GETTING that graduate degree or any other distinctions at the end of your name can truly be rewarding. But do these distinctions carry the same importance and value as they used to? There are more and more organizations that have started to look beyond what is listed as an individual’s educational attainment, especially if a person has a proven track record of accomplishments and handling people.
However, there are also some organizations that still choose to base ability and potential solely on paper even if that person has no proven track record. These organizations rely on certificates and attended training more than what people can actually accomplish based on performance evaluations and achievements. But organizations are replete with titled professionals who do nothing but push paper and warm their seats.
Yes, a graduate degree can probably increase your chances of being hired or promoted but beyond that, can it really improve your actual skills as a professional? In an age where everything can be learned online and people can readily get information on their mobile devices, is it worth the money and time to pursue a graduate program? Before even looking for a degree program, here are some considerations.
Is a graduate degree needed for your professional career growth? For highly technical industries like information technology, engineering, education, or health-care management, a graduate degree offers more opportunities to move up the corporate ladder. But it could also be just one of the requirements for promotion. Most organizations still need to consider your performance and contribution to your department before considering you for promotion. If you are looking to get a graduate degree so you can be promoted, or if you are applying in another organization, make sure you comply with the other requirements.
And even if you decide to pursue a graduate program, chances are you will need a number of years of experience before qualifying. Most graduate programs require relevant experience in your field before they let you into the program because most of the discussions revolve around case studies and application of theory into practice. It will be worth your while to gain experience before pursuing a graduate degree so that your learnings can be properly contextualized and relevantly applied.
You also need to choose the right graduate program. Most people’s natural progression is to pursue the graduate program along the same lines of their undergraduate degree. But with the need to be multidisciplinary in order to thrive in a fluctuating business environment, people are discovering that their interests might not be the same. You need to consider if the graduate program is something you are truly interested in. Otherwise, you might just end up wasting money and time.
Before pursuing a graduate program, find out more about that field by taking free lessons or online courses. It is possible that you might be interested in just one part of the program but not with the rest of it. Take the time to learn more about the program and the requirements for completing it. If you are interested in just one part of it, find other venues where you can learn.
In a previous organization we were involved in, there were only a few offerings of a graduate program for instructional design. The few that we saw, some of the courses we were already applying and were currently using in our instructional design process. However, we wanted to take courses that will help us in using our software for creating online courses, but these programs offered very little in terms of using those tools.
We looked for other venues and we ended up going to YouTube for step-by-step instructions and reading blogs and discussion boards for issues we encountered. We realized there are other venues where we can upskill ourselves. And because of that, we saved time and money, and we ended up creating better online content. You have to carefully discern if a graduate program is really needed to improve your output.
Can you afford the cost of attending a graduate program? Of course, you also need to consider the investment needed to complete the program. The better their program, the more expensive it will be. Not all graduate programs are the same. And those that have a good track record of developing good graduates will be expensive.
And even if you have the money for it, you also need to consider the time you will have to allot for it. There are graduate programs that allow you to work at the same time, but this will really depend on your workload and your organization’s policy. Make sure you have planned with your manager and your team to temper their expectations and your workload. If possible, take a study leave so you can focus on your studies.
Whatever your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree, it is inevitable that you will increase your employment opportunities, whether within your present organization or outside. It instantly tells your manager or future employer that you have expertise in a specific field, and that you are dedicated to hone your skills in that area. But the value of your graduate degree will only go so far as your performance output. And while a graduate degree proves you are knowledgeable, actual work output and experience will show your skill and work attitude.