I really enjoy my subject
This is a highly motivating reason to do a higher degree. It’s worth considering the long-term implications of your choice though. Does your choice of course fit in with your career plans? All further study programmes will enable you to develop skills that you could market to an employer but some will be of much more use to you than others.
I need it to pursue my chosen career
Some career areas do require a professional qualification, for example, law and teaching. For other employment areas a postgraduate qualification, although not essential, will provide a distinct advantage to applicants, particularly when competition for places is fierce. Research the area of work that interests you to identify whether a postgraduate course would be necessary or advantageous.
I want to convert to a new career area
Many postgraduate programmes provide a way of converting to a particular career area. These may be taught Masters or diploma/certificate qualifications.
It is also possible to convert to a new career area through employment. Many recruiters offer employment opportunities for graduates of any discipline and provide the relevant professional training.
I don’t know what to do - this will give me more time to decide
Past experience suggests undertaking a further year or more of study to get careers inspiration is not necessarily helpful. If you choose a course for this reason, it is important to use the time to actively research your options.
My tutors suggested I take this course
Students are sometimes offered postgraduate places by their tutors, possibly with funding attached. This can seem a very tempting offer but it does not mean it is the right option for you. Is the course or research programme of real interest to you and does it link with your career goals? Postgraduate study may be a good option but is staying at the same university the right choice?
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What do employers think about postgraduate study?
Some employers place great value in the advanced knowledge and skills developed in a postgraduate course. They may also conclude that doing further study demonstrates determination to succeed in the chosen career area and that the candidate is prepared to undertake further training.
However, for other employers a postgraduate degree may offer no advantage or have a negative impact. Some common employer concerns about candidates with postgraduate degrees include: specialisation and narrowness of interest; difficulties in integrating into a business environment; and unrealistic salary expectations.
Because of these differences of opinion, it is important to do as much research into your prospective employers as possible before enrolling.
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Researching your options
Have a look at explore types of jobs, job adverts and other literature from employers and professional bodies. Also talk to employers at fairs or other recruitment events.
Consider the following questions:
- Is a postgraduate qualification essential or desirable?
- Does the employer value relevant experience more than a postgraduate qualification?
- Do they welcome qualifications from all institutions or are they only interested in select institutions?
- Would having a postgraduate qualification place you ahead of candidates who hold only a bachelors level degree, or make-up for not possessing the necessary grades at A level or first degree level?
- Would you receive a higher starting salary or advance more rapidly within the organisation with a postgraduate degree?