Up until the age of 18, we are required by law to attend some form of education and then it’s down to you. After we finish High School there’s a decision to be made, do you continue in education or do you head out into the open world of work?
For the sake of this article let’s assume the next route is college. Either a two year or a four-year degree is next which will lead to more qualifications for when you decide where you want to work. Every stage is set to lead to the next. After college, most people choose to work but there is another option, complete a master’s. But is the master’s degree worth it? Does it make you more employable?
Do I Need A Master’s To Get A Job?
You don’t need a master’s to get a job, in fact, you don’t need a university to get a job. However, if you want a specific job that requires further education or a master’s degree then you will, of course, need to study one. There are many different occupations that require a master’s, including data scientists and biomedical engineers. These kinds of roles will have a no exception approach to applicants that want to work for them.
In most cases, however, having a master’s degree will make you more attractive for a job role. Many job postings will have two separate lists, requirements, and preferred qualities. If you’re serious about getting a job then it’s worth having a look at both and seeing what you can do to make yourself the most attractive to them. Experience can also come into play, if you don’t have a master's degree and want to go for a job that prefers a candidate to have a masters then don’t be scared of applying, especially if you’ve been in the industry for a while. Experience can often trump a piece of paper, more so if you’re successful in the field.
What If I’ve Been Working And Want To Further My Career?
For most, working in the same job and creating a career is what’s desired. If you’re in the right company then there are plenty of opportunities to get promoted and get paid more. But if you’re looking at changing careers or want to get a promotion that requires another piece of paper then there are plenty of ways you can achieve that. Looking at online education will be the best move forward. This means you can study a master’s degree whilst work at the same time. Not only does this mean you’ll attain a master’s degree at the end of the course but you can continue working to pay the bills and continue enjoying your life without having to stop completely.
This is the option for many people now and it looks good for an employer. Proving that you can hold down a full-time job and study for a master’s at the same time is more impressive than people think. It shows complete dedication and a want to learn, something that’s very appealing to employers.
Will I Get Paid More?
Getting a master’s degree is an investment but it could be one that pays off nicely. If you think of it as a financial investment, like you would anything else, you should look at the return of what you get out compared to what you put in. Realistically the answer is yes, you will get paid more for having a master’s degree. But you’ll have to look at the industry you’re in to see if the initial investment is worth what you could earn after completing it. If there isn’t much difference and there isn’t a ladder to climb after then it might not be worth spending more of your time on education. However, if the pay difference is vast and there is the opportunity to get promoted to even higher levels then it’s most definitely worth the initial investment.
You’ll Always Have Your Qualifications
If you’re someone that likes learning and likes the university environment then it might be worth doing a masters anyway. You’ll always have that qualification and even though it might not get you anywhere in your current company, if you ever choose to jump ship and join somewhere else then it could be worth it.
Many jobs don’t require a specific degree unless it’s a specialized field you’re wanting to work in. They just want proof that you have a degree and that you can complete it. This could mean going to another company could reap rewards just because you have that extra qualification. You’ll never lose these and they will always be beneficial at some point.
Think About Your Time Left At Work
If you’re 25 and thinking about starting a master’s then it’s safe to say you’re going to have enough time in your career for it to be worth something. There’s no set age to stop learning, in fact, we learn new things every day up until the day we pass away. But it might be worth looking at the time you have left before you retire and weigh up those options. Shelling out a large sum of money 5 years before you retire to complete a master’s might not be financially wise. Enjoy the last few years of work and retire without the financial burden of either a loan or just a hit to your savings.
When it comes to furthering your career there are many different things you can do to help and pursue a better life. There are plenty of smaller work specific courses available that will help you get a better job. For example, if you’re a writer then taking part in some online courses to improve your skills will not only help you write better but it will also help you get a better job. Showing your skills can be the best way to prove you’re worth the job you’re applying for. The best example of this is coding, there are now degrees in coding but the people that are truly good at it didn’t bother and learned everything on their own, all they need to do is show their ability and they have the job.
Having said that, a master’s degree will help you in many different ways regarding your job. So if you have the ability to concentrate as well as working and have the funds to do so then it’s a wise idea to further your education to the highest point. You’ll pick up a job in no time and will outqualify everyone else in the room if you’re the only one with a master’s. You just need to make sure you have great people skills to go along with the education.
