Fact or Fiction? A Master's Degree Is the Key to Career Success
In the midst of this crazy economythere has been a lot of talk about the merits of a master's degree.Some claim it is an absolute requirement for professionals who are committed to advance – going so far as to call a master's the "new bachelor's degree."Others consider a master’s degree little more than a very expensive wall decoration.
So, when does getting a master’s degree make sense? If you are a career professional who needs to develop a different skill set in order to break into a new industry, or if you would like to advance to a higher position in your current field, a master’s degreemay be just the ticket. However, for some careers, a master's is considered essential – even for “quick studies.”
Getting a master’s degree online can be a great way to do it – especially from a financial and time management standpoint. Online universities enable you to study on your own schedule, and costs overall are generally lower too. To research education programs that can best suit you visit College Grad’s website.
Some master's degrees, such as an MBA look great on any professional resume. Business school is a smart idea for a variety of careers because it can heighten your earning potential and impress potential employers. And, for business professionals, the benefits of earning a master’s degree are really substantial. Solid work experience and the education gained from getting an MBA is a powerful combination – one that can take you to the top of the ladder.
If you are in the technology or computer fields, a master’s degree can also meanhigher salaries and career advancement. Most technology master’s programs focus on blending management skills with technical proficiency.Information Technology (IT), Technology Management, Management Information Systems (MIS), and Information Security are just a few areas in which you could specialize.
In addition to the business and computer technology fields, there are many other interesting professions where a master's degree is not only valued, but can be a real benefit.Think about the advantages and disadvantages of furthering your education and do what will ultimately lead you to career success. In some cases, an advanced degree will help you reach your professional goals and full earning potential. But, remember – depending on the career you choose – that precious piece of paper is not always necessary to get ahead. Good luck!
The last time I was home visiting my family, the inevitable line of questioning began, same as always: "What are you going to do after you graduate?" While my answer has generally stayed the same over the past four years, this time things were different.
I had always planned to go straight to graduate school after earning my Bachelor's degree, because like Seymour mentioned, I figured I would never go back if I took time off. What I have come to realize, however, is that I have more options than I ever realized and need to seriously consider each of them.
Now, my graduation date sits less than five months away. I am nervous and scared and all of the stereotypical things every soon-to-be graduate is. But at the same time, I am excited to start the next chapter and get on with my life. Whether it be going to graduate school in Ireland [my first choice] or go full-time at my current job [my sixth choice], I know that I will only be successful if I am happy.
The same goes for all of you weighing your options and unsure of your future. Sort out your priorities and realize that no matter what you do, you have to live with your decision. So be thoughtful and take care... the rest will all fall into place!
You’ve just graduated from college and you’re thinking about taking a well-deserved break in the action before embarking on your new career. Besides, the current job market pretty much stinks. If this sounds like you, consider doing something meaningful as you explore your alternatives.
A “gap year” represents a prolonged period of time between two stages of life. Taking this time off is commonplace in Europe and Australia where young adults often take a break after high school or college. Graduates are encouraged to use this period to take on meaningful experiences for personal development and exploration before moving on to the next stage of life.
But, is becoming a “gapper” a smart move for you – especially given the current state of the economy? Naturally, it depends. Consider the pros and cons of taking a break.
Pros:
You can take this time to save money for grad school, an apartment, or a car.
If you’re tired of school, you may not do well in a grad school program without taking a break first – which could save you money in the long run.
You can use this time to explore careers alternatives, perhaps by interning.
Traveling across the country or abroad will allow you to explore geographical options and other cultures.
You can use this time to “give back” to your community by volunteering.
Cons:
After taking some time off, you may never want to further your education.
You could lose contact with those ever-important networking contacts you’ve accumulated while in school – such as professors and professional mentors.
Many educators believe that the increased focus, maturity and motivation gappers obtain are worth the break in the “job search” action. And, given that good jobs are few and far between right now, it might be a good time to escape from the pressure that has left many recent college grads burned out – the pressure of finding a good job in a bad recession. So if you’re inclined, take some time. This gap in your resume could work to your advantage. Good luck!
Winter break is in full effect, and I am using my extra time to get myself back on my gym and healthy eating routine. Next semester is my last one, and it's going to be stressful because of comps. I found that exercise this semester really helped me get through the stress of crunch time (and I ended up with a 3.7 GPA, so I must have done something right.)
This break I also want to get my study guides together for comps so I dont have to stress myself out as much over the semester.
It's funny how you change during school. This time last year, the idea of having two papers due the same day as two back-to-back finals would have had me so stressed that I would not have slept for days, and I would have procrastinated everything until the last minute as a result. Now, the evening before my day of doom (as I affectionately call it) I am blogging between studying for classes. And I think it's more effective because my brain does not feel like mush.
I joined a group on facebook called "nothing gets my room cleaner than a paper due tomorrow." well that's typically the case in my world, but today I wrote one paper at school, came home and was about to start another when i decided it's a nice enough day today to wash my car instead. I swear sometimes I have to stop and clean what's around me to keep the spark going, especially during finals.... what is your momentary distraction during finals?
I am sitting here, trying to enjoy my last few hours of freedom before I start in the whirlwind of activity that surrounds the beginning of the semester (meaning I am avoiding the madhouse that is the bookstore.) I had an interesting conversation with one of my closest friends a few days ago, and it's bouncing around my head. I know this girl from undergrad, when we were across the hall in the dorms freshman year. She just graduated with her MFA in English last year, and I am about to graduate with my master's in public relations this upcoming May. Somehow our conversation turned from gossip about former roommates and musicians we like to how much we have changed.
Back then, neither of us thought we would end up in big cities (me in Miami and her in Chicago.) I always thought I'd graduate with my B.A. and get some 9-5 job and live in Charleston by the beach. Miami wasn't even in my mind. And I think she always pictured herself in a liberal arts college on the east coast, teaching poetry while getting her PhD.
Now I wonder where I will end up once this year is done. These are my last few minutes to think about this because tomorrow my life will be crazy once again with my internship, classes, assistantship and somehow fitting in a social life (at the expence of a normal night's rest.) Should be exciting :-)
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