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Should I pursue postgraduate studies?

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Alex’s Answer

Hi Karen,

Great question! If you are thinking about pursuing graduate school, consider asking yourself these questions:

- Why do I want to go to graduate school?
- Is what I want to go to graduate school for relevant? Is this a good investment?
- Would going to graduate school further my career?
- Is this something I can afford to do? Would I be able to finance this?
- Are the skills and experience you desire only available to you through graduate school? Or could you gain the same experiences and skills working in your field?

If your answers to these questions justify your decision more then consider it! Since graduate school is a big investment, take as much time as you need to think over these things. This shouldn't be a decision that's made overnight.

Also, consider taking some time in between college and graduate school to do some exploring! Real-world job experience is a very valuable tool to have and will also help guide your decision in whether you should pursue graduate school. Hope this helps and best of luck to you!

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David’s Answer

We should all be lifelong learners. The more education the better. There is no downside to furthering your education in my opinion.
Thank you comment icon School and post-graduate studies are not for everyone. Personally, as I finish up my MA, I realize that this is the worst position I've ever put myself in. It ended up being not what I wanted to do and I deteriorated as a person. I had to start medication and attend therapy. On the other hand, my best friend in this same program is now apply for her PhD--this was the perfect move for her. It's not just about learning, but it's about what you feel like you can get out of it. Think about the programs, talk with your mentors. Think about where you want to see yourself in 2-6 years. Whatever you decide to do, though, doesn't have to be the end. You can always go back to school later and you can always check out multiple career paths and programs. Marcie Blandford
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Nithin’s Answer

Hi Karen,

There is never an end for learning. As you know it's a continuous process. So it would always be helpful if you do your PG.
If you have the real passion for learning please go ahead with the plan and do not delay the things.

I did my PG after 9 years of graduation. It definitely helped me to improve on my career. The only thing I regret is for delaying it for so many years.
So its better to do it as soon as you are done with your graduation.
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Gloria’s Answer

I opted to do my Masters Degree to improve my possibilities within my field. I think that you should ask yourself - how would you benefit from having additional education? How important is that benefit to you? I have heard that people with Masters Degrees in my field make a lot more money. I have not found that to be the case. I could have gotten to this salary without the Masters Degree. And yet, a Masters Degree gave me a great deal of confidence. I love knowledge, so it gave me a great deal of confidence to have the additional knowledge about my field. I would say that you do not need decide now. Life long learning is valuable and necessary in a world where things are changing rapidly. I got my Masters Degree in 2009, but I have had to continue taking classes to keep up with the changes in my field. I regularly take classes to make sure that I am staying up-to-date on the latest innovations in my field.
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Yvonne’s Answer

Hi, Karen. I have never regretted getting a doctorate, although it was painful and hard work. I was determined to reach the top of my studies, mostly because I like the challenge. For some professions it is not necessary to obtain a doctorate to have a secure position in the field; Social Work, Business, and Engineering for example. But it would be a mistake to pursue post graduate studies expecting to receive more than a moderate advantage in the job hierarchy. One must love the discipline and either love to write or to learn how to write. There is a lot of it.
Whatever you decide with your heart will be the best decision. Best of everything!
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Manu’s Answer

YES..
because PG studies are always a deeper learning or specialization into a particular field. Most of the PG studies are pursued more with practical activities like more lab sessions, projects etc rather than just getting theoretical knowledge. But most importantly the quality of education will also depend on the quality of Institute we get admission and guide staffs available.
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Swapnil’s Answer

Hi Karen,

This may vary from person to person.

From my point i regret having wasted my time for Masters as my Graduation college did not provide good placement. If i would have got it first hand i would have not opted for Masters. Usually same things are thought in Masters most of the time. Usually Masters should be add on to what you have learnt in graduation but usually this is not the case.

According to me you can have two options:

If you are interested in research or want a good placement apply for Masters in Good University.

OR

If Good Placement/Research is not your priority then try getting a job and then elevate in your career by acquisition of different skills, opportunities etc.

In life some people strive hard for satisfaction some for money. Depends on you, what you want.

Best of Luck!!

Thank you,
Swapnil
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Rebecca’s Answer

It is really subject to your own preference and what you would like to do upon your completion of your 1st degree.
If you would like to develop your career on academic sector, e.g. research, teaching in the college, etc. , apparently it would be better for you to continue your postgraduate degree, etc.
However, if you plan to develop your careers in other sectors, you can consider to work for a few years before taking the postgraduate studies. This also gives you the opportunities to determine what subjects that you would like to take for your postgraduate degree. E.g. if you work in the business or financial sector, you may consider to take a MBA.
There is no time constraints for you to take the postgraduate degree. On the other hand, you can also do it on part time basis.
I would recommend you consider on your future career first before deciding whether to continue your postgraduate degree now or later.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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Desiree’s Answer

Hi Karen,

Post-Grad really depends on what you enjoy about your studies and what you'd like for a career. It's a great way to narrow your focus and will definitely help you while job searching.

I starting an intern role while pursuing my Master's of Cybersecurity studies online and then rolled to an InfoSys Security Officer role once I completed my degree.

Desiree recommends the following next steps:

Look at a number of schools that offer the type of graduate degree you'd like.
Look at the courses involved you'd need to complete - are these of interest to you?
Look into in-person and online programs - these could change the courses you need
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