Tackling The Dilemma: Should You Get Your Master’s Degree or Work?

Finishing college may feel like a huge burden being taken off your shoulders, but it is only short-lived considering there are many more decisions a student has to make once they finish their undergraduate degree. It can be as stressful as choosing the right stream in 10th, or choosing the best college after 12th. One of the biggest decisions a student has to make once they finish their undergraduate course, is the ultimate dilemma, should they pursue a job, or opt for a master’s degree?

There are a lot of factors that determine the outcome of this decision, depending on the field you’re in, what your priorities are, and even things like your results are worth factoring in. Let’s break it down to make it easier to understand. 

Many career paths don’t necessarily require further education after a bachelor’s degree. For example, most creative fields like graphic designing, content creation, content writing, advertising, photography, and even journalism prefer actual work experience over a master’s degree. On the other hand, in fields like medicine, advanced research, teaching, and sciences, a master’s degree, or a Ph.D. hold a lot of value. So, do some research about your field and learn how a master’s degree can actually benefit you, if it does.

A master’s degree can also increase the chances of employability, and could raise the level of entry for you. Starting salaries also differ for people with different levels of education and experience. Although, the other side also holds weightage considering many corporates and organizations are constantly looking for fresh talent, because it brings on a new sense of perspective to the table. In an evolving world, it is important for companies to know what the market wants, and having a fresh perspective is quite important to them.

Postgraduate studies also sometimes help in changing career paths, if a student decides that they’re not happy with or interested in their current field of study. With a lot more doors of opportunities open, a student can easily explore new options and study new fields of interest.

Choosing to do a job also tackles two birds with one stone, if you think about it. You gain knowledge through practical experience and also get a kick-start to your career at an early age. But it’s all relative, depending on person to person.

Being a teenager getting through school and college seems a little predetermined, and almost like it is out of your control. A student is usually quite unaware of how the real world works, because of the lack of experience and opportunities. After a bachelor’s degree, it could be a good idea to know how the field of your passion works, what holds value, and what doesn’t. A master’s degree is a huge investment, and students can feel overwhelmed by the amount of pressure they may have built on themselves. It could be beneficial to perhaps take a gap year, and figure out your own goals and aims. You don’t need to be influenced by what someone else is doing, but can definitely learn about their experience and take it into consideration while making your own decision. 

Remember that no decision is set in stone, and you can pursue a career or a master’s through whichever path you choose. This decision is a personal choice, and therefore, there isn’t a straight answer to it. Make sure you consult friends and family because they can also help you weigh the pros and cons of each option. Whichever path you choose, make sure you’re satisfied with it at the time, and if it changes over time, it is okay. What is life, if not figuring it out through trial and error?