A Masters degree is highly challenging. This is especially true if you are a senior professional who is considering enrolling in a Masters degree. It can be even more challenging if you consider your other commitments, like a full-time job and family life. Though there are a myriad of benefits like a higher salary range, better opportunities, and prestige because of a Masters degree, it also comes with a cost. You will have to make several sacrifices to succeed in a Masters degree. Hence, it is worth considering some things before you join the Masters degree target rather than jumping in blindly. In this article, we will discuss some important things to consider before you choose to join a Masters degree program. This article will help you more if you are a senior professional with a full-time job and a family. So let's drive in.
Things to consider before joining a Masters degree program
1. Question yourself
Before you continue to apply for a Masters degree program, ask yourself the following questions so that your doubts are clarified: These questions will help you choose wisely and boost your commitment.
1. Why would you need a Masters degree?
A Masters degree is a huge investment in terms of time, effort, and money. If you consider other younger generation learners who are fresh out of an undergraduate program, a Masters degree is just an experimental year for them. Many of the younger learners use Masters degree programs as a safety net to experiment with their careers. However, it is not the case with senior learners. If you are choosing to pursue a Masters degree, you must be well aware of the intention and scope of the degree.
This is why having your "why" is more important than anything else in your pursuit. Before you jump in, reflect on your intentions and see if they align with your current situation. Reflect on whether pursuing a Masters degree is going to help you in the future and if it is practical for you to pursue a Masters degree program right now. While a Masters degree will certainly help you with your life and career, choosing the wrong one will only waste your time and resources.
2. How hard will a Masters degree be compared to your other academic qualifications?
For the younger generation, earning a Masters degree will be highly challenging compared to earning an undergraduate degree. However, it is not the case with senior learners. If you choose a Masters degree in which you have industry experience, the program will be a piece of cake. Similarly, a program that does not resonate with your experience level will be harder than any academic program.
Every class requires a high level of commitment and discipline, as well as a self-directed study on your end. There will not be any hand-holding or spoon-feeding from the educator in a Masters degree program. You will have to work on your own harder than you did in your undergraduate studies. You have to maintain discipline throughout the program's progression and be strict with your time management.
3. Do you require a Masters degree to be successful in your career?
This is a highly personal question that depends on your personal circumstances and tastes. If you see an opportunity in your career that requires you to have a Masters degree in a specialisation, then grab the opportunity. Don't waste time waiting for the perfect moment or for inspiration to strike. Analyse your current job, industry, and growth opportunities. List your qualities, skills, experience, and education and compare them with the higher position you are interested in. This will help you find gaps in your skillset and education.
Even if you fall far behind the required experience and education by a large margin, you can choose to pursue a Masters degree. By the time you complete the program, you might have the required years of experience and the right qualifications to move on to your next step. However, this only works if you choose the right academic program that will help you in your future roles. Often, a Masters in your own industry will deeply impact your career. You can't go wrong with a Masters in your industry, which enhances your experience.
4. Will pursuing a Masters be useful?
Masters degree programs offer better opportunities and academic prestige to professionals. Along with these advantages, they can also enhance your expertise and strengthen your authority in your industry. For example, if you are working in the academic field, a Masters degree will help you become a reputed personality in your institution. It will give you more knowledge about the subject than your colleagues. Academic qualifications are some of the stepping stones that will get you better recognition and global opportunities. They will enhance transferable skills like academic writing, project management, time management, and presentation skills, which are highly valued in the industry (Source: Edu Opinions).
5. Will this degree impact your future and career?
Consider your future, which includes your financial well-being and personal relationships, before you join a Masters degree program. As Masters degree programs are a high investment, you may have to take out educational loans or spend your savings. This might in turn affect your financial freedom and your family's financial well-being. However, there are several other alternatives, like corporate sponsorships, scholarships, and government support, that you can try if you are financially unstable. Consider all the probabilities before you jump right in. Financial planning is a crucial element to consider before you join a Masters degree program. Leaving it to figure out later will not help you in the future.
6. How will your social life be?
If you look at it closely, your work comprises one-third of your day. Another one-third of your day will go to sleeping, leaving only the final one-third of your day for all other activities, including your social life, family life, and the Masters degree program. You will have to juggle all these things, including your social life. Plan beforehand how you will balance your social life with your work and studies. You will be required to sacrifice social events. It does not mean that you can totally ignore your social circle. Even if you have a hundred and one problems on your plate, you will still need the support of your family and friends. However, maintaining the right boundaries and a strict schedule will help you through the process.
