A Masters degree is an extra step up from a traditional degree. Many people who are passionate about education see it as a great way of furthering their knowledge – it can be a rewarding personal challenge and a great way of truly proving one’s expertise. But can a Masters benefit your career?
It depends on what type of career you are trying to pursue. A Master’s can be incredibly valuable when trying to get into certain professions, however it may not have any benefit when trying to obtain other job roles. This post takes a look at whether or not a Master’s is likely to benefit your career.
What level position are you trying to obtain?
A Masters is typically not required to get into many entry level positions. It is likely to prove more beneficial if you’re hoping to climb the ranks and secure a senior position. A Masters degree shows extra dedication to your field, and is therefore more likely to appeal to employers looking to fill higher level roles where dedication is key.
For example, when getting a job in the education industry, it is unlikely you will need a Masters to become a teacher or to work an entry level education admin job. However, if you want to become head of a department or become a senior curriculum coordinator, pursuing a Master of Education online could be a great way to prove to educators that you are a serious candidate.
Is it a very competitive role?
Some industries are very competitive and a Masters could be a great way to set yourself apart. Examples include areas like investment banking, healthcare management and STEM fields.
A Master’s degree may also help when applying for a senior role at a prestigious company. These well known companies can get flooded with applications and a Master’s could be key to separating yourself from other candidates. Some popular companies may even make a Masters a requirement in their job ad description to limit the amount of applicants they get.
Is education valued by employers?
Not all employers value education highly. In some industries like sales and journalism, a basic degree may still be required, however you may find that there is a greater focus on experience when trying to pursue higher level positions. In these cases, it may not be worth studying for a Masters.
Education may be seen as more valuable in other industries like law and clinical psychology. In these industries, ‘studying’ is a key skill within the job itself, and so there is more value in a Masters. Just make sure that your Masters is relevant to the industry you want to get into.
Conclusion
Having a Masters degree on your CV may not have much of an impact when applying to certain roles, however for other positions it could be very valuable for setting yourself apart and providing you have the dedication – particularly senior positions in competitive industries where ongoing studying is part of the role.
