Does Having a Masters Degree Make a Job Candidate More Attractive?
Job applicants with masters degrees have proven they have put in the time to become well-versed and educated in their chosen field. Acquiring a better job with a masters degree depends on the field you study, the field you are applying to work in and how you present yourself during the application process.
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When It Helps
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A graduate degree improves the job candidate's appeal when the masters degree is in an applicable area of study to the job. For example, a person with a masters in mathematics applying to become a college professor of math is so applicable it is requirement for the job. An MBA (Masters in Business Administration) makes an applicant much more appealing when applying for an international sales position. Specialized fields such as business, education and health care highly prize a graduate degree as proof of determination and general competency in the field. This means the key to making a degree work in your favor is immediate relevance.
Roadblocks
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There are times when a graduate degree may hinder you. As HR World points out, a Ph.D. in physics will not help you get a sales job. In fact, it may work against you unless you can show relevant and successful work experience in the applicable field. This is why a graduate degree, like a masters, must be in the area of work you wish to participate in long-term.
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Experience vs. Degree
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HR World states "pertinent work experience and a track record of success in a particular field trumps a graduate degree most of the time." As with any resume or application, you must make your education and experience work for you by highlighting real, relevant experience to the job for which you are applying. Even research studies done in graduate programs that relate to the job's field are fair game to bring up during the application and interview process.
Considerations
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When deciding to pursue a graduate degree, like a masters or doctorate, you must be sure that the education will open doors to you, not close them. This is especially important since most graduate degrees are costly. Selecting a degree program that gets you into a career field you are willing to be in long-term, if not for the rest of your working life, is vital to making the degree pay for itself.
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