Master's vs. career entry: advantages and disadvantages at a glance
Should you start your career straight away or should you continue with a Master's programme?
- September 13, 2024
- 3 Min. reading time
You have your Bachelor's degree in the bag and are now faced with a big decision: should you start your career straight away or should you continue with a Master's programme? Both paths have their advantages and disadvantages, and it's important that you realise what suits you best. Let's look at the pros and cons of both options together.
The advantages of a Master's degree programme
A Master's degree programme offers you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge in a specific subject area. This is particularly useful if you have developed a passion for a specific subject and want to continue researching or working in it. A Master's degree can also improve your chances on the labour market, especially in areas where highly qualified specialists are in demand.
Another advantage is the opportunity to build up a network of like-minded people and experts in your specialism. These contacts can be invaluable later in your career.
The disadvantages of a Master's degree programme
On the other hand, a Master's degree programme also means that you have to invest even more time and money in your education. During this time, you usually earn little or no money, which can be a financial burden. In addition, the content of your studies may not always be directly transferable to practice, which could make it more difficult to enter the professional world after graduation.
Nor does a Master's degree mean a higher salary in a future job. So think carefully about whether the additional investment is worthwhile for you.
The advantages of direct career entry
Starting your career directly after your Bachelor's degree offers you the opportunity to gain practical experience early on and become financially independent. You can gain a foothold in your professional field straight away and gain valuable experience that will help you develop your career later on.
Another plus point is that by starting your career, you will find out more quickly which tasks and areas actually suit you. This allows you to develop your skills in a targeted manner and move up the career ladder more quickly.
The disadvantages of starting your career directly
However, there are also disadvantages if you decide to start your career straight away. Without a Master's degree, you could be denied certain career opportunities in some areas. You may also feel the need to deepen your knowledge after a few years on the job and then consider a Master's degree programme after all.
The decision-making aid: Master-Messe and Absolvierenden-Messe 2024
If you are still unsure which path is right for you, a visit to Master-Messe or Absolvierenden-Messe in Bern, Basel, Geneva oder Zurich could be just the thing for you. These fairs offer you the opportunity to obtain comprehensive information about various degree programmes and career opportunities.
At the Master-Messe you can find out about numerous Master's degree programmes, talk to representatives from various universities and find out which degree programme suits you best.
The Absolvierenden-Messen, on the other hand, offers you a platform to get in touch with potential employers, find out about career opportunities and plan your first steps into professional life.
Both fairs are organised in such a way that you can gather specific information to help you make your decision. You can attend lectures, take part in workshops and exchange ideas with other students who are in a similar situation.
Regardless of whether you decide to do a Master's programme or go straight into a career, it is important that you are clear about your goals and priorities. Take the time to weigh up different options and use offers such as the Master-Messe and the Absolvierenden-Messen to make an informed decision. In the end, what counts is that you choose the path that best suits you and your life goals.