Grad School Advice: How to Choose a Masters

The study location you choose for your Masters may be more important than you think – and not just in terms of making sure you enjoy the experience.

First, there’s the general benefit gained from studying outside your home country. International experience is increasingly valued by graduate employers across a wide range of sectors, so by choosing to study abroad for your Masters, you’ll instantly add strength to your résumé.

In addition, you may want to look for Masters programs which have a particularly international intake of students, creating a kind of ‘global village’ in which you’ll have the chance to get to know individuals from many different countries and cultures. Or you may choose a Masters program which allows you to study in two or more different locations.

“In the large majority of professions and sectors, demonstrating intercultural skills and the capacity to deal with an increasingly global world is very important,” Hédiard says. “Make sure the Masters of your choice provides you with the opportunity to do this, either through an international cohort, or various locations.”

Beyond the general benefits of studying abroad, some specific locations may be good matches for particular career sectors. For example, EMLYON offers some Masters programs taught in locations selected based on their leadership in the relevant industries. So Masters students specializing in the luxury industry are able to study in London; those specializing in the sports and outdoor industries have the chance to study in the Alps; while those keen to learn about the Asian business environment will be based at the school’s Shanghai campus.

So far, much of this research could have been done independently, probably online. “Obviously, there is a lot of information available on the internet, whether websites dedicated to studying in general or studying in a particular field, sites that address multiple schools, or grad schools’ own websites,” says Hédiard.

She adds that social media and online forums can also be useful, as ways to get grad school advice from current students and alumni. In addition, education fairs such as the QS World Grad School Tour provide opportunities to meet with university representatives and advisors directly, and get individually tailored advice.

In fact, whether you attend a fair, visit the university in person, or contact the school by phone, Hédiard says it’s essential to get some personalized grad school advice before making your decision. “Always contact representatives from the school of the Masters of your choice, and share your questions and concerns with the relevant person at any stage of your search.”

Don’t be afraid to do this, or feel as if you’re wasting someone else’s time. After all, as Hédiard points out, grad schools themselves are also looking for the ‘right match’ – students who fit well with their programs. And while the internet has undoubtedly made it much easier to discover information without speaking to someone directly, it still can’t beat personal interaction.

For more grad school advice, join the QS World Grad School Tour in a city near you.
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