subject: Considering Postgraduate Studies And/or Scientific Careers [print this page] Speaking about the postgraduate studies and/or scientific career one should answer the curious question: Why do postgraduate study? In any case, there is no single answer. The variants are the following:
For interest in the subject?
If one decided to choose the postgraduate studies, he/she has to understand that the key factor for success in this field is the great interest to the studied subject. Moreover, motivation must be present in everyday work especially if one strives for the Masters or doctoral degree. Motivation is believed to be the most realistic reason for postgraduate studies especially in such field as humanities. And, of course, if one does not plan to build scientific career in this sphere. The fact that one is interested in studied subject plays an important role in postgraduate studies. It saves time, efforts applied to studying and is worth various costs spent in order to get scientific degree.
As a career move?
Sometimes a postgraduate qualification and scientific degree is essential point for success in some careers. Such include teaching, law or psychology. Sometimes postgraduate qualification is just helpful in others such as politics, economics, human resource management, etc. If one wants to make a career in scientific field, one should be awarded PhD degree. This degree is essential not just because it is demanded by law. It is also the main point in contest for academic posts.
Though there are known cases when recruiters do not pay much attention whether the applicant has or not any scientific degree. Only about 20% of employers are ready to pay higher salary for those who have degree. The overwhelming majority of employers consider obtained skills and experience of the applicants. Simple subject knowledge is not enough for the brilliant career. Such qualities as analytical skills or self-motivation and result orientation are much more effective and allow to gain more benefit from work.
