From lives to livelihoods, the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted life as we know it.
Whether you’re a fresh graduate looking to start your career or someone who has been compelled to rethink their career decisions — this is certainly a challenging phase for many.
What’s important is making sure you are better equipped with the knowledge and skills that will be required in the post-Covid world.
One of the ways to achieve that is by pursuing a master’s degree.
Top 6 Reasons to Pursue a Master’s Degree
To Master’s or not to master’s: this has always been an age-old dilemma.
What’s more, all the news about job losses, hiring freezes, and plummeting economies in recent times have only added further confusion to the mix.
To make decision-making easier for you, we’ve put together the top 6 reasons to pursue a master’s degree, especially during this time.
1. Provides focused education
Today, the job market is highly competitive and a bachelor’s degree is certainly not enough.
To differentiate yourself from your peers, it’s important to gain in-depth knowledge in your field of interest and that comes from earning a master’s degree.
Unlike general courses during a bachelor’s degree program, a master’s degree is focused on your chosen area of study. It helps you become a specialist in your field and get the exposure you need to succeed.
Let’s say you have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management which taught you both theory and practice in core management and business subjects. Now, you wish to understand business in the international context.
This is where earning a Master of Science in International Business would help, helping you get equipped with the appropriate knowledge as far as conducting business internationally is concerned.
2. Increases career advancement opportunities
Do you feel stuck in your career or that you’ve hit a dead-end? It might be time to make a conscious effort to go up the career ladder.
It’s interesting to note that as per a recent Strada Education Network survey, from the people who have lost jobs, graduate and professional degree holders are more likely to have started a new job than people with a bachelor’s degree, or less.
A master’s degree can help propel your career to the next level by equipping you with more professional skills, thereby making it easier for you to take on more senior or leadership positions in companies.
It can increase your career advancement opportunities and enable you to upgrade your career path.
3. Helps you make a career change
Call it boredom or the lack of passion for your job — the truth is that you’re no longer happy in your chosen career and are yearning for a change.
While it’s never too late, a career transition doesn’t come easily.
Whether you’re looking to change industries or embark upon a new career path, earning a master’s degree in your newly chosen field of interest helps you make the transition with ease.
Apart from giving you an edge, it also gives you a more detailed insight into what is coming your way and gets employers to take you more seriously.
Let’s say you have a Bachelor’s degree in Economics but with time, realized your penchant for supply chain management.
Instead of being stuck in a field you’re no longer interested in, earning a Master’s degree in Supply Chain & Logistics Management will make it easier for you to make that transition.
4. Adds credibility
Every individual is a brand in the job market and is in charge of their personal branding.
It’s safe to say that a master’s degree from a reputed university adds credibility to your portfolio and boosts your employment prospects because employers are able to instill more trust in your capabilities.
It also shows that you are dedicated to the particular field of study and increases your chances of being noticed and considered for a role.
5. Offers scope for networking
From career fairs and internship programs to conferences and industry events — most master’s degree programs offer a plethora of networking opportunities.
Networking is essential because it lets you step outside your comfort zone and make meaningful connections who could be of help to you in your professional growth.
Apart from external parties, you also get the scope to build connections with your diverse set of classmates and experienced faculty members.
6. Fosters personal development
A master’s degree is not only about getting a specialized education and excelling in academics. It’s also about honing your soft skills and growing in the personal sphere.
Owing to the nature of most master’s degrees, they receive a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge. This gives them hands-on experience and helps turn them into well-rounded individuals.
Here are some soft skills you will gain by pursuing a master’s degree:
- Leadership
- Analytical thinking
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Communication
- Growth mindset
- Time management
Why Study a Master’s in Singapore?
With over 7,000 multinational companies headquartered in Singapore, this region offers plenty of opportunities to those looking to pursue a master’s degree.
What’s more, Singapore has also been ranked as the third-most competitive economy by the World Economic Forum and is known for its world-class education.
Let’s take a look at what makes Singapore an attractive destination for those wanting to pursue a master’s degree.
1. Safe
With a low crime rate and strict law enforcement, Singapore is touted as one of the safest countries in the world.
As an overseas student, you are sure to enjoy a safe environment and high quality of life, letting you focus on your academics and hobbies with the utmost peace of mind.
2. Nearer to home
Imagine studying in top-ranking universities without having to go too far away from home. This is especially true for students living in surrounding Asian countries.
Located in the heart of Asia while being globally-connected, pursuing a Master’s degree in Singapore helps you enjoy the best of both worlds.
3. Asian business hub
A pro-business culture, fast-growing economy, strong government support, and developed infrastructure make Singapore the business hub of Asia and rightly so.
This is one of the biggest reasons for master’s degree aspirants to consider Singapore because it offers attractive opportunities to those stepping into the job market.
4. International affiliations
Several universities and institutions in Singapore have partnered with reputed international universities, offering students quality education while preparing them for the global market.
For instance, we at the Singapore Institute of Management have also partnered with some of the finest universities across the globe to offer a wide range of academic programmes.
Some of these universities and programmes include:
- University of Birmingham, UK
- The University of Warwick, UK
- University of London, UK
- Grenoble Ecole de Management, France
Conclusion
There is no denying that we are in the midst of an incredibly challenging and uncertain phase but the question you need to ask yourself is: what next?
Use this opportunity to hone your skills, expand your knowledge, and catapult your career.
Pursuing a master’s degree from a reputed university will help you enhance your career, open up possibilities, and prepare you for the post-Covid world.
