improve your career prospects.
Going to grad school is a huge step. However, if you want to make it to the top, learning how to become an industry leader is a must. Why not wow prospective employers?
Healthcare
Do you work in the healthcare field? It should come as no surprise that this sector is always advancing, thanks to new technology. While many professionals go for a doctoral programme, you may need to gain a master’s degree first. With that in mind, it’s worth looking at the master’s degree programmes in healthcare. The particular area you choose may vary widely from nursing to nutrition. Choose one that suits your career goals.
If you’re looking for a way to increase your job prospects, you may want to study for an online master’s degree. It’s a great way to bolster your earning potential while learning something new. Ahead of making your decision, check whether you can get a student loan to cover the fees or if you will have to fund the master’s degree yourself. You can also look into full-time and part-time studying options. Figure out what works best for your lifestyle!
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