{"id":3328,"date":"2022-03-24T11:11:55","date_gmt":"2022-03-24T09:11:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/studyguide.gr\/sg\/?p=3328"},"modified":"2022-05-09T14:36:13","modified_gmt":"2022-05-09T11:36:13","slug":"10-key-benefits-of-completing-a-masters-degree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/studyguide.gr\/sg\/education\/3328\/10-key-benefits-of-completing-a-masters-degree\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Key Benefits of Completing a Master\u2019s Degree"},"content":{"rendered":"

Determining whether or not you should\u00a0pursue a master\u2019s degree<\/a>\u00a0can be a tough decision, regardless of if you\u2019re a\u00a0recent graduate<\/a>\u00a0or a seasoned professional.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a time-consuming endeavour that requires a huge amount of self-motivation. It\u2019s also a very serious financial commitment; naturally, you want to be certain that the benefits you\u2019ll gain out of it are worth it.<\/p>\n

Well, luckily, they are. Whatever your reasons for choosing to continue your education, a master\u2019s degree can give you significant advantages over other graduates.<\/p>\n

So, if you\u2019re considering a return to university, read on.<\/p>\n

1. You\u2019ll increase your earning potential<\/h2>\n

Master\u2019s degrees are not cheap. Although prices vary between institutions, and you can get governmental or private funding, it\u2019s important to take your current financial situation into account before committing to a programme. On the plus side, once you complete the course, you\u2019ll get a pretty good return on your investment!<\/p>\n

Indeed, in the UK, for example, a master\u2019s degree holder\u00a0earn, on average, 18% more<\/a>\u00a0than someone with just an undergrad degree, six months after graduation.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, a\u00a02017\u20132018 study by the Higher Education Statistics Agency<\/a>\u00a0found that those with a master\u2019s degree are also 7% more likely to find full-time employment and 20% more likely to land a higher role within a company. The difference is even bigger across the Atlantic, with a massive\u00a025% salary increase<\/a>\u00a0for people that have a master\u2019s degree, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics.<\/p>\n

Whichever way you look at it, there\u2019s clearly value in continuing your studies.<\/p>\n

2. It opens up career advancement opportunities<\/h2>\n

Most people \u2013 especially those who already have decent CVs \u2013 do a master\u2019s to\u00a0progress to the next stage in their career<\/a>. This might mean an\u00a0MBA<\/a>\u00a0or a similar management qualification, or even something totally unrelated if you\u2019re looking to change direction completely. Either way, a master\u2019s can be used as a very valuable steppingstone.<\/p>\n

Employers recognise the value of a master\u2019s degree \u2013 some even make it a prerequisite, while in industries such as healthcare and education, they\u2019re mandatory. But even in general terms, a master\u2019s can set you apart from the crowd. \u2018It does make you stand out a little more,\u2019 argues marketing graduate\u00a0Beth Nightingale<\/a>, \u2018Pretty much everyone now has a degree, but not many have a master\u2019s.\u2019<\/p>\n

3. You\u2019ll develop specialist knowledge<\/h2>\n

Part of this appeal to employers lies in the very specific and detailed knowledge you gain in a certain field or subject. If you\u2019re applying for a job in a relevant or related area, it will work hugely in your favour.<\/p>\n

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Indeed, it shows that you\u2019re dedicated to enhancing your industry expertise and credibility, which helps you become all the more competitive in your chosen field. For example, many lawyers pursue master\u2019s qualifications to become experts in relatively narrow fields, such as intellectual property law, environmental risk assessment or telecommunications regulation. Being a subject matter expert can also make you very valuable in a consulting capacity.<\/p>\n

4. It encourages flexibility and lifelong learning<\/h2>\n

One of the greatest benefits of a master\u2019s degree is its flexible structure. This means it can be done part time, through distance learning or via a combination of several methods \u2013 perfect for people who have other commitments. It encourages\u00a0lifelong learning<\/a>\u00a0among people who are at different stages in their life.<\/p>\n

Many master\u2019s students build on their existing skills and knowledge and find that they develop new and highly useful ones such as researching,\u00a0writing<\/a>\u00a0and analysing. You also become a better\u00a0problem solver<\/a>\u00a0and can more easily tackle complex projects.<\/p>\n

5. You\u2019ll build your network<\/h2>\n

Studying a niche course with a highly successful group of like-minded individuals has another obvious benefit: the\u00a0potential for networking<\/a>. Depending on your industry, the contacts you make in this environment can make a huge difference in your career; additionally, your professors will be established industry leaders who can provide you with\u00a0additional connections<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Management postgraduate\u00a0Trisna Wardhani<\/a> is a case in point. After meeting the CEO of Shell Indonesia at an alumni jobs fair, she sent her CV the following week and managed to get a phone interview. After this, she says, \u2018I was lucky enough to be selected. My skills and the selection of people and companies at the event helped facilitate an open door to my future.<\/p>\n