Is it necessary to continue studying until S2?

After obtaining an undergraduate degree, fresh graduates are faced with two choices: to continue studying for a master's degree or to work directly.

While undergoing undergraduate studies, some people may already have plans for what to do after graduation. However, not a few also choose to go with the flow , aka 'just see how it goes', so that a dilemma is created between continuing their education up to Masters, or directly applying for a job.

• Also read: 5 Reasons Why The Industrial Engineering Undergraduate Program Is Increasingly Interested

For those of you who are already planning to get a master's degree, sometimes a little doubt arises. Is a master's degree really needed?

By reading this article, it might help a little to convince, motivate, or even reconsider the steps you are about to take.

What are the benefits of taking a master's degree?

One thing that can't be doubted, education is one of the most important factors for achieving success in the future. Apart from deepening your knowledge and broadening your horizons, here are the benefits of continuing your studies up to S2:

1. Better job opportunities

Amidst the large number of fresh graduates looking for work, a Masters graduate will certainly stand out more in the eyes of recruiters than the majority of applicants with Bachelors degrees. This is based on the fact that a person with a master's degree has more in-depth skills and insights than a bachelor's degree.

 2. Offer a relatively larger salary

There are several job vacancies that include a master's degree as one of the requirements. Generally, these companies offer higher positions or levels, so that they will produce higher salaries as well.

 3. Opportunity to become an academic

An academic is someone with high education and intellect who works as a teacher, lecturer, professor or researcher. If you have a passion for teaching or want to devote your knowledge to the wider community, then earning a master's degree is the right choice. After graduating from the postgraduate program, you can easily progress to a doctoral or doctoral program.

 4. Qualify for promotion

Some companies have a policy that a master's degree is one of the mandatory requirements for promotion or position. Some professions also require a master's degree to choose a desired career, such as a doctor or psychologist, in order to become a specialist in a certain field.

 5. Pursue a new major

For scholars who feel 'in the wrong major', you have the opportunity to return to college according to the passion you have. It is best if you consult with the university you are going to first, whether they accept prospective Masters students from different majors.

Fulfill the requirements needed, whether it's taking tests or courses with adjusted weights. Also make sure you don't make the same mistake by wasting more time in the wrong direction.

Before proceeding to S2, what should be considered?

Even though it has many benefits, hold back your decision to continue studying before considering the following:

1. Commitment and mental readiness

After 4 years of studying, doing assignments and theses, internships, and a mountain of other activities that lead you to become an undergraduate, ask yourself. Am I ready to go through the process again for the next 2 years?

The learning process in the master's program will certainly be different (aka heavier) compared to the bachelor's program. There you will be required to think more critically, actively discuss, and carry out more practice than theory. Of course all of this requires commitment, focus and consistency.

2. The right motivation

Apart from the matter of commitment and readiness, there are other questions that are no less important: What is the main goal for continuing your studies? This is important to examine, because many students continue their studies with 'inappropriate' motivation.

The following are reasons that are often (but should not) be used by someone to continue studying S2:

• Delaying the obligation to find a job, because it is 'too comfortable' to be financed by parents.

• Too long unemployed, so bored or discouraged to find work. As a result, Master's degree is only an 'escape' from reality.

• Still confused in determining the purpose and direction of life. To overcome this, it's better if you dig deeper into your interests and talents.

• Feeling inferior or jealous when comparing yourself to the achievements of others. Remember, everyone has their own strengths, you don't need to follow other people's standards of success.

3. Cost availability

Not only is it not easy, graduate school is also not cheap. In principle, a master's degree can indeed be considered as a form of 'educational investment' to get a large salary in the future.

But you should reconsider your financial planning carefully, so that it doesn't become a burden or an obstacle when studying later. If your budget is limited, you can try to find scholarships or go to college while working .

 4. Career planning

Make sure the major you choose really matches the dream career you want to build. When making the decision to continue studying, make a clear plan for your career path. That way, you can really focus on becoming a master in the field you are working on, so it is needed by many companies.

Does a master's degree guarantee future career success?

Uncertain. No one can guarantee your success, other than yourself. A title, be it bachelor or master, will indeed make you have added value in the eyes of the company and society.

 However, the most important thing from an education is the knowledge, experience and insight gained as a provision to build a better life. So if you have the opportunity to continue studying, enjoy every process and make the most of your time.

Also read: List of Best Universities in the World