Undertaking a masters degree programme helps you to build a foundation in theoretical knowledge as well as practical application for real-world challenges. With the introduction of the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL), many working professionals have taken advantage of the education programme to pursue their postgraduate studies for career advancement. Curious to know how obtaining a masters degree can elevate your career in Malaysia? Read on to find out more.
Advancing Your Career With a Masters Degree
1. Specialised Knowledge
One of the main differences between a bachelor’s degree and a masters degree is knowledge specialisation. Upon completion of your masters studies, you have gained a specialised knowledge to advance further in your field. As businesses and organisations continue to find innovative ways to thrive and set themselves apart from their competitors, having a graduate who displays expertise and credibility can bring the company forward. Not only does a masters programme allow you to build on top of your current abilities, but it also leads to gaining a new skill set or even providing an opportunity for a career change in Malaysia.
2. Increased Salary Potential
Although studying a masters programme costs more than an undergraduate course, it is worth the investment in terms of potentially increasing your salary. Industries, particularly in higher education and research sectors, are in need of candidates with a postgraduate background. This is because the education and research institutions require individuals who know the fundamentals as well as advanced knowledge of a subject. It takes a long period of time to train a graduate with a bachelor’s degree to have the same level of knowledge and fieldwork experience as that of a person with a postgraduate background.
3. Expand Your Professional Network
The majority of students who pursue a part-time masters degree are made up of working professionals. This is great news for those who want to expand their professional network while working towards obtaining a postgraduate qualification. You can get to meet individuals from different industries and learn from their real-world insights. They may even introduce you to their business connections, which expands your circle of contacts further. Also, a masters course provides an opportunity for self-employed professionals to talk about what they do and to invite their peers for business collaborations, either in Malaysia or on a global scale. Take every event as an opportunity to build meaningful relationships that make you grow and thrive.
4. Develop a Research Mindset
If there is one thing all masters graduate students possess, it is having the mind of a researcher. During a masters course, you are assigned to produce a research project or thesis which involves hours of planning, scheduling, collecting data, analysing and report writing. The amount of effort for each component will shape a person’s work ethic to be systematic, organised and to become an overall critical thinker. Going through a masters programme is rewarding in the sense that the research skills you have developed are transferable skills, which can be applied from one job to another.
Interested in pursuing a masters degree for working professionals like yourself? INTI’s Programmes for Working Professionals offer different degree levels to provide a wider range of course programmes for working adults to choose from. The programmes are designed to be flexible and accommodative to your needs and commitments. For more information, click here.