Should you take your Postgraduate Degree?

I have been constantly asked by my friends, acquaintances, and colleagues if they have to take their postgraduate degree too. So, here's my take for that. I hope this will help you decide if you have the same question in mind.

How it all started for me?

“The competition in the industry is so stiff. You got to have your postgraduate degree to shine.”

This statement from our Guidance Counselor was the very reason why I started getting interested in studying again. I was 20 years old, and a trainee at that time. A fresh college graduate who was just starting her career.

After college, all I wanted to do is to find a job and be a normal employee, as normal as possible. Taking postgraduate degrees was never part of the plan. But I guess life has its way of surprising you along the way. I got really hooked up with the idea of continuous education that up until now, I am still studying.😂

Should you take yours too?

It depends on your objectives. In this blog, I will not be telling you what to do. I will let you discover it for yourself.

You see, studying again is not just a day activity. It’s a continuous process which requires effort and countless sleepless nights. If your heart and mind are not really into it, you might just find yourself quitting in the middle of the game. I had classmates who dropped out in the middle of the semester.

What is your objective(s) for thinking of taking this path? This should be well defined because this will serve as your daily dose of vitamins and motivation to pursue.

Is it about promotion from your work? Is it for career advancement? If you’re in the academe, probably, this is a mandatory requirement from your institution. Will it just be a pastime because you got bored with the work-home cycle? Or is it the idea of getting that title and adding that suffix in your name?

Regardless of the reason you have in mind, make sure that that is enough to keep you going for years and years to come. Call it goal. Call it dream. Call it life’s objectives.

Now. Let’s identify your SWOT to help you in getting ready for this endeavor.

·         What are your strengths? Something that you know you have that makes you, ‘You’.

·         What are your weaknesses? Learn how to manage and tame that along the way.

·         What are the opportunities that you’re looking at? Will this help you achieve that?

·         What are the threats that might hinder you from reaching the finish line? Could be finances, relationship, work, etc.

The journey and experiences vary from school to school. Choosing your school is also an essential aspect of this expedition. You may want to check on the location, the fee, the professors, and the quality.

Here, age doesn’t matter. I have classmates that were in their 50s and 60s. Honestly, they are really fun to work with.

I started my masters at the age of 21 and finished it at the age of 24. Started my doctorate degree right after. Keeping the momentum on fire. It’s my way of investing for myself. Who knows what lies ahead? Old folks would always say, money and resources can be stolen from you, but the education will remain throughout the years.

So now let me ask you again, is it a yes or a no to postgraduate degree? 😉