When Should you Study your Masters?

So, you finally did it. After all those years of hard work and diligence, putting your blood, sweat and tears into your assignments, putting up with the group projects, the exams, the papers, the endless barrage of work, you finally graduated. Bachelors degree in hand, with a head high from the recent graduation after-party, you sit down with yourself and reflect for a moment. And that’s when the question hits you like a truck.

“What now?”

Now I know it seems tempting to give in to the oncoming anxiety attack or to sit there and stare at the ceiling while in a state of existential dread, but hear me out. Usually, the plan for a recent graduate of the bachelor’s variety is to go the next level-maybe not to study a PhD, but definitely a master’s degree. It’s a good way to expand on your education and perhaps choose a specialization, as well as a surefire way of both securing both a job and emigration. You can see why choosing to study a masters degree is a good choice for those who have recently graduated.

Now, only one question remains: When do you get it?

Two sides

There are two sides to this argument. The first insists that students must immediately enter master’s school right after finishing their studies in bachelors. The second states that the student must wait for a bit and have a gap year or two before deciding if they want to put in the time and resources for a master’s degree.This article isn’t really focused on giving a precise conclusion-after all, this is a personal decision that only you can really decide. It’s purpose is to highlight the pros and cons of both arguments so that you can make an informed decision-something which is valuable in the academic world.

Studying Masters immediately

This side claims that there are several advantages to studying immediately after university, including:

• You’re in the groove: It’s a weird term but I can’t think of any other way to describe the sensation. Basically, you’re still in that ‘college student’ mindset-you’re adapted to the hours of studying and group projects and all of that. The mentality when it comes to studying for courses and working a full-time job are drastically different, so going into a masters degree with the studying mindset still intact could bear well for your grades.
• Time saved: This one is rather self explanatory. The sooner you go into a program, the more time you save and the quicker you get your certification.
• More doors open: Some careers will require you to have a masters degree. Other times, you’ll have access to more specialized jobs which usually entail a higher paying job.
• It can help you get a job: Oddly enough, if you’re having trouble trying to find a job after graduation, a master’s degree can have your back. Usually when a master’s degree is being taken, you’ll have opportunities to enroll in a job at the university you’re studying at, with the positions usually being research assistants with the other supervisors and teachers at your university.
• Explore a new country: This is for those studying abroad. If you want to get out of your country immediately and start looking for prospects abroad, this is your opportunity to do so. Not only will you adjust to the culture quicker, but you will also be more familiar with the job market which is a handy trat for those intending to live in the countries they study their masters in. For example, if you want to work in Germany then it might be best to study in Germany beforehand.

Read more: What’s the Best Time to Pursue a Masters?

Studying Masters after a break

Then there is the other group. The one which says that you shouldn’t immediately jump into a master’s degree, that you should take a year or two off before even thinking of applying for a master’s education. Their reasons usually include:

• Time to think about future: Our employment and future job is one of, if not the, most important aspect of our life-after all, we’re going to be doing said job for most of our waking days. Taking time to sit down and think about what you really want to do after you graduate is important so that you don’t end up locked in a job which you hate.
• Enhance your CV: Let’s be real, not everyone’s going to jump into every extracurricular club and internship opportunities that they see during their bachelor years. Some students tend to just do their coursework and focus on other aspects of university life such as hanging out with friends or focusing on their life outside of academics. These people are, naturally, not going to have a lot to put on their CV. Taking a gap year or two can give them the time needed to acquire jobs and skills which they can use to fill out their CV and impress both future universities and employers.
• Build up funds: Unless you’re going on a scholarship or a trust fund, the master’s program is going to be expensive. And unlike the PhD programs, no one is going to give you a stipend for your education-it’s all going to come out of your pocket. If you don’t have the resources needed to afford it, taking a break can help you build up the money needed to actually go and get the funds that are required to study a post-bachelor degree.

Read more: Best Schools for Architecture Master in 2023

My advice

Wait a year or two before diving in. I know some of you are looking at that specific program or career choice you know you want and you want to get into, but unless you are EXTREMELY, UTTERLY, 100% SURE that this is the career you want to be in and you are willing to put in whatever work and effort you need to succeed, chances are you’re going to get burnt out by all the studying and think that your passion doesn’t burn as hot as you think it does-you’d be surprised at the amount of interest people have in the academics which are only surface-level. Take some time for yourself, de-stress from finishing your bachelor’s degree, think about what you want to do with your life and acquire whatever skills you think you need in life, be it from jobs or internships or online programs. Then, once you’ve gotten a taste of normal adult life and have an idea on what direction you want your career to go towards, that’s when you start applying.

And yeah, that’s about it. In the end of the day, this is a very personal decision that only you can decide. If you think you’re ready for a masters program and want to jump in or just want to get more university advice in general, be it for wanting to know a top study destination or a study degree program you want to study, be sure to check out UniApp.