The days when a degree was a passport to decent employment may be over, as many employers now insist on postgraduate qualifications. But is it worth the expense and the effort involved, asks Brian Mooney.
WITH MORE than 51 per cent of UCD graduates progressing directly onto postgraduate study programmes in 2006, one might well ask: Is the undergraduate degree of 2008 equivalent to a Leaving Certificate 20 years ago? In the past two decades, Ireland has made huge advances in terms of students progressing onto and beyond the Leaving Certificate. As more of us proceed to third level, employers have grown used to receiving higher quality CVs. These days, employers will tell you (privately) that many candidates are actually over-educated for the job on offer. And we are not just talking about the need for a Master's degree to secure that senior management post.
Apprenticeships, for example, can be secured with a Junior Cert, but all potential employers will have more than enough applicants holding Leaving Certificates; the academic standard required is racheting up.
The same applies to undergraduate and postgraduate applicants. If an employer offers a position that is open to undergraduates, but receives a large number of high-quality postgraduate applicants, will an undergraduate applicant ever make it to the interview stage? It is a simple fact that as job-seekers become more highly educated, the bar is being raised for all those seeking employment.
Will graduate studies help my job prospects?
Securing a job after completing a primary degree means that you have money in your pocket to enjoy life and take a first step on the career ladder. So, postponing the good life by choosing to take a postgraduate programme means more financial debt.
But it is not all gloom. Doing a Master's demonstrates to potential employers high levels of commitment, superior knowledge and accelerated skills base.
However, be careful. Postgraduate studies may not be necessary, depending on the degree discipline you have studied. Some undergraduate degree programmes lead directly into employment, eg Physiotherapy, Engineering, Dentistry, etc. Other degreee programmes, such as Arts and Humanities, are not career specific. In general, a good post graduate qualification will help you gain a decent job.
If you are about to graduate, and want to consider a postgraduate programme, explore the many choices available, details of which areon the Qualifax website at www.qualifax.ie, and choose your personal area of career interest.
In today's more competitive environment, where Ireland is the location of choice for tens of thousands of fellow EU citizens holding high levels of qualifications, a postgraduate qualification may give your job application that extra push.
Companies may also make an increased salary offer to a suitably qualified postgraduate applicant, over and above a candidate holding an undergraduate degree. Postgraduate students may be given a high level of responsibility. This gives them the opportunity to secure accelerated promotion through the ranks of the organisation.
Issues to consider when choosing a Graduate Studies Course
Do you believe that you will really enjoy the subject of your postgrad studies? Base your answer on your experience of the subject in school and college - and your overall research of the programme.
Is the postgraduate course you are considering, required for registration purposes with the appropriate professional body, to pursue your chosen career?
Will the postgraduate qualification give you the edge in the highly competitive job market, or are you considering a postgrad course just to appease your family and impress your friends?
Does the course choice fit in with your long-term career plans? Is the programme recognised prospective employers or the relevant professional body?
Completing the Graduate Study Application Process
It is vital to provide all the required information according to the questions asked and to present relevant information only.
Always adhere to the length of answers required, as outlined in the application form, and target each application form to the postgraduate programme you are applying for. Do not submit a generalised application, as it will be obvious that you have not properly researched the specific programme.
Make sure to proof-read your application, and ensure you get a third party to carry out spelling and grammar checks. Sloppy applications rarely make it through to interview stage.
In your application, make a clearly argued case as to why you are applying for the particular programme and how you see the programme contributing to your career plans. Remember, your initial application is your only chance to make a good first impression. It enables you to make the case as to why you should be selected for the programme on offer.
Checklist for evaluating Graduate Studies Courses
When exploring the full range of postgraduate programmes available in Ireland, through the Qualifax website, take the following criteria into consideration.
What is the duration of the course? Is it full- or part-time? Is it a taught programme or research based? Is it offered at Certificate, Diploma, Master's or PhD level?
How many places are available on the programme, and how many students are currently studying this course?
How are the successful candidates chosen, and on average, how many applications are received? Are places offered based on undergraduate grades and what role if any does an interview play?
What is the application procedure and when is the closing date?
Where have past graduates found employment? If the course is successful in placing its students in employment, they will have that data to hand, and will be only too pleased to broadcast it.
How many academic staff are working in the department, and what are their academic backgrounds?
How will you finance your programme of study? Are there any bursaries/grants available through the department or faculty? What about scholarships or company sponsorships, from prospective employers?
If possible, talk to those who are currently pursuing the course or who have recently completed it. This will help to give you a clearer understanding of what is involved in the programme, and what will be expected of you.
Supervision is a vital factor for those considering a pure research degree programme. When and how often will you be able to meet your supervisor? Verify that the subject matter of your work is closely aligned to the supervisor's area of expertise.
Will you have access to facilities? How much access will you have and what are the facilities? Regarding research - what are the research interests of the staff and current students? This will give you an insight to the options open to you. Regarding rights - given the time and commitment required to successfully complete most post graduate programmes, it would be very important to ascertain whether you have the option to publish your work if you wish to do so.
