Does this sound like you?
You’ve reached a point in your career where you feel comfortable in your role. You’ve started to check things off your “things to conquer” list, but something is tugging at you — leaving you wanting more in your professional life.
Now, you’ve found yourself asking, “Is now a good time to get my master’s degree?”
While the answer to that question could be a simple “yes” or a “no,” the journey to finding your answer is anything but straightforward.
If you’re considering going back to school or continuing your education with a graduate degree, there are several things to think about. Whether a master’s degree is worth it depends on your field and career goals. Your personal goals also carry significant weight. Wanting more knowledge and skills is a valid reason for returning to school. Then the question is, do you have the time and money to dedicate toward earning your degree?
In short, yes, a master’s degree is worth it, but to help you feel ready, we’ve simplified some of the reasons it will give you a positive return on the investment in your future.
The Value of a Master’s Degree
You’ll Have Higher Earning Potential.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employees with a master’s degree earn, on average, $1,500 per week — $500 more than those with a bachelor’s or associate degree. In many industries, a master’s degree will increase your lifetime earning potential while lowering your risk of being unemployed or going without health insurance.
Earning more money can help secure a better future for yourself and your family. But before choosing a master’s program, you should be sure you’re choosing from programs that lead to those higher-paying jobs through career-focused majors.
You’ll Have More Job Prospects.
If your dream is to become a librarian, a lawyer, or a counselor, the decision has been made for you — these fields all require an advanced degree for even an entry-level position. But if your industry doesn’t require a master’s degree right out of the gate, earning one can help you position yourself to be more competitive in the job market.
Companies are looking for experienced and knowledgeable people for their teams. Another degree shows you have advanced training in your field and the leadership qualities you need for growth and success in your career. Holding a graduate degree can also lead to more job security when layoffs and cutbacks are looming over your industry, which unfortunately does happen from time to time. A master’s degree makes you slightly more “recession-proof.” After what we’ve gone through over the last few years, we could all use more job security.
You’ll Gain More Leadership Opportunities.
Your time in graduate school is largely spent learning the advanced knowledge you need for success in your field. But you also build valuable soft skills. Knowing how to communicate effectively, empathize with others, and use your voice when necessary are characteristics that don’t come naturally to all leaders. Graduate school is a perfect opportunity to polish your people skills — the kind of skills that are increasingly more important for leadership roles in companies of all sizes.
You’ll Have Increased Credibility.
Holding a master’s degree shows you’ve deepened your knowledge and skillset in your field. Companies need subject matter experts across all industries, and a master’s degree sets you apart as someone with specialized hands-on experience. With a master’s, you can stay on top of your industry’s most up-to-date best practices and develop new strengths that companies need for their leadership teams.
You’ll Gain a Sense of Accomplishment.
Going to graduate school means giving up your free time to challenge yourself in ways you’ve never experienced. Earning that diploma gives you a sense of accomplishment and boosts your confidence. While a sense of accomplishment doesn’t directly lead to a higher salary, a positive sense of self and self-worth are key contributors to your career success. For many of us, advancing our education is an essential part of that.
Earning more money, having better job security, and gaining respect from your colleagues are all excellent reasons to go back to school. Your personal circumstances are going to determine if graduate school is right for you and when. But how do you know which program is the right one for you?
Here are a few things to look for in a program to allow you to say yes to earning your degree.
What to Look for in a Master’s Degree Program
Work-Life-Balance
Programs that offer greater flexibility in when and how you attend classes will help you fit a master’s program into your busy schedule. Goodwin University has programs that offer hybrid or fully online options so that you can continue working or taking care of your family while taking classes.
Grant and Scholarship Opportunities
College can be an expensive investment, especially since you won’t reach that higher earning potential until after you complete your degree. Goodwin offers grant and scholarship opportunities to help you fund your education. Our Financial Aid department is here to help you understand everything that goes into paying for college.
Does Your Employer Help Pay for College?
Many employers today see furthering your education as a positive return on their investment in you as their employee. Companies want to help their team members grow by offering tuition reimbursement programs. Goodwin University partners with many local employers to provide our students with internships, grants, and scholarships.
Goodwin University is dedicated to helping you advance your education and achieve your personal and professional goals. We offer master’s degree programs in Nursing, Education, Organizational Leadership, and Public Health. Choosing Goodwin makes it easier to say “yes!” to earning an advanced degree.
Interested in learning more about Goodwin University’s master’s degree programs?
Visit: www.goodwin.edu/masters
Call: 800-889-3282
Text: 860-467-1511