PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT vs MASTER’S PROGRAM

• Kacey Toews
• March 17, 2022
• Newsletter Article

Whether you just graduated with your undergraduate degree, or you have been in the workforce a couple of years, you may be pondering going back to pursue a master’s degree. This is something on the mind of many students and young professionals as they navigate their way in the “real world.” A few questions typically come to mind when thinking about pursuing your master’s degree: “Do I really need it? Can I afford it? Do I want to wait to start making money?” These are just a few questions that can pop up as you are navigating through this difficult decision.

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There are many factors to consider when weighing this decision but before you make the decision, there are a couple of things that you need to nail down. What are your career goals? What type of career are you looking to have? This may be hard to navigate straight out of college with little experience, but it is something to keep in mind when thinking about the bigger picture. The decision really comes down to personal preference and what career goals you have in mind.

 

 

Why You SHOULD Pursue a Master’s Program

 

Certain Jobs Require It

Depending upon which type of job you are pursuing, some companies and roles may require a master’s degree.

 

Pay increase

In some organizations and roles like extension or education, a master’s degree can warrant a pay increase.

 

Gain knowledge beneficial for future consulting roles

Specialized knowledge in a certain subject matter can help give you experience and credibility if you are looking at transitioning into a consulting role at some point in your career.

 

Focused education and research opportunity

A master’s program can allow you to become an expert within a specific subject or niche focus and conduct research to better understand subject matter.

 

Credibility to clients and peers

In some situations, it can help you gain credibility whether networking with your peers or trying to find a job after graduation or further into your career.

 

Passionate about the subject

When you are passionate about something, why not learn more about it?

 

 

Why You SHOULD NOT Pursue a Master’s Program

 

Time commitment

Typically, a master’s program lasts about 2 years. It can be spread out even longer if you are pursuing your master’s degree while working full time.

 

Money commitment

There are many opportunities for fellowships, scholarships or even employment through the university to fund your degree, but that may not be an option for some.

 

Education requirements

Depending on what mater’s program you are pursuing, you may be required to take the GRE or have taken certain undergraduate classes.

 

Not fully interested in subject matter

If you aren’t fully interested or invested in what you are studying, you probably won’t get very much out of it. That is why figuring out your goals and how a specific program can help you achieve them is key! 

 

 

If you find yourself looking at the list and identifying with the “should not” list more than the “should”, there is another alternative if you are wanting to continue your education and build on a specific skill set. Professional development is a great alternative for those who went straight to the workforce after college.

 

It used to look like boring PowerPoints in freezing conference rooms, but professional development has certainly come a long way in the last few years and can come in many different forms and price ranges! To name a few, professional development can come in the form of hiring a career coach, attending a free webinar, earning a certification, attending a conference and many more. You can find just about anything you are looking for to sharpen a specific skill set.

 

 

Why You Should Consider Professional Development as an Alternative

Make money sooner

Going straight into a full-time role instead of going back to school gives you the opportunity to start making money sooner than you would going down the master’s degree path.

 

Customize and diversify based on interests

If you are interested in many different topics, you can enhance those skill sets by completing professional development in each area rather than focusing on one in a master’s program.

 

Cheaper

Workshops, conferences, certifications, etc. will add up but will be significantly cheaper than a master’s degree.

 

Not as much of a time commitment

Typically, these professional development methods will not be years long like a traditional master’s degree program. It is easy to find professional development that fits your timeline.

 

Continuously build on your knowledge

By keeping up with a certificate, attending the same conference every year or even completing a webinar series, you will be able to build upon your current knowledge and further your expertise in a specific subject beyond the couple years spent in a master’s program.

 

Experience is enough

As you navigate through your professional career and start applying for other jobs, you will find that in some cases, experience is enough, and many roles do not require a master’s degree.

 

You don’t like school

Bottom line, school is not for everyone! Do not sign yourself up for additional time in college if you know that it is not something you enjoy.

 

 

Still unsure of which path is for you?

 

Make a pro/con list specific to your situation and write down your goals. If you are still unsure, there is nothing wrong with entering the workforce for a couple of years, gaining experience, and then going back to school. The beauty of education is that you can always go back for more and everyone’s path is different!

Check out AgCareers.com Canada & US Career Guide!