Thinking of doing a master’s? How will it change you?

Written by Elizabeth Wilkinson, Careers Consultant at The Careers Service

Imagine yourself at the end of a master’s degree. You’ve got those extra letters after your name – but how are you different?

A master’s can be a great opportunity for discovering more about a subject, but it’s also the chance to discover more about yourself.

You’ll be pushed beyond anything you experienced in an undergraduate degree – it’ll be tough, but are you up for the challenge?

Our Enterprise Adviser, Johnny Dixon, reflects on his master’s experience:

“PGT is the best thing to do if you’re looking to develop your skillset without leaving the University environment.

I developed my independent learning, presentation and organisational skills so much whilst doing my master’s compared to UG and I use these skills all the time in the working world.

PGT study also helps to set you apart from the competition when applying for jobs which is a huge advantage!”

And don’t think you have to study a business master’s to get all that – Johnny has an MA in Philosophy.

Was there something you wish you’d got during your undergraduate years, or are you now at work and yearning for that previous university experience? You can’t assume all masters will fill those gaps so choose carefully.

Teresa Richards, Manchester Graduate Talent adviser at the Careers Service and a University of Manchester master’s postgraduate herself captures this well:

“Consider how the degree will play a part in your future career plans, really look at the module content and figure out if it is something you are willing to invest in.”

If you’re now pondering your career which isn’t really going in the direction you want, and envying those who got their ideal jobs sorted, a master’s can be the chance to reinvent yourself.

This is your chance to be “the kind of student who attends all those careers events” as one of our new master’s told me at the start of her degree. Her friends didn’t really go in for all the careers stuff during her undergrad degree, but she’d realised she could leave all those expectations behind – and grab herself a great career at the end of her second degree.

So, a master’s – is it for you? If you’re just hoping to prolong your undergrad experience or put off the dreaded day when you have to think about a job, maybe not.

If you’re curious about how you might emerge at the end of a stimulating, challenging degree, the time might be right for a master’s.