Whether you pursue a master’s degree to advance your career, boost your knowledge on a certain subject or to help increase your salary, enrolling in a master’s degree program has wealth of benefits. It introduces you to a world of new opportunities.
The fact that a master’s degree holder tends to earn a higher salary than those who only have bachelor’s degree has motivated many to enroll for master’s degree immediately after undergraduate studies. It’s no secret that master’s studies are very expensive. While fees vary, it can cost between KES 100,000 to KES 500,000 or even more. Master of Arts in Planning at University of Nairobi costs no less than KES 405,000.
Currently, the market is already saturated with undergraduates, and going for a master’s degree immediately after completion of the undergraduate is what most are resulting to in a bid to set themselves apart from the ‘crowd’. But is it worth the cost pursuing master’s studies immediately after undergrad school without prior work experience? Do the skills and knowledge acquired in master’s degree programs always cross over to success? When the graduates of these master’s programs enter the work force, does the degree really pay off? Let’s attempt to answer these questions.
For starters, a master’s degree probably won’t get you your first job, but it will get you your third. While master’s degree is a great addition to any resume, for some employers, it is not necessarily an indication of success. Most employers, especially those in the civil society and journalism industry, go for hands-on experience as a major contributing factor when it comes to hiring. Master’s degree without work experience probably won’t get you a job.
Many have graduated but when they enter the job market, available jobs tend to be those in a totally different career field which isn’t associated to what they studied. Those lucky enough to gain employment in these totally unrelated fields are forced to go back to school for a second master’s, one that compliments their current job. The first master’s didn’t quite do much for them.
At most times, we end up taking university courses that were either chosen for us by the Joint Admissions Board (JAB) or by our parents or guardians. In the long run we end up spending 4 years in undergrad school and a few more years in graduate school and when we get a job that relates to what we studied it ends up being something we don’t enjoy doing.
This is what I believe. Don’t be in a rush for a master’s degree, complete your undergraduate studies first then gain some work experience. If you like the career and prospects of growing in that career are available, only then will it be wise to go for a master’s degree. An advanced degree is attractive, but it’s not a deciding factor. What really matters is your talent, drive, ambition and luck that spurs your career. Like a wedding ring, a master’s degree should be a seal to a career you love.