Now that you’ve graduated, you’re faced with a tough decision. You can continue with the student mindset and opt for a master’s degree or gain experience instead. How do you decide? Well, most students follow in the footsteps of their older siblings or peers. If you’re lucky, this strategy will work for you. But that just means going with the flow instead of making the decisions of your life in your hands.
Occasionally making small decisions based on outside opinions is acceptable. Such impactful choices, on the other hand, determine your future professional trajectory and personal growth. Let’s break down the pros and cons of going for a master’s or taking a gap year after graduation!
mastery
Advantages
1. You are in the right headspace. You could be one of those people who, after leaving the school space, find it difficult to return. If going to work puts you in a comfort zone that you cannot escape, undertaking a master’s degree may be suitable. Not only will you have better educational qualifications for a job, but you won’t have to worry about things going undone either. Instead of being on the back burner, a graduate degree can accelerate your growth.
2. The timing of a master’s degree is also important. Many students fear studying abroad in a post-pandemic recovering economy. To them, we are saying one thing, you can invest in yourself and your education now to reap the benefits of a healthy economy by the time you graduate. Not only will this give you a leg up on the competition, but you will also have used your time productively to its fullest potential.
The inconvenients
1. Conversely, you don’t know what you want to study. Going to study abroad just because everyone is doing it is not a good solution. If you need time to figure out what you want to study and where you want to pursue higher education, take that time to explore. There is no timer on when you can get your master’s degree. So forget about rushing and think about what makes sense to you now.
2. Funding is a major consideration when studying abroad. If undertaking a master’s degree now puts you under financial pressure, you might be pressured to consider postponing it. There are many funding options in terms of scholarships, bursaries, etc. Despite this, a master’s degree may not be viable. You might take some time to work out/plan your finances before applying.
Sabbatical year
Advantages
1. Taking time for introspection and exploration can be an almost meditative experience. And if you have no idea what you want to do for a career, now is the time to find out. Gain work experience, learn a new language and volunteer in another country. The possibilities are limitless. And the best part, all these experiences will not only contribute to your personal growth and help you decide what you want to study, but also improve your university application.
2. It also gives you time to perfect your Masters application. If for some reason you didn’t have the time or resources to work on your application during your undergraduate, this year may be the buffer you needed. Add the multitude of experiences you have gained and this application will be perfect.
The inconvenients
1. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you have time. And then you end up wasting a year leaving all your big plans incomplete. Unlike school where you’re under the pressure of exams and deadlines for homework, learning to work on your own can be difficult. Take it as a learning curve and push yourself to improve.
2. As we mentioned earlier, you may not want to leave your comfort zone once you start working. Studying, working, then studying again can be a series of changes that you may not be comfortable with. It can also lead to professional stagnation.
Now that you know the pros and cons of each option, figure out which one fits your needs and plans. And if you still need help, contact us today!
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