Many students face a dilemma after completing their undergraduate studies. Questioning what to do next is common as students choose between pursuing a master’s degree or seeking employment. While joining the workforce after graduation is an attractive option as it gives you exposure and allows you to earn, it may not always be the correct decision to make. The current business landscape is full of changes and finding stability requires building up your knowledge and expertise.

In a highly competitive job market, having a master’s degree increases your value as an employee and brings you lucrative opportunities to climb the corporate ladder. A master’s degree can be your ticket to a successful career and there are numerous reasons why you should choose this route.

Reasons why you should study a master’s degree

Pursuing a master’s degree involves significant preparation and effort on your part. While the curriculum is intensive and vast, the benefits of gaining a postgraduate degree are plenty and will outweigh the effort and costs that go into it. Here are a few reasons why you should consider pursuing a master’s in education.

• Expand your knowledge

For postgraduate studies, you can opt for the same subject you did in your undergraduate studies or choose something else that matches your interests and career goals. Being a graduate, you have a clearer idea of your skills, strengths and preferences. You are also in a better position to easily identify your area of interest.

By pursuing a master’s degree, you are expanding your knowledge of a particular subject. You are specialising in a subject which gives you an advantage in the job market. A master’s degree helps build your knowledge and skills from the foundations laid by undergraduate studies. This makes you more competitive and knowledgeable in a particular field of study.

    2. Improve your career prospects

Employers look for candidates with exceptional abilities and a deep understanding of their area of study. According to a report by CareerBuilder, 33% of employers have raised educational requirements in recent years. This signifies the importance of holding advanced degrees to land better job roles.

Besides getting a job, career growth and advancement are also made possible through a master’s degree. With an undergraduate degree, your growth will remain static after a particular period, whereas a master’s degree can help you progress and secure senior positions within an organisation. Businesses value employees who can be an asset to the organisation in the long term.

    3. Extend your network

Postgraduate studies are a chance to meet new people with similar interests and an opportunity to build connections. Unlike the undergraduate days, you have the chance to interact with highly skilled and knowledgeable personalities during a master’s programme. A good network will be helpful once you start looking for employment. Also, interactions with knowledgeable peers will help both your personal and professional development.

      4. Research opportunities

Not everyone wants a job after their studies. Some opt to go into research or pursue a PhD after their education. For those who have an interest in research, a master’s degree is a wise choice. You will need a postgraduate qualification to become a research scholar at any top facility. It also widens your understanding and increases your expertise of the subject.

Whether it is for better career prospects or increasing your skills and knowledge in a subject, a master’s degree is often the best choice. Dedicating time to pursue a master’s degree will have more benefits than ending your education with an undergraduate degree.

Is a master’s degree a mandatory qualification?

A master’s degree is not a compulsory qualification. However, it is preferred by employers in most countries. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, having a master’s degree leads to higher pay in most countries. In the US, jobs in the business, education, healthcare, mathematics and statistics fields require a master’s degree as a mandatory qualification, while most other industries don’t. Even in the UK, one in seven jobs are likely to require a postgraduate degree according to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.

In other European countries like Germany, where the quality of education and infrastructure is high, most students opt for a postgraduate degree after their graduation. So, pursuing a master’s degree is in the interest of students and employers for a brighter future.

If you are looking for a job-oriented postgraduate degree, then check out the various master’s programmes offered by the University of Europe for Applied Sciences. The programmes in the field of art and design, business and sport, tech and software and psychology equip students with essential skills to land well-paying jobs in a highly competitive job market.

The curriculum is designed and structured to meet the changing demands of the marketplace and prepare the students to find a balance in their working environments. Experts in various fields guide you through valuable lessons and provide insights into advancing your career at different stages.

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