Top 3 reasons why you should consider further study

Whether you are currently studying or trying to make your way in the workforce, you may be thinking about what the next step should be towards fulfilling your goals. Postgraduate study could help you reach those ambitions, whether through professional recognition, personal fulfilment or creating valuable industry connections. Below are the top three reasons why you should consider further study.

Increase your employability and potential salary

Firstly, a postgraduate degree is a great way of improving your chances of gaining meaningful, full-time employment. A postgraduate qualification on your resume tells potential employers that you have a higher level of knowledge, understanding and skills than other applicants who may have finished studying at undergraduate level.

And not only this, it also demonstrates that you are the type of person who is dedicated to constantly improving. A postgraduate degree shows employers that you are passionate about both your field of interest and about your own personal development.

Plus, you have a better chance of being a higher salary earner with a postgraduate degree; according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey (2019), there was an average gap of over AU$22,000 in salary outcomes between undergraduates and postgraduates (by coursework) in the workforce.

Develop your personal expertise

A postgraduate degree positions you as an expert in your field. This is not just important for potential employers, but for yourself as well. It allows you to focus on an area or areas that you want to specialise in. You can truly pursue your passion with postgraduate study.

“A postgraduate degree shows employers that you are passionate about both your field of interest and about your own personal development.”

The personal growth you will experience during postgraduate study, combined with the extra knowledge and skills you will gain, will give you great sense of confidence in your expertise. This added confidence can serve you well in job interviews, as well as make you feel like there are more jobs you can do well.

And while learning on the job is also an important part of upskilling, it often involves upskilling for the role you currently have. The beauty of postgraduate study is that you can upskill for the career you really want.

Build your professional networks and connections

Postgraduate study is a fantastic place to develop and strengthen valuable industry connections. Lecturers and tutors for postgraduate degrees often have many years’ experience in the industry, and may even run the organisations you dream of working for. Not only will you be learning the latest industry trends and secrets, but working so closely with postgraduate lecturers and tutors means you will have the chance to form valuable connections.

Also, many people who study postgraduate degrees are already working in the industry, so some of your peers could be working in the field you want to get into.

The professional networks you can form with lecturers, tutors and peers while studying a postgraduate degree can end up being very useful in finding employment, as well as a great way to learn more about the industry.

So whether you want to increase your employability, build your expertise in your field, or form strong professional networks, a postgraduate degree could be the best next step you will ever take.