Investing in a postgraduate degree is a good career advancement plan. Individuals who want to take their current job position to the next level may consider pursuing postgraduate education. In fact, certain job positions require candidates from a postgraduate background to fill a leadership role or a more technical one. Below are some of the postgraduate career prospects to look out for.
Career Fields that Benefit Postgraduates
1. Computer Science Sector
Generally, you can apply for a job in computer science with an undergraduate degree. Graduates with a computer science degree of any level are taught the basics of computers and their architecture, languages and applications in addition to mathematical structures related to computers and computation. If you are keen on pursuing a managerial role that allows you to lead a team of talents to develop new systems and computer-based solutions, undertaking a master degree programme is the way to go. Being part of the management team will also grant you more say in corporate decision making while overseeing major projects.
2. Banking and Financial Sectors
While bachelor courses focus on the overview of the banking and financial industry, a masters programme typically narrows down individual components of general topics to provide students with specialised knowledge. One of the most sought-after master degrees related to finance and banking is a Master in Business Administration (MBA). Most MBA graduates are hired as portfolio managers, financial services consultants, risk management directors and more. It is a great way to broaden your career options, which you may not be able to do so if you only have a bachelor degree.
3. Higher Education Sector
Academic staff such as lecturers and professors are required to have a postgraduate degree in the higher education sector. Job candidates who aspire to be lecturers at tertiary institutions can pursue a masters degree or a higher qualification to teach and engage in a department’s research agenda and subject coordination. As for the academic position of professor, a doctoral degree is needed.
Professors are recognised as experts in their disciplines. They also have prior experience in teaching, research, publication and administration in their academic department or interdisciplinary area. It is common for professors to be in the senior management team who work closely with faculty and university staff, while overseeing their student research interest groups. Basically, the higher your postgraduate qualification, the more responsibilities you will be given which enriches your work experience tremendously.
4. Science-based Sectors
Certain science careers post vacancies only for job candidates with a masters or PhD degree. For example, a specialised area like molecular biotechnology in the broad field of biology needs postgraduate holders who possess specialised knowledge in that specific area. You can enter the science-based workforce with a bachelor degree, but it will take some time to be promoted to a higher-ranked position. For postgraduate holders, on the other hand, they can directly apply for a senior role. Evidently, postgraduate degrees can increase the chance for employment advancement without necessarily starting from a junior role.
Are you currently working but wish to further your education? INTI’s postgraduate programmes are built with working professionals in mind. Book an e-counselling session with our Working Adults and Postgraduate Programme Department counsellors to find out more.