This article is sponsored by USM.
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You’re probably wondering why you should consider pursuing a postgraduate degree now when you’re barely halfway through your undergraduate diploma or degree. The thought of attending more classes, finishing more assignments, and taking more exams alone is daunting enough!
But there are plenty of reasons for you to think about staying on to further your studies after you graduate, or even if you’re contemplating about taking a break from your full-time job to take a Master’s degree.
Benefits of Postgraduate Studies
Here are some advantages that could potentially help you make up your mind:
#1 You can expand your knowledge and skills
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As research and technology moves forward so quickly, it’s easy to fall behind new developments in your areas of study. With the rising demand in new digital disciplines related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0), like data science, digital marketing, data analytics, robotics, and more, postgraduate degrees let you dive deeper into these studies!
It’s also common to see master’s degree programmes with students without prior working experience in the field. So the structured format of postgraduate courses can help students develop stronger research, critical thinking, problem-solving, as well as communication and writing skills.
#2 You can advance further in your career
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In many industries, a master’s degree can help you climb higher within the organisation or similar field because companies tend to value employees with these qualifications. For example, business professionals can move up into a consultant or supervisory role with a postgraduate degree. Some companies may even be willing to sponsor you to further your studies!
No matter where you are in life, it’s never too late for a career change. If you find yourself having second thoughts in the field you’re currently studying or working in, a postgraduate degree can create new job opportunities for you as well because many graduate programmes accept applicants even without undergraduate education in the same field.
#3 You’ll be more attractive to employers
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A postgraduate degree can set you apart from your peers as the job market becomes increasingly competitive. Just look around you and see how many people will be graduating at the same time as you! Of course, we’re not saying that employers will only hire applicants with a master’s degree under their belt.
Having said that, candidates with postgraduate degrees in business, technology, education, healthcare, and the likes, are often more sought after. In fact, there are some professions that requires a master’s degree as well, whether in healthcare, engineering, architecture, or finance.
On the plus side, a master’s degree can also get you a higher salary compared to someone with a diploma or bachelor’s degree! So this is something you can take into consideration.
#4 You get more flexibilities in courses
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E-learning has become virtually indispensable since the global pandemic hit, which makes it all the more convenient for you to pursue a course from anywhere you want! Many universities have introduced hybrid or blended learning by incorporating both physical and online classes through various available tools, like Zoom or Webex.
Even if you’re currently working, you can think about registering for a part-time postgraduate course that’s able to accommodate your daily schedule! Learning never stops, so the possibilities here are endless.
#5 You can benefit from financial assistance
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Further Your Postgraduate Studies with USM
We’re not going to lie, tertiary education can be expensive, what more postgraduate courses. But don’t let this stop you from furthering your ambition! During this post-pandemic era, a lot of educational institutions are now offering different schemes and discounts to help you pay for your master’s degree.
For instance, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has offered 20% off the tuition fees for all Malaysians if you enrol in any USM postgraduate courses from October 2021 to January 2022, while senior citizens aged 50 and above who want to continue studying will receive 50% discount off their fees!
We’ve also got great news for you if you’re an USM alumni. For those who wish to pursue your master’s or PhD degree with the institution, you’ll receive a 10% discount on any course you choose!
Your new future is here. The time is now! So sign up for postgraduate degree programme with USM today!
You can email USM at admission_ips@usm.my or Whatsapp the institution at +6046536309. Here’s a tip: Use the keyword ‘USM-Hitz’ to get a quicker response! For more info, click here.