Decisions: do I get a graduate job or do postgraduate study?

If you’re struggling to make a decision between doing postgraduate study or getting a graduate job, here are some pros and cons that might help you weigh up your options.

Pros of postgraduate study…

• It might be the key to your dream job. Some graduate schemes and roles require a masters/post-doctoral degree or equivalent. Some sectors require graduates to undertake a conversion course if your first degree isn’t in a relevant discipline – including IT, law and property – and a PGCE is the usual route to becoming a teacher. For graduates whose dream career requires this kind of further study, it’s a no brainer.

• You get to spend more time studying the subject that you love. Some graduates can’t wait to delve deeper into the topics that interest them through postgraduate study. However, you might have hated your degree and find the idea of studying for another year (or more, if you fancy a PhD) unimaginable. If so, it’s probably not the right choice for you…

• More letters after your name. Maybe you just really fancy having ‘Dr’ as your title…

Cons of postgraduate study…

• It can be hard to find funding. This is probably the number one factor that puts students off committing to further study. However, there is help out there – use TARGETpostgrad.com to browse hundreds of bursary, scholarship and fee waiver options to see whether financial support is available for your course.  

• The wealth of options for postgraduate study can be bewildering. If you think that you’d be interested in postgraduate study but feel as if you need more information about what’s available to you then get down to the TARGETpostgrad Study and Funding Fair. The fair is touring the UK until March 2016, giving you the chance to meet course providers and funding experts who will help you answer your questions.

• You might be worried about getting a job afterwards. In some cases postgraduate study is used as an excuse to put off entering the world of work. It’s important to be sure that you really want (or need) to embark on further study rather than using it to bury your head in the sand. If you’re worried about employability, it’s worth noting that most employers will value a year of work experience above a postgraduate degree, unless it is directly relevant to the role.

Pros of getting a graduate job…

• You earn a wage. After three or more years at university living off a student loan, many graduates can’t wait to start to start earning money. Even if it’s just to start paying back some of that debt…

• You usually get on-the-job training. Many graduate schemes and jobs offer the opportunity for candidates to work towards a professional qualification or receive training while working. Some employers also allow graduate employees to take designated study leave to prepare for exams. If financial concerns are putting you off postgraduate study, but you’re keen to work towards further qualifications, this could be the route for you.

Cons of getting a graduate job…

• It might be more difficult to start postgraduate study later on. It is not uncommon for people to return to education later in life, but obviously this is not always simple if you are in a full-time graduate position – it can sometimes involve taking time out of work.

• It can be pretty stressful. University is tough and embarking on a demanding graduate career immediately after graduating can be a recipe for burnout. Although it’s not advisable to take a five year break, it’s not uncommon for graduates to take a year out if they do feel overwhelmed.

• You have to start paying back your student loan once you start earning £21,000. Need I say more?

Whichever route you choose to take, TARGETjobs and TARGETpostgrad have plenty of advice, from tackling the mission that is writing a cover letter for a graduate job to deciding where to do your postgraduate study. If you’re really struggling, the TARGETjobs career planner can help you to become clearer about your career options and make a more informed decision about your career path.

Considering postgraduate study? Want to know more?

If you are considering undertaking postgraduate study, chances are you have a fair few questions - 'How will I get funding?', 'Which universities should I apply to?', 'What course is right for me?'

TARGETpostgrad is the leading provider of postgraduate fairs in the UK, giving you the opportunity to meet course providers and funding experts from across the UK, Europe and beyond. All of this and more for FREE!

2015/16 PG Fairs - dates and locations

• Glasgow: 19th November 2015
• Newcastle: 26th November 2015
• Birmingham: 3rd December 2015
• Cardiff: 4th February 2016
• Sheffield: 18th February 2016
• Liverpool: 25th February 2016
• Southampton: 3rd March 2016

Find out more and register to attend on the TARGETpostgrad website now. 

Was I right to go to university?

Hi I'm Charlotte, a current editorial intern at TARGETjobs. I have recently read a research report by TARGETjobs’ parent company, GTI Media, which was sponsored by EY. It found many parents seem to think of university as the only route for their children, as only 1% said they know ‘a lot’ about university alternatives such as school leaver programmes. 

During my editorial internship at GTI Media, I have researched and drafted articles for TARGETjobs, which is a graduate careers site, and I have also researched and drafted articles for TARGETcareers, which is aimed at school leavers who are deciding whether they want to go to university or not. I have learned there are many options available to students who have completed their A levels and it has made me think about my decision to go to university: is a degree worth the price tag or are work experience and other ‘earn while you learn’ routes  more valuable in the current employment market? Here are my thoughts.

The benefits of working

I have developed many skills that I can take to a publishing workplace during my four month internship. GTI Media has offered me training in how to conduct editorial interviews, how to communicate with clients, and the basics of search engine optimisation and HTML. I have also learned what recruiters think when interviewing, which will help me with interview processes in the future. These are all great skills and examples to add to my CV.

The best part, for me, has been gaining an understanding about business in general. I’ve had part-time jobs before, but attending weekly meetings at GTI Media about the progress of publications and online content, for example, has given me a commercial awareness and exposed me to how a successful business operates. My experiences have led me consider a business career – something I would never have thought of before. 

The training I have been given has been invaluable. My communication skills have grown from emailing and calling clients as well as interviewing professionals and graduates. My persistence has been tested from not giving up when clients have been hard to get hold of. My writing skills have been developed from drafting articles aimed at different target audiences that are published online and in print. I have learned that I work best when I have many different projects to keep my mind busy, and that I am motivated by visual results, such as seeing articles I have drafted being uploaded online. Surely these examples and skills will appeal to recruiters, not what I think of Dante’s Inferno?

The benefits of university

I have learned a lot of life skills during two years at university that are invaluable for later life. Moving away from home to a new area has allowed me to come out of my comfort zone. It took me time to realise that I'm not going to get on with everyone I cross paths with. I have learned how to pay bills, how to deal with the council, and how to balance my academic studies, extracurricular activities, a part-time job and a social life. How would I have gained these experiences if I did not go to university?

Being an English literature and drama student, I have developed my analytical, research and writing skills from meetings with academics who are experts in their field. University has also given me the opportunity to get involved with extracurricular activities, such as production managing for a theatre company, which has allowed my organisation and management skills to grow. Would I ever have got involved with production managing without going to university? I doubt it.

In conclusion

I have not reached an answer to my original question – I believe there are many options available to students and that all are valuable for different reasons. I do not regret my decision to go to university, as I will have three years’ worth of great memories and friends, and have accepted I will start my working life with a lot of debt. However, I do think that being in the workplace (whether via an internship or apprenticeship) teaches you how to apply your skills in a professional, working environment. Everyone has different desires and needs – students need to explore the variety of routes available to make sure their decision is the best one to suit their aspirations and career. 

Article written by Charlotte Wharf, TARGETjobs Editorial Intern. Connect with Charlotte on LinkedIn.