The primary objective of studying for a postgraduate degree is to gain specialized knowledge in an academic area. This area of study is industry-specific and adds to an individual’s expertise and career credibility. For the year 2020 alone, an Insidehighered.com survey discovered that master’s degree enrolment grew by 2.5% in the US, indicating that more people see the need to upgrade from a bachelor’s degree level. If you’re considering taking up a master’s course, here are some benefits you stand to gain in today’s job market.

Career advancement

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The US job market continues to be highly competitive, and unless you have a competitive edge over others, it’s impossible to break through the crowd. Fortunately, a master’s degree helps you stand out as it offers job seekers the opportunity to take on senior positions in management.

According to 2018 research, more than 74% of US employers revised their requirements for educational standards. They demand that job applicants have at least one master’s degree in a field relevant to the position applied for. Additionally, even for employees already in contract with such companies, the expectation is higher as they’re required to upgrade their educational credentials with a master’s degree to secure their employment. In some industries, such as healthcare, it’s essential to obtain a higher degree for career progression. For example, if you’re interested in public health, consider seizing the opportunity to get a Masters in public health administration to advance your career in that regard.

A strong professional network

When you enroll for a master’s degree, the people you encounter will form part of your professional network. Usually, master’s degree holders are professionals who aim to upgrade themselves where academics are concerned. Therefore, whether you enrolled for an online or on-site program, you stand a chance to connect with a diverse group that enriches your repertoire as an expert in your field. Besides, having a good and expansive network is a way to thrive in a progressive career field.

Enhanced earning potential

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One of the goals of having a career is to make a decent income worth your while, skills, credentials, and experiences. In terms of academic credentials, a master’s degree puts you above persons without any. On average, master’s degree holders earn $77,844 annually, while first-degree holders earn significantly lower ($65,400). Moreover, with a postgraduate degree, you stand a chance of a 23% income rise, depending on the organization you work for. For instance, persons who work with Fortune 100 companies admit that salary increments tend to rely on experience, employee success rate, and high academic credentials.

Furthermore, especially in companies focusing on life sciences and biology, employees with a master’s degree or higher earn about 63% more than those with a bachelor’s degree, a statistic revealed in a 2019 Georgetown Center on Education and Workforce survey. Fortunately, some companies pay for their employees’ postgraduate schooling. Why not take up the opportunity to secure your financial future with a higher paycheck? A college degree is great, but with a master’s, it’s even better.

There are many benefits to having a master’s degree, especially in today’s competitive job market. As people race to have that essential piece of certification that gives them the needed competitive edge over bachelor’s degree holders, you shouldn’t be left out.