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The difference a Masters really makes: the employers' view
Skills as vital as learning
According to the UK’s Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Skills Survey 2008, employers seeking to fill positions requiring higher level skills and technical knowledge want graduates who can communicate well and work as part of a team, exhibit a positive attitude to work, show good problem-solving skills and are business aware. Remarkably, 86 per cent of the 735 firms responding to the survey rated “positive attitude” and “employability” as two of their top three demands for new employees and while 56 per cent did indicate that specific degree subject qualifications are important, only 32 per cent named the degree result as being of significance.
John Cridland, CBI’s Deputy Director General, says the survey reflects the current state of the international labour market: “Being skilled is all the more important in an increasingly global economy, and our message to students is that your hard work to attain the right skills and good qualifications is essential to securing quality, well-paid jobs after university. This survey is also an alarm call to students and universities, who may be surprised by just how much employers value the ‘softer’ skills that make people more employable.”
This emphasis on skills is important for prospective Masters to note. Whilst the subject content of a Masters program will always be central to the degree, the transferable skills developed during the course can have valuable impacts on career success. The consulting firm Accenture makes their position very clear: “At Accenture, candidates will be promoted based on performance – therefore additional skills learnt via your graduate qualification may give you extra skills relevant to the workplace that could enhance performance.”
The employment picture for Masters graduates is complex and, to an extent, one almost entirely dependent on the demands of the different labour markets
The employment picture for Masters graduates is complex and, to an extent, one almost entirely dependent on the demands of the different labour markets around the world. The focus of your Masters degree, your own areas of interest and the nature of the available employment vacancies will all impact on your career opportunities. But one thing is certain, completing a Masters degree will add value to your career prospects.
