The pros and cons of postgraduate study

Graduating from university opens up a whole range of different options, from entering the full-time workforce to volunteering and travelling overseas. However, further study is also an option, and the most comprehensive example is a postgraduate qualification.

While it might seem strange to jump straight back into the classroom, there is plenty of incentive for your career in the future. To help you decide if this is the right move for you, we’ve weighed up the pros and cons of pursuing a postgraduate degree.

Pros

Boost employability

There is little doubt that having a postgraduate degree next to your name will look good on your CV. The additional qualification will serve you well, whether you’re applying for a graduate position or trying to get a promotion, it is a great way to distinguish yourself from fellow jobseekers.

Improve your skillset

You will more than likely acquire a unique set of skills by undertaking postgraduate study, as you will be surrounded by likeminded students and will be exposed to more complex course content. This will help in the long run when you are presented with a situation where you may be better equipped than a colleague with a bachelor degree only.

Enhance knowledge

It goes without saying that you will learn a great deal during a postgraduate degree and this will be very valuable in years to come, especially when you can add something more insightful to a conversation that someone without a post grad qualification would be able to raise.

Broaden potential career paths

Further study can equal versatility in the workforce, as there are some roles that require or at least prefer a candidate with a postgraduate qualification. This level of education also makes it easier to transition into a different industry, provided you possess relevant skills and experience.

Cons

Financial strain

Postgraduate degrees aren’t exactly cheap, which means you will be taking a hit on the financial front while you are studying and beyond. This lack of monetary gain will also be enhanced by the fact you cannot work full time.

Greater commitment

Just because you have completed your initial degree, it doesn’t mean things are about to get easier. The workload will increase compared to your bachelor, and you will be expected to produce better quality results while dealing with more complex content than ever before.

Less downtime

Additional study costs time as well as money. You will be spending plenty of time in class, in the library and studying at home, so it’s hardly surprising that you will have limited hours for socialising and time to yourself.

FOMO

Fear of missing out, or FOMO, is a common phrase these days and it directly applies to postgraduate students, who will have to deal with the fact that many of their peers from their bachelor degrees will now be making money working full-time or travelling the world.