So you’ve just completed your undergraduate degree. You might be wondering – what shall I do now? Although many recent graduates start looking for their first job, others might be torn between doing a postgraduate degree or an internship before applying for their first role. A hard decision to make, there are several things that you must consider before making your final choice.
Of course, the final decision will be based on your individual requirements. But if you’re really stuck on which one is better for you, the following could be invaluable. Highlighting the pros and cons of each option, you’ll be able to see which one fits you to a tee.
Postgraduate Degree
Pros
Expand Your Knowledge In Your Chosen Subject
A great pro that comes with a postgraduate degree is that it gives you the opportunity to expand your knowledge in the subject that you’re interested in. Whether you’re looking to get into healthcare (an online mba degree in health care management could be the way forward) marketing (a Master’s in Marketing and Communications is ideal) or another industry, there will be a postgraduate degree for you available.
Also, if you’re still not ready for the real world of work, a postgraduate degree could help you to concrete exactly what it is you want to do. Giving you confidence in your chosen discipline, you’ll be in a better position at the end of it – this is ideal if you’re thinking about becoming your own boss in the future.
It’s Essential For Some Job Roles
A postgraduate degree is essential for many job roles – whether you want to become a doctor, a vet, a teacher, etc. Which is why so many people opt for it over an internship. Without a master’s or similar degree, you might not be considered for the particular career you’re looking to get into.
Top tip: It’s important to look at what requirements are needed for your dream career from the get-go so that you’re prepared for the amount of studying and work that you’ll have to put in to it.
It’s Attractive To Employers
One big pro that comes with a postgraduate degree is that it showcases to employers the extra work you’ve put in and the additional knowledge you’ve acquired. When it comes down to choosing a candidate for a job role, employers will look at your qualifications and determine whether you’re suitable – so if you have a postgraduate degree and others who are applying for the job do not, you could have a better chance of getting it.
Cons
It’s Expensive
Unfortunately, a postgraduate degree doesn’t come cheaply. The big cost of it might make it seem out of reach for many that already have student debt from a previous undergraduate degree. This factor will therefore have to be considered before you apply for one – as you don’t want to find yourself in a bad place financially afterwards.
It’s a Big Commitment
After you’ve completed an undergraduate degree the prospect of more studying might not be tempting to you. Although a postgraduate degree only tends to be 1 year long, this is still a big commitment. If you want to take a break from studying, it’s therefore not the way to go.
Internship
Pros
You’ll Get Invaluable Experience
One big plus point that comes with taking on an internship is the experience that you can gain. This is not only useful to you as you’ll learn invaluable skills and get a taste of what it’s like within that industry, but it’s also very attractive to future employers as it showcases the dedication that you’ve had to that industry.
Opportunities To Network
When taking on an internship, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to network with clients and other companies. This is great as you’ll get the chance to mingle with those within your chosen industry and can make connections which could result in possible job offers in the future.
Possible Job Offers
As well as potentially being offered a job from people you’ve met during a networking event, you could be offered a full-time position by the company that you’re working for. To increase the chance of this happening, throughout your time at the business, showcase how enthusiastic you are, how much you’re enjoying your time there and how invaluable you are to the business.
There Are Lots of Internships Available
Another great thing about internships is that there are lots of them available – both across the country and further afield. This opens up the chance to find you dream internship which will help with your future career.
Cons
They Can Be Unpaid
Although technically this isn’t legal, it’s still an issue that’s occurring. One big disadvantage of taking on an internship is that it can be unpaid. If this is the case, you’re putting your hard work in to get nothing in return. Even if it looks good on the CV at the end of it, the upfront costs that you will have to pay might not be worth it.
It’s Not Always Relevant
Although a lot of internships will give you valuable experience within the field in which you want to work, that’s not always the case. Some interns find that they are stuck with the work that others don’t want to do – such as filing or making teas and coffees every day. Even if it’s the best company in your industry, this experience simply won’t be helpful for you in the future.
