5 reasons why postgraduate study is worth it
Find out why postgraduate study is so important in a world of innovation, where upskilling is a necessary mechanism for survival.
The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2020 acknowledges the evolution of job markets and in-demand skills are changing at an accelerating rate. Skills such as resilience, stress tolerance, flexibility, emotional intelligence, complex problem-solving are among the top 10 emerging skills in demand.
This means professional versatility and agility are becoming imperative. In a future where technology dominates, however, those skills that are distinctly human will be among the most valuable, and it is these skills that are enriched through postgraduate study.
“Leadership, cross-cultural communication, problem solving and teamwork are all highly valued by employers and will be a critical element in preparing graduates to compete in the global war for smart talent,” said Professor Jane den Hollander in her contribution to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia’s report – ‘Australia’s Future Workforce?’
Given the accountability of a University to deliver against these learning outcomes, a master’s degree opens you up to not only more career options, but may even spark a career idea of your own.
Here are five outstanding advantages our students have experienced through postgraduate study.
1. Develop the skills to give you career options
Carrie Kassian’s master’s degree in public health took her to Geneva for an internship with the World Health Organisation and opened up a whole new world of career opportunities outside of working in a hospital with patients.
“Doing the international public health program allowed me to gain some skills within research, doing high level analysis that enabled me to go from working as a registered nurse to sitting at a table with members of the board and help make decisions that will ultimately impact the lives of patients.”
2. Use real-world application to solve global problems
In a completely different industry, Adrian Enright added to his undergraduate education in environmental science and economics to pursue his passion for the environment and work on the global issue of climate change.
“I knew that if I could combine (those) with the Master of Social Justice (Development Studies) then I would be able to then put all those skills together and essentially, look after the environment but in a way that would engage big business and make a real difference.”
The WEF Report cites that “with regard to the overall scale of demand for various skills in 2020, more than one third (36%) of all jobs across industries are expected … to require complex problem-solving as one of their core skills”.
Social media’s ubiquitous influence is an undeniable driver of technological change, and as part of his Master of Management, James Flynn had the opportunity to work on the problem of how social media can be used within businesses and between businesses to change culture and increase people’s enjoyment in their work.
3. Build networks that cross cultural borders
Meeting other architects in Venice, Italy for the biennale gave architecture master’s degree student Matilda Leake the opportunity to share Australian architecture on a worldwide scale.
“It was the most inspiring trip and when I came home I felt like I could change the world with architecture, and for me going into the workforce that has given me I think a huge edge.”
4. Gain industry relevance for today and tomorrow
It was the international experience and perspective gained in Laos combined with the opportunity to complete a research project with an industry partner that led Master of Sustainability student Amira Hashemi to secure a full-time job in an industry she loves.
“My capstone research project at Fraser’s Property Australia fed directly into their sustainability strategy so I was very happy to have that implemented as a direct result of my research.”
5. Prepare for the future by determining it
Her passion for human rights has already led Hannah Solomons to engage with issues on a global scale through her master’s degree in law.
“My JD (Juris Doctor) enabled me to go to Cambodia to work for the UN which is pretty exciting. I got a chance to analyse and research law at a really interesting frontier level.”
“So much happens at a global level today”, Hannah said, “we’re developing an international criminal justice system to speak up for the people who are the most horrifically treated. Being a part of that in various ways is what the JD helped me to do.”
How do I get started?
If you’re considering postgraduate study, check out our course offerings and chat to our University representatives, academics and course advisers about your options at one of our upcoming events.
Postgraduate funding is available for some postgraduate degrees through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) based on merit.
For career ideas and advice on career options, speak to our team at the Careers Centre.