The quest for a Master’s degree and beyond

Vinitha Guptan of Taylor’s University explains the advantages of having a Master’s degree.

 

In today’s global business environment, the wealth of the nation depends more on its people than its natural resources. Education helps to enhance the knowledge base and plays a vital role in shaping the future of a nation. 

 

The demand for professionals with a specialised Master’s degree in business has been continuously increasing locally and internationally. A Master’s degree provides the essential skills that are current, advances knowledge and builds a graduate’s character and mindset to meet the needs of the industry.     

 

The need to enhance work performance and to prepare for the future has led graduates to pursue additional qualifications especially in the area of business. A Master’s degree offered by a well-known business school or university provides the additional knowledge needed to move up the management ladder in an organisation. In order to get ahead in their careers, graduates will have to demonstrate the ability to significantly contribute to the growth of an organisation. 

 

With emerging global market trends, new economic challenges and the rapid transformation of information technology, a Master’s degree in business prepares future managers in building a strong workforce and management.   

 

Increased proficiency in specialised fields

With the rise in globalisation trends, it is important for a business graduate to survive in an international environment. A Master’s degree in business is awarded to a graduate who has captured a systematic understanding of knowledge, critical awareness of current issues and new insights, and a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research. Graduates are equipped with practical understanding of how established research techniques are used to create and interpret knowledge in their discipline.

 

Expert insight

Quality education is often measured by the quality and qualifications of knowledge providers. Graduates have the opportunity to access industrial knowledge that shapes them to be industry-ready postgraduates for senior level positions. It is vital for graduates to leverage on knowledge providers cum lecturers who bring experience and expertise to the classroom. 

 

Strategic thinking and management

Every graduate is trained to think and plan strategically in a systematic way. This way of thinking will equip the graduate to always prepare ahead of time for a sustainable and profitable business in the organisation that they would work for.  The ability to strategically think and plan will help the graduate anticipate the changes in the environment and lessen the probability of going down under.

 

Professional competitive advantage

The Master’s degree prepares you for a powerful and professional competitive advantage which is uniquely positioned to provide a strong grounding in value systems that will serve you in your personal and professional life. With a Master’s degree, graduates will be of greater value to their employers, creating a collaborative and achievement-oriented environment that provides significant contributions to the organisation.  

 

Global knowledge on issues 

A graduate will be exposed to local and international issues concerning the business industry. The stream of knowledge will enable the graduate the ability to be updated about social, cultural and political changes in a global environment. A Master’s degree course will expand the cultural understanding of graduates and increase their awareness of issues within and outside their surroundings and as they share the same classroom with other international graduates. 

 

Increase opportunities and earning power

The elevation in the education level from a degree to a Master’s degree will certainly increase the earning power of a graduate. The qualification attained will set apart a postgraduate from a graduate; the knowledge and skills gained could even encourage an employer to promote postgraduate staff to a managerial level. 

 

Global networking

The environment of a classroom with a mixture of local and international students allows graduates to exchange information in all areas. Students from a variety of business disciplines are linked with a powerful global network of professionals to share the acquired knowledge and resources for self and professional development. 

 

Postgraduates also automatically become an alumni member of a particular university. Alumni meetings and gatherings are built around the purpose of networking and increases job opportunities for postgraduates. Such networks inculcate growth and the exchange of ideas across fields and borders.  

 

The constant uncertainty in the 21st century focuses on the necessity to survive and be well prepared to stay ahead of others. The broad base and diversified knowledge gained from a Master’s degree helps to strengthen and enhance the foundation of a graduate – increasing theoretical knowledge, managerial skills, practical applications and multidisciplinary skills in areas of business. Graduates will become better executives and managers who are able to analyse and view things in a wider perspective while making better decisions coupled with critical and strategic thinking. 

This article first appeared in postgradasia 2011, Issue 1.