BLOG #5: MASTER'S: NOW OR LATER?

           In the past, a university degree was more than enough for you to get a job since you met the requirements of companies in terms of education level. However, the world is changing every day, today, more and more people are able to finish their post-secondary education. It's either no longer easy to get employed just with a degree from universities or you can find a job, but the salary is really slow since university degree becomes too common. So the choice of many people is to continue studying graduate program and get a master degree. Now the question is, should we take it right after undergraduate degree or after a few years of working. In this blog, I'm going to analyze the benefits of taking master degree both right after university and after several years. 

(Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140520115703-10999323-design-your-own-master-s-degree-in-7-easy-steps)

1) RIGHT AFTER UNIVERSITY: 

• Still fresh and young: You've been studying for 15 or 16 years in a row without any interruption."You’re accustomed to putting in all-nighters, spending every waking hour in the library, and having no social life outside of hanging out with your textbooks". In another word, you're still in student mode, your main work is studying so you have the motivation to continue studying and everything becomes easy. 

• Scholarship: As a fresh student. you're more likely to get a scholarship from schools. I'm sure that the school completely won't give their scholarship to someone who is working and is able to pay for their studying. Besides, if you have good academic record, it will be easier for you to get a scholarship as you show you're a great student who is hard-working, contributing and you deserves the scholarship.

(Retrieved from http://www.nabainc.org/scholarship)

• Clear goals and targets: You have your own target, you wanna do it anyway and you won't be affected by any factors such as family, your career and time. If you take it after a few years, you have your own career and you're able to earn money so you don't want to study anymore. Something like that can absolutely prevent you from getting a master degree and you'll never think of it anymore. 

2) AFTER A FEW YEARS:

• Self-finance: I think the most common reason for students not to studying graduate is they can't afford the tuition fee. After a few years of working, people are able to earn and save an adequate amount of money for their studying. 

• Work experience: It might be easier for you when studying for the master degree as you enhances the experiences in your field by working.  

• Give you a break: You've been studying for years, you may be under pressure, tired and you're not ready to continue studying. You can take time off and travel or get a job, and then, when you come back, you'll come to it refreshed. 

References: 

1. http://www.mastersportal.eu/articles/275/masters-now-or-later.html
2. http://www.excite.com/education/blog/should-i-get-a-masters-degree-now-or-later