Evaluating your options

by PostGraduan

Begin with the end in mind,” says Stephen Covey, author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Thus, the end is the first thing you should decide on when considering a post-graduate programme. Like any journey we take in life, it is important that we know our destination before taking the first step.

In today’s highly competitive working environment, you need every advantage you can get to advance and improve your marketability. It is fast becoming accepted that a basic degree will not take you far – you can literally hit a degree holder with every stone you throw! Be prepared, however, for an uphill task as post-graduate studies are not easy, especially if you plan to work at the same time. Much sacrifice will be required, so ensure it will be well-worth your effort and time. Take heart, however, that many experts agree that the ultimate financial benefits you reap will outweigh the price you have to pay, be it financial or otherwise.

Know the whole picture Carefully research the area of study you are interested in, taking into account the job prospects, salary and advancement potential. Make sure your targeted position, profession or job calls for such a qualification. If you are looking to totally change your career path, find out everything you can about your potential new career.

For example, if you are a law graduate intending to become a law lecturer, you will need a Masters degree or higher – the teacher has to be more qualified than what he is preparing the students for.

Post-graduate studies prepare you for higher positions in your field or lead you to more specialised work in your chosen career. For example, a medical officer who undertakes a Masters surgical programme and further sub-specialises as a heart surgeon. Remuneration will correspond with your new qualification and the expert skills and services you can offer.

As such, you should be aware of market forces and the financial packages available in your chosen field. You should also consider the long-term implications of your chosen programme – will it meet your ultimate career goals? Make sure you choose a field you are interested in. Do not plunge into an area you are apathetic about merely for the financial gains you may or may not reap; you will end up being miserable in the job and it will show in your performance.

Post-graduate programmes are often flexible. You can do them full-time, part-time or through distance learning.

If you are working, you have the choice of going back to full-time study or enrolling in a part-time programme. If finance is not a consideration, fulltime study for one or two years may be a better option as you will be more focused.

Should you have to support yourself while studying, the parttime option may be a better, but you will need to create a fine balance between work and study as you will not be able to give 100 per cent effort in both areas. There is usually no time limit for part-time study and you can take two, four or more years attending classes after work and during weekends.

There is also the option of distance learning programmes – via the Internet, video-conferencing, e-mail, etc. But this option requires strict self-discipline as you are independent of any physical supervision or teaching.

Looking into the details

Once you have identified the career direction you want to take, you would also have narrowed down, if not already identified, the appropriate post-graduate programme. There may be hundreds of institutions offering the programme you are interested in, but choosing the right one will involve a number of considerations.

Local or global? If you are one of the fortunate ones who does not have to worry about finances, your options will naturally be wider as you can elect to go overseas. Studying in a foreign country will broaden your horizons and enrich you culturally and socially, while giving you an internationally recognised qualification. This will put you in an advantageous position and in good stead, not only in Malaysia but in the global market.

If finances or other factors do not allow you to study overseas, there are many programmes available at local universities and colleges. There are also a number of foreign universities with branch campuses here. Spend some time online or visiting these institutions to get more information. Also, do visit post-graduate education fairs. Which school? Be aware that every institution of higher learning has specific strengths and weaknesses, and different levels of recognition in the market place. Needless to say, a course at Harvard Business School will take you much further than one from an obscure college. Sometimes, your choice of study will direct you to a specific place. For example, if your research is on the corals of the Great Barrier Reef, then it’s Australia you must go to. Also consider the entry requirements and the type of programme; it could be in the form of taught lessons, research-based work or thesis writing.

What about money? There is also the monetary aspect to consider. How are you going to finance your programme? If you are well off, this will be the least of your concerns. Otherwise, you may have to seek a loan or a scholarship. In today’s economic environment, this may not be easy.

If your choice of programme is research-based, you will have to pay special attention to the financial aspect as research often requires substantial funds. Also, check who will supervise your work and if you will be working alone or in a team. The ideal situation would be if you could tie in your job with your research and get paid for the work you need to do as part of your research.

How about financial assistance? If you require financing, ask about study loans or grants from various bodies and foundations, or even from your chosen university or college. Many institutions offer fellowships or teaching assistantships.

Many companies also set aside funds for human resource development or offer study loans to staff. Financial aid can also be sought from banks, corporate foundations or specifically set-up education-based funds. Do not be shy about this as post-graduate courses are not cheap. If you do not ask, you will never know the options available.

Finding what works

So what is the best option and direction for you? The best course will ultimately be the one that fits all your needs, which you meet the entry requirements for, which corresponds with your financial capabilities and which will give you the qualifications that will put you on the path to realising your professional goals.

Talk to as many people as possible, including fellow professionals, those who have walked the path you are planning and are where you see yourself in the future, as well as academicians in your chosen field. Gather as much information as possible from the colleges or universities you are interested in. The Internet is a great well spring of information, and most institutions of higher learning have websites with details on courses, entry requirements and application procedures.

Pursuing post-graduate studies requires a lot of planning. It is not something you can start on whenever you like. You need to follow the academic calendar of the university or college. Take note that in some instances, applications or proposals for research projects have to be submitted many months earlier for consideration. Some courses are also highly in demand and you may have to be on the waiting list.

To add to it all, you will have to secure referees and, perhaps, a letter of recommendation from your employer. All this preparation means you may have to begin the application process up to eight months before the course starts as you also have to allow time for the selection process. To succeed in a post-graduate programme, you have to arm yourself with commitment, a can-do attitude and have your goals clearly defined. Above all, remember that education is a life-long process.

At the end of the day, talent is not enough. A positive attitude, good work ethics and a constant drive for excellence, coupled with that extra edge of information and skills are necessary if you want to reach your ultimate goal.