Completed your bachelor’s? Wondering about what to do next? Every student comes at this fork in the road, where they have to choose between two options. One involves completing your higher education which is pursuing a degree. While another involves applying for a job. Getting a job right after your bachelor’s means low payment but at the same time, you are gaining experience. On the other hand, pursuing a degree means investment, sometimes this investment is high. But you are paving way for a more lucrative job. There are several pros and cons of pursuing a degree. Hence, we have summarised the list of advantages and disadvantages in this blog.
Several factors determine whether you should pursue a degree or go for a job. One of them is what field of education you belong to, business, science, humanities, etc? Thus, we cannot cover the details for each field, rather we can only provide you with a generalised opinion, to get a personalised response and best guidance for your career advancement, contact our mentors at ForeignAdmits. We have mentors from various fields and streams, who are highly educated and experienced and hail from across the globe. Do not take a wrong step in your career so that you need to regret it later. You are just one phone call away from the right decision. Call us at 8080679810.
Also read: The importance of career mentorship in a student’s life
Value of Pursuing a Degree
Nothing can be compared to the efforts and time put into pursuing a degree. No amount of experience can be equivalent to a degree. In a survey done by AACU, more than 80% of the hiring managers and executives believe in hiring an educated candidate over an experienced only. While the rest 20% don’t mind about education as long as the needed experience is present.
Similarly, another survey done by BLS in May 2020 revealed that candidates with a professional degree or a doctorate have the highest median salary of about $1,800 plus per week. Then comes the candidates with master’s degrees and a salary of $1,500 per week. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree earn about $1,200 per week followed by associate degree holders, earning $800 per week. Lastly, there are workers with or without a high school diploma earning the lowest wage that is $500 per week.
As the numbers speak, the more you learn the more you will earn. So, if you are happy with the salary of a bachelor’s degree then you may as well move on to the job but in a career, no should never settle for anything less than the best. Also, keep in mind that education always is a saviour. Higher education means that you will have lower chances of being unemployed.
On the other hand, we know that college is expensive and it requires a lot of time, money, and effort. Sometimes the student debt takes years to pay off. Also, this will affect other major decisions of your life like buying a home, getting settled, etc. Hence, one important factor to consider before you fill the application form for admission is the ROI. Is your degree worth it? Is the ROI high enough? Can you afford a little delay in your life plans?
Value of Job/Work Experience
If you are planning to take up a job directly after your high school or bachelor’s the keep in mind that you will need to spend the initial few months in an internship. Meanwhile, during your college days if you had a job or any sort of internship that can also serve as evidence that you are ready to take up the job and fulfill its responsibilities. It also proves that you have the skills of time management, teamwork, meeting deadlines, etc.
Within a few months, you can start earning. Yes! Finally, you can pay your bills and build your life. Though initially, it may feel that you are where you should be but soon you will realise that there isn’t a large scope for growth in a career with just a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree. However, in some sectors, basic education is enough to reach heights. But remember the majority of sectors demand higher education. Hence, before you reach a final decision make sure to scan the market and understand the job requirements and responsibilities very well.
Also read: PhD in USA without GRE
Work and Study Together
This is the best option for those who are confused. Working along with your studies is common for many individuals. It can cover some of your expenses and make your degree more economically feasible. Also, work and study can impress employers as it shows that you have some amazing time management skills.
This also eliminates the fact of zero work experience, because along with your study you can count those years in your work too. Additionally, it doesn’t matter if the work you did was related to the field of your education, but if it is then it is boon upon boon.
Gain Some Experience Before Pursuing a Degree
Another way of doing this is to get some experience before you commit yourself to study. Further, this is the best way to scan the market firsthand. You can get to know the demands of the employer so that you come well prepared after your degree for a lucrative post.
Also read: What is taught in Data science courses?
Is a Masters is Sufficient?
You have to keep in mind that most of the time only a master’s degree is enough. Rarely, you can find sectors that demand a doctorate, for example, the research fields. But in the corporate world, you can gain the highest post with your master’s degree. Thus, you don’t need to waste your time pursuing a PhD.
Also read: PG Diploma in Canada with 6 bands in IELTS.
In conclusion, we have only mentioned a few key points to decide which is better, pursuing a degree, or doing a job. But these decisions also depend on factors like your field of education, your mental and financial status, your goals and aspirations, etc. You can chat with our counsellors to get satisfactory answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is it more important to study or work?
Ans. Courses and other fees are incurred throughout higher education. However, beginning to work means you may earn significant money right now. When it comes to deciding between further education and a career, the bottom line is that a combination of both would be best.
Q2. What does it mean to be a student?
Ans. If you are pursuing a BS degree, you are striving toward completing the degree. If you include this on your resume, it signifies you are currently taking classes but have not yet received your degree. You’re in your first year of college, therefore you’re working on your degree.
Q3. Is it preferable to work after completing a bachelor’s degree or to get a master’s degree right away?
Ans. A Master’s degree would be quite beneficial in this regard. When you participate, you can earn a better wage and receive employment that you might not have gotten as an undergrad.
Q4. Why do students prefer to work rather than study?
Ans. When individuals are working, it is simpler for them to be accountable for the money they earn. One discovers that they budget more effectively and work harder for the items they require. It is simpler for a candidate to have money to spend and prevent borrowing if these means of earning money are not used.
At ForeignAdmits, we understand how important this decision is. We are here to help you every step of the way, from finding the right school to getting admitted and securing scholarships.