For many people, the New Year offers the chance for a fresh start. It’s a time for making plans, re-evaluating goals and changing priorities.
Graduates struggling to find appropriate work might think about going back to university. Others might think about how they can advance an already established career, or convert to a new field of employment.
Many universities experience a surge of applications from January onwards, particularly for postgraduate degrees, where flexible study can mean that some students can choose to start their course at various times throughout the year. Much of this rise in applications can be attributed to the “new year, new me” effect.
New Year’s resolution #1: To boost my job prospects
Recently released figures from the Office of National Statistics revealed that almost half of recent graduates are employed in non-graduate roles – defined as jobs for which a higher educational background is not usually required. The research also shows that the longer graduates stay in such roles, the more damaging it is to their long-term job opportunities.
Although postgraduate study doesn’t mean guaranteed employment success, it’s an excellent way to improve prospects and to stand out from the crowd. It sends a positive message to recruiters because of the commitment and dedication required.
Research degrees demonstrate an ability to think independently, while taught courses highlight an ability to learn new skills and develop ideas. The latest figures from the Higher Education Careers Services Unit (HECSU) show that six months after graduating, 90 per cent of part-time master’s graduates were in work, compared with 69 per cent of first degree graduates.
New Year’s resolution #2: To advance my career
Postgraduate study can further your skills and knowledge in your chosen career, and employers value that experience. Often, employers entrust higher-qualified employees with more responsibilities, and a postgraduate qualification may give you the edge when promotion opportunities arise.
MBAs, for example, help many people to elevate themselves in the business world – although it’s important to remember that the value given to postgraduate qualifications varies across different career paths.
In some fields, such as academia or law, a postgraduate qualification is necessary to reach a certain career level. Martin Odey holds an LLB law degree and has worked in a number of legal roles in his native Nigeria, but wanted to advance his career. He says: “I had an LLB degree and thought it right to have a top up. A friend gave me a brochure for the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and I met with UCLan’s international team. My decision for the course and school was made.”
Martin completed the master of laws (LLM) in law at UCLan and is now a partner in a law firm in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. His role involves carrying out services as a solicitor and advocate prosecute, managing properties for clients, engaging in consultation on legal matters, undertaking corporate negotiation and proposing bills to the National Assembly.
New Year’s resolution #3: To change career path
It’s never too late to choose a new career path and studying for a postgraduate qualification is an ideal route to a new profession. After a 20 year career working as an information manager and curriculum consultant with the National Careers Service, Madeleine Melling was made redundant following public sector cuts.
Melling says: “A significant part of my role was to help market and promote the careers service, which I enjoyed and found very rewarding. I decided I wanted to capitalise on the job satisfaction I had experienced when contributing to marketing activities and so I put all my energy into changing my career. I thought an industry-specific qualification would improve my chances of getting a job.”
Madeleine studied an MSc in Marketing at UCLan, graduating with a distinction. She was named the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s best Master’s student and is now employed as a marketing and PR coordinator for UCLan’s Innovation Lab, having been recommended for the position by her course leader. She also undertakes freelance marketing work in her spare time.
New Year’s resolution #4: To pursue my passion
Lots of people, particularly those who haven’t yet secured their dream role, decide to study for a postgraduate qualification as a way of pursuing their passion. Many of us are keen to keep expanding what we know and a postgraduate course is certainly a way to increase knowledge. Passion usually equals motivation and postgraduate study gives you the chance to really specialise in a particular area. Perhaps you have an English literature degree but are keen to become an expert in modernism? A postgraduate course could be the ideal way to satisfy your intellectual curiosity. It’s a bad idea to enter into postgraduate study just to avoid work, but if you are passionate and can secure funding, advancing your knowledge, whilst job opportunities are few and far between, makes good sense.
Why now?
For those under the age of 30 thinking about a postgraduate degree, now could be the ideal time to begin making plans. From 2016-17, the government plans to introduce a postgraduate loans system, offering £10,000 to young students, which could increase the number of students opting to take a postgraduate degree by around 10,000 a year.
A postgraduate qualification isn’t a golden ticket to your dream job, and it’s important to carry out your research and ensure any decision is made for the right reasons. However, at a time where many people are making resolutions for the future, it’s certainly worth considering what could be a very valuable asset on your road to success and fulfilment.
- Find out more about postgraduate study and research at UCLan.
