Is postgraduate study right for me?

The benefits of postgraduate study

It offers you an opportunity to specialise. Many graduates want to increase their knowledge in a particular field and to feel less like a ‘jack of all trades’. As a result of completing a postgraduate course, you should gain work-related, transferable skills: these could include managing projects/assignments, working in teams, giving presentations etc. Employers place a lot of emphasis on such skills. A postgraduate qualification can result in a higher starting salary and should ensure faster career progression in subsequent years. Finally, completing any postgraduate course is an excellent networking opportunity. Your classmates are all interested in the same area, they often get work in related fields, you stay in touch and thus the beginnings of good work-related contacts are built.

Common reasons for choosing postgraduate study

To further your knowledge of a given area because you enjoy what you are currently studying. While this is a very motivating reason, you still have to consider the long-term implications of the choice. This doesn’t mean you only consider courses related to your work interest but the important question is, can the qualification leverage you into your chosen area? To enhance your employment prospects. You should research what employers in your target sector look for - perhaps work experience rather than a postgraduate qualification would carry more weight. To pursue a chosen career. Sometime a postgraduate qualification is a prerequisite, eg for law, teaching or social work, other times it is simply an advantage. To give yourself more time to think about your options. Completing a postgraduate course doesn’t necessarily lead to inspiration – unless you spend the year researching your career interests, increasing your self awareness etc. To convert to a new career area. There are conversion postgraduate qualifications designed to facilitate large scale career change. Finally, probably the worst reason to undertake a postgraduate course is, because you were offered it. Don’t feel pressurised if your undergraduate college (or indeed any college) is pushing you to do a masters – it could be because the college wants to fill spaces or to generate income.

Would it suit me?

Intending postgraduate students should have a natural aptitude for their field of study. For example, if undertaking a masters in accountancy you should be numerate and logical. If you are considering masters level and above, you must have a solid academic standard, be a good time manager and a self-starter. You will be frequently faced with solitary research and will constantly be required to work on your own initiative.

Where can I get more advice and information?

• Talk to people who have done the course you are considering.
• Consult the careers service in your undergrad college.
• Contact the academic department and careers service of your prospective college.

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