Many people strive to take their career to the next level. Whether that’s becoming an expert in your field or gaining a promotion, there are several routes to take. One option is to further your learning via a master’s degree. This type of qualification can open up a host of doors in your industry and gives you the skills to take on more responsibilities and challenges within your current career. This course of study can also give you the confidence to move up the career ladder and go for jobs that you might not have thought you could achieve.
There are many benefits of taking a master’s degree in both career and lifestyle. They offer a stepping stone in your job and several transferable skills that you can use every day. So if you’re considering a master’s degree, take a look at some of the main aspects that can benefit you in the long term.
It provides a financial boost
As you move onto different careers and higher up the ladder, naturally, you will enjoy better salaries and more benefits than your previous roles. People that hold higher qualifications are sought-after in many fields, and companies pay well to have this expertise on board. Figures, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, suggest that candidates that hold master’s degrees see a higher pay bracket of around 25% more than someone that holds an undergraduate degree.
Tamar Shulsinger says: “This is a remarkable difference, it demonstrates that if you’re already educated, earning a master’s degree can add a significant boost to your paycheck.”
Even though master’s degrees require some initial investment in time and money, the benefits far outweigh this cost over your career.
Flexible learning and independent study
The beauty of studying for this type of qualification is that this course often has a flexible set up. You can carry out your learning in a variety of ways, including online learning. For example, the Victoria University’s MBA is a 100% online course that fits around your current commitments and work life. As a postgraduate is more likely to be undertaking a course in their career, this flexibility is perfect for anyone looking to develop their skills while earning a paycheck.
The flexibility of the course itself also allows learning from the comfort of your own home or workplace. All you need is a computer or laptop to log into your dashboard, and you’re ready to go.
Improve specialist knowledge and expertise
To move up in your career, it might require some extra training or expertise to handle the role. By taking a master’s, you will be gaining specialist knowledge in your chosen field and can take this into your current or future positions. Studying this way also narrows down your area of expertise and tailors your learning to specific subjects. This focus can boost your career prospects and also helps to convert your skills into a consultancy role.
Boosts your transferable skills
Whether you take a class-based or online master’s degree, the skills you learn on this course help to improve your transferable skills in both career and life. There are many things employers look out for when they employ people, and these are the building blocks to how you tackle workloads and work with other employees.
Studying in this capacity will build upon the things you already know and hone your skills to make you more capable and innovative. Some essential skills you’ll master include:
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Perseverance
- Collaboration
- Decision-making
- Independence
All of these attributes are a natural part of the course of study, and honing these skills can help you succeed further in your career. It also helped in your personal life too, which is an added bonus.
Improve motivation and self-belief
It’s natural to have those moments of self-doubt in your career. However, when you start studying for further qualifications, it helps to boost your self-belief. Learning you are capable of something greater is hugely motivating for both personal and career development. It can help you define your niche and feel good about the achievements you make throughout life. Studying a master’s also encourages decision-making and critical thinking, so making important decisions and taking control also fuels your motivation and determination to succeed.
Enhances your professional network
Networking is an essential feature of the corporate world, and getting ahead can often be down to the relationships you make along the way. While you study, you will be connecting with different types of people, including industry experts, faculty members, and other professionals taking your course. Working with others during the study program and gaining knowledge from field leaders is a good starting point for opening up conversations further in your career.
Collaborating and connecting with others also helps in your current career too. By learning how to communicate better with all levels of staff in your organization, it can build upon relationships at work to improve productivity and innovation.
It’s good for your mind
The saying ‘use it or lose it’ often rings true when it comes to employment. Those things we learned at school or college can sometimes disappear into the background. However, when you choose to take up further learning, you are continually striving to top up your knowledge and skills, which is excellent for improving your mental health. If you’re regularly testing your knowledge and pushing the boundaries, the sense of achievement can have profound effects on your overall outlook on life.
There are many benefits to studying a master’s degree, and each has relevance in everyday life and your career. It’s always a great idea to stay ahead of the game, especially at work, and taking further study can help you achieve this successfully. If you’re thinking about taking the next step, you can choose from a wide range of courses, including part-time, online, and class-based learning. Find what fits for you and your current commitments and see how you could improve your career and lifestyle with this personal investment. You won’t regret it.
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