Over time, you start thinking about how to advance your career.
While there are several options, two of the most common are taking up a master’s degree and upskilling.
However, which is a better career move?
First, let’s talk about the benefits of a master’s degree.
Better Hiring Prospects
A master’s degree is a bold career move, especially if you choose to stop working for a bit to complete it.
Yet it can make your application stand out from the others.
You have more theoretical knowledge than the average applicant, which can be appealing to some hiring managers.
You can also negotiate a higher salary than the other candidates if you have one.
Overall, a master’s degree can potentially give you better prospects.
Better Job Security
Layoffs can happen at any time at any company.
However, a master’s degree can provide you with job security to some extent. After all, the knowledge that comes with it—along with your actual work performance—makes you harder to replace.
Thus, you have a better chance of surviving a round of downsizing.
Networking
Of course, you’ll get to meet a lot of people during your studies.
Graduate school is a great opportunity to connect with business professionals on a personal level and expand your circle.
Keeping your contacts close makes it easier to ask for help, should you need it.
Now that we have gotten the advantages of a master’s degree out of the way, let’s talk about the benefits of upskilling.
Competitive Edge
Any job can become quite monotonous if you’ve been doing it for years.
Thus, learning a new skill can help you get out of a slump. It also gives you an edge over your competition.
According to a study by the Gallup-Amazon group, upskilling has also become a talent attraction tool.
So if you’re after professional growth, you might want to choose companies that offer in-house training and workshops.
This way, you continuously update your skill set and remain relevant in the labor market.
Potential Career Change
Upskilling can be a strategic career move.
It prepares you to accept more responsibilities at work, or take on a new role if you are “reskilling”.
As with a master’s degree, upskilling also makes you more valuable to your company.
Salary Increase
Upskilling makes you a more capable employee at work.
However, be wary of accepting too many additional tasks without an appropriate accompanying raise.
Thus, set a meeting with your direct supervisor to discuss the changes in your job description as well as a commensurate raise.
You can also use your new skills as leverage for a salary increase if you’re applying to other companies.
Master’s Degree vs. Upskilling: Deciding on the Right Career Move
A master’s degree and upskilling both have distinct advantages.
However, remember that finishing a degree might take more time compared to completing an online course to upskill.
Regardless of which career move you choose, be sure to strike a balance between learning in theory and practice.
On that note, if you are looking to work online, check out Remote Staff’s job listings. These are regularly updated and have many open roles across multiple industries.
Remote Staff has also been in business for 15 years and counting. Apart from giving Filipino remote workers valuable remote work opportunities, the company also offers workshops and seminars for their professional growth.
Interested? Register with us today!
