6 ways a master’s degree will prepare you for the post-COVID-19 job market
COVID-19 has undoubtedly shaken up the world we once knew. With the pandemic forcing people and industries to constantly adapt as the situation progresses, it can make your career search even more challenging than it already is. Rest assured, though. There is one thing that will make finding a career easier and more likely to land you a great position – a master’s degree.
A master’s degree is a great way to differentiate yourself in a crowded market, increase your industry knowledge and boost your paycheck, among many other benefits. In a world forever-changed by COVID-19, a master’s degree is a strong foundation for building your successful career.
See the six top ways a master’s degree will prepare you for the post-COVID-19 job market.
- A stronger knowledge base
By earning a master’s degree, you demonstrate that you have a superior proficiency of a specific field of study and area of professional practice. Master’s degrees in business are some of the most versatile on the market, giving you a sought-after knowledge base for the career you want and, later, assisting you in advancing the career you have.
Business master’s degrees range from an in-depth coverage of general business topics to highly-specialized industries. At the UF Warrington College of Business, an MBA or Master of Science in Management cover broader business topics, while master’s degrees in international business, entrepreneurship, information systems and operations management, real estate, marketing and finance are more narrowly-focused options.
- Build a robust network
Because no man is an island, having a strong network is a vital aspect of a successful career and successful career search. By earning a master’s degree, you get to meet others who will help you thrive both when you’re in and out of school. Working to create a robust network allows you to create long-term, mutually-beneficial relationships. In many cases, the connections you’ve made through networking will help you get the job you want now or later in life when you’re looking to advance your career.
- Gain skills employers are looking for
A master’s degree teaches more than just a proficiency of academic information. It also teaches the additional soft skills that employers are looking for in a post-COVID-19 world. According to Forbes, some of the top skills you’ll need include adaptability, tech savviness, creativity, innovation, data literacy, critical thinking, leadership and emotional intelligence.
At UF Warrington, any business master’s degree will allow you to practice these skills. If you want an even more in-depth understanding of skills like tech savviness and data literacy, look no further than the Master of Science in Information Systems and Operations Management. If adaptability, innovation and creativity are at the top of your list, a master’s degree in entrepreneurship is a key program for you to consider. You’ll also get additional practice with vital leadership, critical thinking and emotional intelligence skills in the UF MBA and Master of Science in Management programs.
- Land your resume at the top of the stack
In a crowded job market, as it will be post-COVID-19, it’s important to differentiate yourself so your resume doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. With a master’s degree, your resume will land at the top of the stack. Recruiters know the time, effort and dedication that goes into a master’s degree, as well as the skills and knowledge its earners possess. Thanks to a master’s degree, you can be among the 13 percent of U.S. adults that stands out from the crowd when either looking for a new job or looking for a promotion.
- More (and better) job opportunities
Remember the stronger knowledge base and skills you gain in an MBA we mentioned earlier? These are two of the main reasons why earning a master’s degree will increase your job opportunities and put you in a position for a better career opportunity. A master’s degree is synonymous with a mastery of information and skills, giving you a leg up when it comes to career opportunities in a post-COVID-19 world.
- Better pay
If all the other reasons provided aren’t enough to make you consider a master’s degree, keep reading. A master’s degree is a surefire way to earn more money in your career. And you don’t just have to take that from us. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that people with master’s degrees have median usual weekly earnings of $1,434, compared to $1,198 for people with just a bachelor’s degree. For those who earn professional degrees, like an MBA, the weekly earnings are even higher. In 2018, people with professional degrees had median usual weekly earnings of $1,884.
