Reasons to Earn a Master's Degree or Certificate
Use this guide to help you decide if going to graduate school is worth your while.
1. Career Advancement
AÌýgraduate certificate or master's degree is a tangible indication that you have what it takes – the drive, determination, disciplineÌýand knowledge – to go farther in your chosen field and that you are an asset to the company. Your management may require an advanced degree for career levels.
2. More Earning Power
Along with advancement often comes an increase in salary for taking on a higher level of responsibility and decision-making.Ìý
3. Career Change
A graduate degree or certificate often opens up a greater arena of career opportunities.ÌýToday, a master’s degree or equivalent is required simply to be considered for some positions.
4. Education Specialization
The rapid growth of technology and new areas of specialization make additional education necessary to stay current in your field or to move to a new area of concentration.
5. Sense of Accomplishment
The feeling of personal achievement and satisfaction one gets from setting a goal and persevering even through periods of doubt, discouragementÌýand other pressures will be remembered as a life enhancing experience.
6. Recognition and Credibility
An advanced degree makes a difference on a CV or résumé.Ìý After investing the time to gain knowledge and training via a master’s degree or a specialized certificate in a chosen field, you will earn a higher level of credibility.
7. Networking Opportunities
Many graduate students are working professionals representing a wide variety of companies across many fields. You will also learn from, and potentially assist, professors with their teaching. Make the most of opportunities to get to know classmates and faculty.
Whatever the reason for going to graduate school, it’s not a decision to be made lightly. There are other major issues to be considered such as balancing school with your work/home life, financing your educationÌýand relocating if necessary, to name just a few. Nevertheless, it is becoming increasingly clear that an advanced degree matters and is worth the effort.