Is a Master’s Degree a viable investment?  

Over the past 15 months, online learning has boomed in a way it never had a chance to before. With the majority of people able to work from home for the first time, there was a new-found sense of flexibility. And as redundancies and furloughs increased, undertaking an online course or a Master’s degree provided a sense of control and reinforced future career possibilities.

However, for those searching for courses by well-known, established educational institutions, the price tag can be an issue. And with companies and newer institutions offering courses, before undertaking a Master’s it’s important to ask yourself 3 key questions:

1. Why are you interested in a master’s
2. Where to study
3. When is the right time

1. The Why – a personal perspective

Over the past twenty years, there’s been an unnecessary amount of weight given to candidates and employees who have earned higher degrees in their field. With companies, particularly larger corporations, refusing to hire profiles who lacked postgraduate qualifications, it not only hindered the job market but also damaged company diversity. Parallel to this, there has been a clear decrease in vocational learning and an expectation instilled in the next generation that a university degree is essential to move up the career ladder, no matter the field of study. 

With that conditioning in mind, you may now find yourself at a crossroads: 

• You’ve climbed that ladder but is it enough? You may be considering a Master’s degree in order to feel welcomed at C-suite/executive level. 
• Perhaps you’re looking at a career change and need to learn new skills. 
• Or you may be in a job that’s not right for you or looking for work and wanting to stand out from the crowd.  

All of these are excellent reasons for considering further studies, but before you embark on them, it’s important to examine if that piece of paper and external validation is necessary.

2. The Where – finding the right academic institution

This depends on what you are looking for. If you are going down the traditional academic route, then you will want a degree from a reputable university. You will have the backing of a name, the reassurance of accreditation and the affiliation of a network. Switzerland offers a broad range of postgraduate studies in various fields from reputable universities. (On each of our course listings, be sure to review the “Accreditations” section as this will vary by field of study).

If you’re thinking about a short course, then the hands-on route is just as interesting. Many companies are now offering an online course in their speciality, in addition to Ivy-league schools making their most popular classes available online. Most industries have an official body these days, from marketing to accounting, so it’s also worth checking what courses they have on offer. Any in-person learning should be condensed into a few days/evening classes to make it as accessible as possible. 

3. The When – is it the right time?

If you are ready to enroll on a Master’s degree, make sure you are aware of what it truly involves. While Bachelor students may consider going straight into postgraduate studies, gaining a few years of experience first is an excellent idea. You will be exploring specific topics with classmates, who are each bringing their own experience, culture, industry experience and background to the table.

Choosing a master’s is a serious time commitment, even for part-time studies, which will still require 15-20 hours a week. A great way to test the waters is to enrol on a short course. There’s less financial investment, and there are online platforms that provide access to courses for free (only requiring payment if you would like to receive a certificate). They usually require between 1 to 5 hours of study a week, but you can also choose a more intensive course to test out scheduling. If you’re studying a new subject, this is also a great way to see if it’s what you expected. 

Bonus: Set yourself up for success 

If you decide to move forward with your Master’s there are solutions to ease the added workload. The majority of Master’s students are already working in their field and supported by their company. In addition to subsidising their studies, companies may also have a policy to allow for study during work hours. They may allow you time for compulsory study weeks on-campus without requiring you to use up precious holiday time. 

If you’re between jobs, or work isn’t supportive, choosing to study for a degree is a great investment in a better future. It’s a visibly proactive use of your time and additional funding may be available. It will also provide valuable social interaction as well as networking opportunities for future career moves.

Finally, be sure to check the university’s policy on deadlines. If needed, can the course be completed over 3 years? Are there a maximum number of years in which you need to complete your studies? How many terms/semesters can you defer and how many times can this be done? Do they provide you with a tutor who can help you navigate the extra challenges? 

If you’re interested in taking the next step, our team will be happy to give you a free consultation, including personalised recommendations for Master’s programs in Switzerland.