Most if not all of those who are doing a higher degree at a university would say that they do it because they like research and perhaps on top of that, they have a special like for the subject of study. However, there are still many who go for graduate studies because they want to get a better job or getting a better salary. If they are academically capable why not? People go for graduate studies for many reasons. But there are a few things you should be aware of before you actually enter a graduate course of studies.
Graduate studies may best be characterised by its research orientation as opposed to a well-structured curriculum. You may be required to take a few core courses to boost up your ability to do research but other than that you do not have a clear object of study. You will spend a lot of time research into a very narrow field of you chosen subject. Whatever you do, you will encounter lots of uncertainties but at the same time, you will also have plenty of room for exploration. It will not feel like any undergraduate program as there are no ready made answers or formulas for you to learn.
At graduate school, the way of learning changes too. The professors will behave more like an equal of yours, conveying his understanding of the field in a more personal way. You will spend time discussing with him or her rather than merely taking notes and asking questions on things that you do not know. On the other hand, you be encouraged to be more independent in your work even though you will get guidance from your professor when it is needed. You will also be expected to generate you own ideas and share them with the research community. In the process, your role changes gradually from that of a learner to a contributor of knowledge.
Some view graduate school as a path to the paradise of work. The reason? You will get paid for something that you are passionate about. We generally think this rarely occurs in other work situations. Despite there is also competition in research, graduate studies in general provide an environment that is supportive of your specific academic pursuit. Not only that, for many, it is a place where you can find a solid sense of achievement and recognition because of your contribution either to science or humanity.
When you do graduate work, you are offered the rare opportunity to see work which spearheads the frontiers of your field of study. Not only that, you will also have a chance to gain hands-on experience in your area of work. You will be mingling with people who are usually either authorities in their respective fields and who are as passionate about your field of study as you are. This helps to build a genuine community of learning.
As you step into graduate school, it automatically helps you to narrow down your career goals by making them clearer to you as you become more committed to your work in a field that you love. .
In general, graduate studies will help you to accelerate in your career path. This is especially true when we enter into a knowledge-based society. If you do graduate studies, chances are that it will enhance your qualifications for a career, which typically result in better pay and, higher-level jobs.
A graduate degree is a great achievement that increases job satisfaction and self-confidence. Graduate students have more networking opportunities, and receive knowledge and training that would take years or cannot be learned on the job. They also have a superior work/life balance, as many grad students must work and study at the same time.
Those with master's or doctoral degrees are poised to earn significantly higher salaries than those with a bachelor's degree. Holders of a graduate degree end up being better compensated for their education than if they had stopped at the undergraduate level. If you have a graduate degree, you are likely to start your career at a higher level and continue to advance your career at a faster rate than if you earned only a bachelor's degree in your field.
