Should you directly opt for a job or go for a master’s degree? 

As a fresh graduate, you may be at the confusing crossroads of deciding between further studies and joining the workforce. Either of the two possibilities may appear attractive for various reasons. 

So, which one would you select? 

Here are a few questions that you should ask yourself before getting started: 

• What is the status of the job market?
• What advantages will you gain after acquiring a master’s degree? 
• What would be the overall cost of studying? How much time would you need for it? 
• What is the nature of the program that you wish to pursue? 
• Would you have to relocate to another town or city? 
• Is there a possibility of studying as you work? 

Now, explore the various advantages offered by either of the options: 

Advantages of applying for jobs 

The cost of higher education is one of the main reasons why students are not keen on studying further. In such cases, getting earning power through a job is the only way out. Here are a few advantages of the same: 

• You can earn a consistent income to support your daily needs. 
• It can provide an early start in the job market, allowing individuals to gain experience and establish a career before their peers. 

• Hands-on industrial experience that will help you get a head start in your career and climb the corporate ladder faster. 
• Having a job after an undergraduate program can provide a sense of job security and stability. 
• An early start will provide a deep understanding of the industry, which can help to make informed decisions about further education and career paths. 
• Scope for earning professional certifications after gaining the requisite work experience. 

Disadvantages of starting a job after graduation 

It also comes with a few disadvantages –  

• Limited career growth: Companies usually prefer postgraduate candidates to top posts. For undergraduate students, career growth may be slow unless you perform well. 
• Limited earning potential: Starting salary of graduates are not lucrative if you are not from a specialized discipline. Thus, specializing in a master’s degree will help you improve your earning potential. 
• Limited opportunities for specialized skills: Some jobs may not provide the same opportunities for developing specialized skills as those of having a higher education. 
• Less competitiveness in job market: The competitive edge of undergraduate candidates is limited in comparison to those with higher education unless they outperform in their roles. 

• Lack knowledge & skills: Compared to candidates with higher education, undergrads lack the required knowledge and skills to adapt to industry transformations. 

Advantages of opting higher education 

If you have been following the industry trends, you may have noticed that continuing education helps you stand out. As a result, you will have to go for a master’s degree if you genuinely wish to fast-track your career growth. Here are its advantages: 

• Opportunity to gain career and industry insights along with some practical exposure. 
• In this highly competitive market, a master’s degree would add value to your CV. 

• Develop and nurture professional networks by connecting with teachers and classmates. 
• Enhanced earning potential due to advanced skill sets and devotion to the industry. 
• Personal grooming and overall development. 

Read more about advantages of learning online. 

Disadvantages of pursuing higher education 

Preferring a postgraduate program over starting a job after completing a graduate degree has many disadvantages. Listed some below –  

• Cost: Higher education can be expensive, and many students may have to find funds from different sources to invest in their education. Sometimes, they need to explore options like educational loans. Thus, opting for online education could be an alternative. 
• Time commitment: Pursuing higher education can take a lot of time and can be very demanding. This can be challenging for those who have other responsibilities, such as work or family. 
• Competition: Admission into certain programs may require competing with other applicants for limited spots, potentially leading to the selection of an alternative option that may not align with one’s preferred options. 
• Specialization: For some people, a higher education may not be necessary to reach their career goals. It may be more beneficial to gain hands-on experience in the field they want to specialize in. 

• Limited work experience: When you go for pursuing a higher education, you may lose the experience front compared to your counterparts who graduated with you (and started job soon after graduation). 

The winner? Both! 

As we discussed above, obtaining a higher qualification and gaining employment each have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. However, a viable solution to this conundrum is to pursue an online postgraduate program. Online education offers the flexibility and convenience of studying at one’s own pace while still maintaining employment. This allows for the simultaneous attainment of financial independence and hands-on work experience. Additionally, online degree programs often have significantly lower costs due to the elimination of certain other expenses like traveling and lodging. 

Currently, many reputable universities and institutions offer a variety of online postgraduate programs in fields such as business management, data science, business analytics, information technology, and more. As an example, the prestigious Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) offers an online MBA program for working professionals with 10 specializations, an online M.Sc. in Data Science, and an online M.Sc. in Business Analytics, as well as online postgraduate certificate programs in Supply Chain Management and Business Analytics. Similarly, Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) offers affordable online MBA, MCA, M.Com, and MA JMC programs to graduates from various backgrounds. Sikkim Manipal University offers, online MA programs, MCom, MCA, and online MBA with dual specialization. 

All these programs, designed by renowned faculty, are offered through the Online Manipal platform on an advanced learning management system (LMS). Students have access to course materials such as readings, e-books, interactive videos, quizzes, recorded lectures, and discussion forums via the LMS. Financial assistance options such as scholarships and no-cost EMIs or education loans are also available to assist in funding these programs. 

In conclusion, online postgraduate programs provide the opportunity to balance work and studies by offering the convenience of studying at one’s own schedule. These programs also provide a wider range of educational options while still allowing for employment. Furthermore, online programs are often more affordable than their traditional counterparts.