Nowadays, a Bachelor’s degree is no longer considered a golden ticket to a good job and higher wages. In many career sectors, a Master’s degree has replaced a Bachelor's as the minimum requirement for employment or promotion. There are sound reasons why you should pursue a Master’s degree in Hong Kong.
Boasting some of the best universities in Asia and the world, Hong Kong provides a vast array of distinguished postgraduate programmes for prospective students to choose from.
Available in full-time and part-time, the postgraduate programmes are divided into two main types: research postgraduate programmes which emphasise on research work; and taught postgraduate programmes that focus on professional and practical knowledge. For those who are on the fence about pursuing a Master’s degree, consider the following factors:
1. Advance your career
The weak labour market arising from Covid-19 is expected to last for a few years at least. Therefore, job seekers should pursue postgraduate study to better equip themselves in competing for openings. Although there are plenty of positions that accept Bachelor’s degrees, the desirable jobs are often reserved for graduates with Masters-level qualifications. With a Master’s degree, you will stand out from other applicants and be eligible for more jobs as well as higher wages.
2. Gain insight into the industry
All too often, fresh graduates with a Bachelor’s degree would find themselves not knowledgeable or skilled enough to enter the job market. This is because most of the undergraduate programmes focus on theoretical knowledge and general education instead of professional training. A Master’s degree provides students with a chance to focus solely on the field of study they are interested in, as well as honing their skills and gaining first-hand experience in the industry.
3. Develop professional network
Networking, or making valuable personal connections for your career, is key to help you open up additional career opportunities. One of the best places to grow your network is graduate school, as you will be surrounded by experienced professors, mentors, staffs, and like-minded classmates. All these individuals will not just facilitate your learning, but also have the potential to help advance your current career or aid in the transition to a new one. For instance, professors or mentors can write letters of recommendations, and your classmates may refer you to a new employment opportunity.
4. Achieve personal development
There’s no doubt that a Master’s programme is more demanding and challenging than a Bachelor’s. It requires students to put more effort into the learning process, which helps develop their personal and soft skills, such as independence, self-motivation and time management. In addition, through working and meeting with fellow students from diverse backgrounds, students will also gain more confidence in communication as well as enhancing their social skills.
