Graduating can be a challenging time for many students. It marks the end of their university education and the beginning of their working life. Figuring out your career path needs careful planning. A lot of careers require you to have a Masters degree if you want to advance in any particular field. It’s good to know your choices since there are a lot of lucrative job options for Masters degree holders out there.
Why should I get a Masters degree?
A Masters degree can give you a competitive edge in the job market and help you gain specialised knowledge and skills in the field of your choice, making you stand out and even giving you the chance to switch to an entirely new field.
A Masters degree not only opens doors to more job opportunities, but it also increases your earning potential. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Masters degree-holders usually earn more than Bachelor’s degree-holders. Practical experience and networking are also a big benefit. Employers sometimes prefer candidates who have prior experience in their desired field. Networking can help you expand your professional circle early on in your career.
Why do employers value a Masters degree?
According to recent polls, 74% of employers have raised educational requirements for entry-level positions. Companies look for advanced degree holders because they know graduate education helps people become more proficient in their fields. They also know that those with Мasters degrees are more likely to be dedicated to lifelong learning, which benefits their organisations.
What jobs can I get with a Masters degree?
Regardless of your academic success or experience, the job market is actively seeking fresh graduates with diverse skillsets to fill a wide range of positions. Here are a few of the many career options available to you with a degree in the respective field.
Accounting
Accounting jobs require an analytical mind as well as strong mathematical skills. Accounting Masters degrees prepare you to work as an accountant and you can specialise further by building on undergraduate-level skills. For example, you can specialise in tax accounting, forensic accounting, auditing and more.
In the US, accountants and auditors make an average of USD 77,250 per year. The Labor Department expects job growth for these professionals to be 6% from 2021 to 2031. Financial managers make USD 134,180 per year. The Labor Department expects a 17% increase in job opportunities for these professionals over the same time period.
Business consultancy
As a management consultant you can assist your organisation in putting strategic decisions into action. Your customer could be a company, the government or a public-sector organisation. You'll need to be detail-oriented, organised and have excellent communication skills for this career. A Masters degree can give you that, and more.
Management analysts earn an average of USD 93,000 per year. The Labor Department predicts an 11% increase in job opportunities between 2021-2031.
Computer science
As a computer scientist you will be responsible for the creation of new technologies, systems and computer-based solutions. You can work for academic institutions, private software publishers, government agencies, engineering firms and more. But you are more likely to be employed by businesses and government agencies to develop new products or solve computing problems. Academic computer scientists are typically involved in more theoretical explorations of computing issues.
The average salary for a computer scientist is USD 131,490. According to the Labor Department, job opportunities for these specialists will see a 21% increase between 2021 and 2031.
Human resources (HR)
Human resource Masters programmes cover topics such as workplace law, conflict resolution and innovative recruiting. As a Human Resources specialist, you will primarily be in charge of developing a culture for the organisation, ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding the company’s overall vision, mission and values. Helping with employee-related issues such as recruitment, payroll, labour laws and benefits is also a part of working in HR.
Human resource specialists make an average of USD 62,290 per year. According to the Labor Department, job opportunities for these professionals will increase by 8% between 2021 and 2031. HR managers make an average of USD 126,230 per year.
Marketing and advertising
The advertising industry is known for being extremely competitive, but this should not discourage you. With the right Masters degree, there's no reason you can't succeed in advertising. Marketing and advertising professionals come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you want to work as a copywriter, marketing executive, media planner or social media manager, you must first build a portfolio of previous work and ensure that your application stands out.
Marketing managers can expect to earn around USD 133,380 per year. According to the Labor Department, job opportunities for these professionals will increase by 10% between 2021 and 2031.
Public health
The field of public health is rapidly expanding. Masters students in public health programmes learn about healthcare systems on a larger scale than provider-to-patient care. Public health consultants are in high demand for everything from consulting with community members about health concerns to consulting with medical providers about proper safety protocols. Organisations hire these professionals to assist them in assessing health-related issues or challenges. Graduates may work as health care administrators, epidemiologists, public health analysts and more.
These professionals earn an average of USD 84,819 per year. Health service managers make an average of USD 101,340 per year. According to the Labor Department, job opportunities for these professionals will increase by 28% between 2021 and 2031.
The list goes on and there are almost no limitations to what job you can get with the right Masters degree, so consider your career goals, professional dreams and choose the best graduate degree for you.