2. Research your program
The universities in Europe, Canada, and America offered two types of degrees: thesis and non-thesis. The thesis degrees are research-based, and the non-thesis programs are self-taught professional or course-based. There are also offline and online degree programs offered by the same universities. Choosing the right Masters degree program depends on your personal situation. Every university has its own study models and teaching pedagogies that resonate with its student body. Always choose the right university and the pedagogy that resonates with you.
For example, SNATIKA offers UK Masters degree programs exclusively to senior working professionals. Our programs are designed for managers who are experienced in the industry and have a deeper understanding of the industry they are working in. Moreover, the assignment-based educational system resonates well with advanced learners who have managerial experience in the industry. The syllabus is developed by subject-matter experts. SNATIKA also employs adult learning theory, or andragogy, which is a specialised teaching pedagogy for adult learners.
3. Let your experience get formal academic recognition for that Masters degree
Understand that your experience is a decisive factor in applying to any higher education program. For example, the credit transfer system or recognition of prior experiential learning can offer you the benefit of applying for an advanced degree even if you do not meet the academic requirements of that program. Understand the credit system and academic progression the university follows before you apply for a program. For example, SNATIKA helps you apply for a Masters degree program even if you have no undergraduate degree. Instead of an undergraduate degree, we will require you to have a minimum of five years of managerial experience in your industry. Your experience will give you the academic status you need to apply to a Masters degree program.
4. If you’re pursuing an online degree, then be cautious
If you are choosing an online degree, be cautious about the online degree providers. Because of the increase in demand for and popularity of online degree programs, nowadays there are hundreds of online Masters degree providers that have mushroomed up in the digital world. However, not all of them are authentic degree providers. Several institutions offer fake Masters degree programs from universities that do not exist. You should also consider that some employers are sceptical about online degrees. Though the recent trend of online degrees is changing this mindset, thanks to the pandemic and lockdowns, you should expect some resistance from employers. This is especially applicable to you if you are going to use your Masters degree for job hunting after the completion of the program.
Therefore, you must do your research before you choose an online degree. Visit the website and understand the authorities that award the Masters degree programs. Consider the institution's success rates, reputation, and reviews from its previous learners. Also, check out the certification authorities of the institutions so that you do not go wrong with your choice. In the case of SNATIKA, everything you need to know about the authenticity of the program is available on our website. You can visit the websites of our educational partners, universities, and certification awarding bodies to compare and clarify your doubts.
5. Try working while pursuing your degree.
Financial security is more important than you might think. If you are struggling in the financial area, then try to keep your job while also pursuing your Masters degree. Working alongside your degree will keep you financially stable and secure. It will provide you with the funding that is needed for your education and your family commitments. It will give you relief if you come from a financially unstable family. A Masters degree program is a huge investment, and it helps you keep your job. However, only part-time and online degree programs will help you in such a situation. Nowadays, there are several universities and online institutions that offer online Masters degree programs to working professionals. This institution provides you with the right qualifications from the right certification authorities at a reasonable price.
Online programs are also flexible and highly accessible from anywhere in the world. Because of all these advantages, they are becoming popular among working professionals. If you are searching for a prestigious online Masters degree program provider that caters to the needs of senior professionals like you, then visit SNATIKA. Online degrees will also help your company retain you when you finally achieve your dream Masters degree. As a result, you will contribute more to the economy of the country and the financial well-being of your family. And finally, you will be able to apply what you learn once you understand the topic. Due to all these factors, working while learning is an economically feasible option for you.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several important factors you need to think through before you apply for a Masters degree program. Though the programs will offer you several benefits, you will also need to make some sacrifices, such as in your social circle, personal time, and family time. Consider online programs if you are a working professional who needs to keep your job. However, be cautious when applying for online degree programs. Be sure to check out all the certifications and affiliations of the online institution before you apply for the program. Research your program and decide how your other areas of life will be affected by it. Also, consider the opportunities and the future of your career so that you choose the right program for the right reasons. Understanding your "why" will help you choose better.
SNATIKA offers prestigious, highly flexible, and prestigious UK Masters degree programs exclusively to senior professionals. Our programs are highly advantageous because of their dual academic qualifications and their short duration of 12 months. With a large collection of authentic and highly prestigious UK Masters degree programs, SNATIKA is a leading learning destination among senior professionals. Visit SNATIKA to learn more.
Citations
Das, Nikita, and Abigail Lister. “Points to Think Before Considering a Master’s Degree | EDUopinions.” EDUopinions, 21 Jan. 2020, www.eduopinions.com/blog/general/what-you-should-know-when-considering-a-masters-degree.