The Career Benefits of Postgraduate Study

Postgraduate study offers students an opportunity to plumb new academic depths. Succeeding in education beyond the Undergraduate level requires dedication, hard work, and unquestionably an expertise in one’s chosen subject.

The benefits of a Postgraduate or master’s degree may be clear from an academic perspective, but what happens after you leave the world of education behind? Will taking the time to further hone your skills in a certain subject set you apart from the competition when it comes to getting that dream job or chasing that promotion? Yes. That’s exactly what it’ll do, and we’re here to tell you why.

The early years

Everyone’s first few steps on the career ladder are a tad daunting, and that’s even more true for someone struggling to find themselves a role. With the competition for places on graduate schemes only going in one direction, a Postgraduate course can prove to be a real difference maker during those early stages.

Postgraduate study requires dedication and inner drive, and employers know that. Any hiring manager presented with a CV that boasts a master’s degree will understand that the candidate they’re considering possesses those two traits in abundance. Anyone can list their endearing qualities in an interview, but why not let your qualifications do the talking for you?

Career progression

Committing to a Postgraduate course during your working life represents, essentially, the next level. Clearly, anyone willing to undertake such a significant advancement in their own personal development while already in employment is communicating very clearly that they have the self-motivation and commitment of a top performer.

It’s all too easy to settle once you’ve found your first role but taking the time out to add to your skillset and further your expertise will pay off in a big way further down the line. Once again, making such a commitment will demonstrate to your future employers that you’re serious about your career progression.  

Salary prospects

The specialist understanding required for a great many Postgraduate courses will significantly increase your career prospects in later life. For example, MA degrees in medicine, maths, and the sciences all return healthy starting salaries of close to £30,000. Regardless of your area of expertise, however, it is widely accepted that people with Postgraduate degrees earn notably more than their Undergraduate counterparts.

Required courses

It is also important to remember that certain vocations do require specific Postgraduate study. If you are interested in a career that demands certain courses be taken, you would be wise to start considering your course options nice and early.

The University of Bolton offers a wide range of Postgraduate courses to suit every career type; find out more by heading over to the courses section of our website, or simply get in touch.