Quiz: Which postgraduate route will be the best for you?

09 Apr 2018

It’s a question every working professional have asked: Should I go back to university?

Phew, what a loaded question that is!

With an undergraduate degree done and dusted with, and a little (or a lot) of work experience under your belt, the dreaded question pops up: What next?

You want a Master’s, you think. After all, didn’t Sheila from Marketing got promoted because of that? Didn’t she get a pay raise (that she may, or may not, have deserved)?

But there are so many other things to consider as well: Money, family, location. Plus, there seems to be an infinite number of options to choose from these days.

Now weighing all these factors isn’t as easy as drawing up a mental or physical list of pros and cons then jetting off to a whole new chapter of your life.

The quest for a few extra letters or qualifications after your name is not an easy one. Let our little quiz make your decision-making process much, much easier:

1. Are you working right now?

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Yes

Just a couple of odd jobs here and there

2. How committed are you to your work?

Not at all! I want a total career change

Somewhat so

Yes! I love my job

3. How much are you able and willing to spend on your postgraduate study?

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Zero. I barely have enough to get by every month.

I have some savings that I'm willing to invest in

A lot. Up to US$100,000

4. Are you willing to commit to the time and pressure that comes with having to write a thesis?

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Yes! My time management and essay writing skills are top-notch.

No. I don't have the luxury of time to do this at this point in my life.

Never. Writing a thesis in university is boring and my job is way more exciting.

5. Taking up a postgraduate course is a big decision. How much have you thought this through (& willing to live with the consequences of a bad decision)?

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A lot. I've done my research and need all the information I need.

Not much. I don't have enough information to make me really comfortable with any decision yet.

6. Are you willing to give up the comfortable perks of a well-paid adult?

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Yes. I can live on rice and beans, as well as see all my friends get pay raises and promotions

No. I've got bills and loans to pay off. And life to catch up with!

Somewhat. I'm willing to compromise this for a while.

7. Are you willing to travel?

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Yes.

No. I have commitments here.

Which postgraduate route should you take to make your life better?

Master's Degree

You want a proper edge in your CV and you're willing to go the long mile for it. You're willing to fork our the money and time - painful dissertation and all - for it. To you, it's an investment, and rightly so!

Postgraduate Certificates (PGCerts) or Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDips)

You're aware of your limitations - time, funds and commitment. Nonetheless, you still want a challenge and one day, build your PGCerts and PGDips up to a full Master's at your own pace. It's the snack version of postgraduate study - short, satisfying and does the job.

Distance Learning

For you, location is key. You may have the time and commitment, but you are locked at where you are now, due to job or family, which would not let you travel several thousand kilometres away. Online learning lets you have the best of both world - get your postgraduate qualification without letting location get into the way.

Part-time Master's

To you, there's no need to sacrifice your job for several years to further your studies and boost your CV. You're willing to sacrifice some leisure time off-work for this qualification and would love it if you can structure your course schedule around your job and family.

Work!

To you, there's no better way to improve your career and knowledge than to build your years right where you are, right in the industry itself! The cons of another university qualification (time, money, commitment) definitely outweighs the pros of it (knowledge, boost CV) for you.

Postgraduate Summer School

Why decide without trying it out first? A summer school will be perfect as a teaser and real-life insight into what life would be like as a postgraduate student in this particular university or country. Plus, it can be added to my CV too!