The Benefits of Studying a Postgraduate Degree

This article is sponsored by the University of Groningen.

Pretty much everyone who undertakes a journey to university is thinking about the amazing career prospects they will have once they complete their bachelor’s degree. But in recent years the graduate job market has become increasingly fierce, and standing out amongst all the other recent graduates is tough. Some accept that it will take some years to climb the career ladder, but others are taking an alternative route: a postgraduate degree.

Improve your graduate career prospects

It’s an obvious point to start with, but the skills attained by studying a postgraduate degree will strengthen your CV and certainly help you stand out amongst those who haven’t obtained a postgraduate qualification. You’ll be acquiring knowledge at a higher level than what you studied during your bachelor’s degree, and the course should help you develop the necessary skills for your field of work.

With a postgraduate qualification on your CV, securing a good graduate job is more likely, and the possibility of attracting a higher salary is increased. This will leave you feeling confident that the time and money invested in your postgraduate education was worth it.

Some universities will offer work experience as part of postgraduate-level programs, which will provide you with valuable insights into working in that environment and help you develop your professional network. This experience can be highlighted during graduate job interviews, to show that you have both the academic and professional knowledge needed to be successful in the position.

Tip! Look at some relevant graduate job advertisements, then review your CV. Identify the required skills and experience which you currently lack, and consider how you can attain them during your postgraduate studies. For example, choosing to study your postgraduate degree abroad or taking advantage of exchange program possibilities will show that you can work with people from different parts of the world and adapt to new cultures. There are thousands of English-taught postgraduate degrees offered throughout the world, and you often don’t have to go too far from home.

Already working? Move your career up a level

If you are looking for progression within your existing role, it’s common to take a short course to boost your expertise. However, if you obtain a full postgraduate degree alongside your graduate job, you will gain additional skills and knowledge, and indicate to your employer you are serious about career progression. Of course, the personal achievement of graduating also cannot be underestimated.

For the lucky few, taking a year out of work to attain a postgraduate degree is possible. But in recent years, more flexible arrangements are becoming more widely available for those who want to obtain a full postgraduate degree without giving up work – including studying part-time and the growing trend of online courses.

Invest in your own personal development

This is a benefit not to be underestimated. By studying a postgraduate degree, you’ll develop skills that will support you through daily life, such as time management, researching, presentation and writing skills. Depending on the field of expertise you’re studying, you could find yourself in small classes and you’ll be working closely with people who also share your background, allowing you to work within a team and consider different perspectives.

Being fuelled by a dream of being successful in your career is a great place to start. However, for most postgraduate students, the fuel is the desire to learn and contribute to their field of expertise. The University of Groningen, based in the Netherlands, understands that people are looking for a postgraduate degree to improve their career prospects and/or continue with their academic interests. 

The University of Groningen has over 100 English-taught one and two- year master’s programs, ranging from the arts to business and law to the sciences. The university is ranked as one of the world’s top 100, and this strong reputation is an additional benefit for those who choose to complete a postgraduate degree, whether seeking to move their career forward or continue their academic journey.