Investing in a second master’s qualification has a hugely positive impact on your career and your life. In yourself and in the eyes of a potential employer, you will have become a well-rounded individual with top-level competencies and the ability to succeed under pressure.
According to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, America has a more educated workforce than ever. So, to keep ahead of the curve, it could be worth adding another master’s degree to your resume. Here is a look at some of the other ways in which additional study can change your career for the better:
Your skills will be refined
Taking an additional master’s degree can enhance the skills you have already honed in your field. For instance, you may have been working on the technical aspects of a subject, but another qualification could give you the knowledge to design and improve innovations in this area. Furthermore, if you have identified a gap in your skills, an additional MA program can put you on a research path that fills these and gives you more confidence.
In this way, a second master’s degree can complement the hard work you have already done the first time around. In fields such as medicine, law and business, which include several disciplines, you will be sure to catch an employer’s attention compared to other applicants. Moreover, a second master’s is about more than career progression. It could also give you access to new roles that might otherwise be out of your reach. If your interests span a couple of academic fields, another master’s degree will give you the chance to explore both.
You will be ready for multidisciplinary teamwork
Multidisciplinary teams are made up of professionals from a range of specialisms. They come together to share their abilities, styles and knowledge to solve complex problems in a range of industries. Working in a group, people tend to come up with more pioneering solutions for tackling new or old problems. The combined expertise and individual prowess of individuals make multidisciplinary teams popular. The concept began in the medical world, where teams came together from across hospitals to find more effective treatments and cures for their patients.
If you feel inspired to work with a wider group of colleagues and you are a registered nurse who has an MSN in a different field, you might consider taking an additional master’s degree. The post master’s FNP programs online at Rockhurst University give you the chance to qualify as a family nurse practitioner and extend your career prospects considerably, to find out more, click here. As interactions between all industries become more commonplace, a second master’s degree that bolsters your current expertise will make you a desirable choice in these innovative multidisciplinary roles.
Job opportunities open up
The ability to learn, think critically and work hard makes a candidate more attractive to employers. With two master’s degrees to your credit, it will be easy to prove you have a talent for these and other skills. Furthermore, if you are hoping to find work in a very crowded, competitive field, a couple of advanced degrees can get your resume noticed, even if the other applicants are master’s level students. If your first master’s is in a different field from the second, you can show diverse skills that will be useful in a range of jobs.
After two master’s programs, you will be older than other graduates and many employers will favor your maturity. Make the most of this by highlighting the skills and experience you have to offer in your cover letter. Emphasize what you gained from taking two master’s courses and add the details of any placements you undertook while studying.
Move into a new career
If you completed your initial advanced degree, worked in your chosen role and then decided to branch out, a second master’s can make that transition happen. However old you are, it is never too late to consider a career change. For many people a master’s degree becomes a springboard, allowing them to take on a new role in their company or move into a different specialism. Similarly, some people find that although they are still passionate about their field of work, they want to explore the subject in an alternative or less generalized way. Alternatively, you might have graduated with a master’s degree and then changed your mind about the career path you chose. Maybe it did not meet your expectations or maybe you felt a lack of motivation. If so, an additional master’s qualification will let you pivot into a different field.
Finally, some people choose to enroll at university and attain another master’s degree to gain more job satisfaction. They might feel unfulfilled in their current career and stuck in a bit of a rut. Taking on a new challenge can inspire them to be more focused and enthusiastic about their work.
The chance for a better salary
Along with next-level skills and a stand-out resume, will two master’s degrees increase the amount of money you could potentially earn? Well, according to figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the answer is yes, probably. From business to education and healthcare, people with just one advanced degree earn a premium wage, so it could follow that having two advanced degrees is even more beneficial. There is less research on what effect a double qualification has on income, but it is safe to assume that in certain industries you will be in the higher wage bracket due to your impressive academic prowess.
You become an even more attractive candidate
An undergraduate qualification and a single advanced degree are of help when it comes to job hunting. However, with two advanced qualifications, you will gain even more skills and knowledge, an advantage which people in your specialism will appreciate. That means when you start applying for roles after graduation, you will be a far more appealing candidate to future employers.
The chance to form an impressive professional network
When you study for a master’s degree, you are working with some of the most experienced and knowledgeable academics in their field. Your tutors have a huge amount of professional experience to share and can offer advice throughout your career if you stay in touch.
As well as an extensive network of academics and alumni in your contacts list, taking a second advanced degree can also present opportunities for meeting people in other fields. At conferences, when guest lecturers are booked and at other events, you will have the chance to chat with many industry experts. You can connect with them, learn from their experience, share notes and eventually become more established yourself.
Juggling your job with a second master’s program
Choosing to work while you study is beneficial professionally, but also financially. However, to succeed you will need to maintain a disciplined attitude and be resilient under pressure. Furthermore, good time management will see you through even the busiest of months and a natural enthusiasm for your subject will be a great driver. Having a routine that you stick to each day and a well-planned schedule is a sure-fire route to success.
Finally, it is worthwhile to be honest with your employer about taking a second master’s degree. Discuss what your study timetable will be and what your working hours are, to ensure you do not run into any difficulties further down the line. You could also have a chat with the course leader, so they know your situation and are aware of any assistance you might need.
Here is a closer look at how students can manage their work and study commitments:
Prioritize effective time management
Above all else, it is good time management that will help you complete your master’s degree. Instead of being optimistic about the hours you have spare each week, sit down to write a realistic plan, so you know exactly when you will have time to study. Consider busier periods at work, any holidays you have booked and other events which could impact your study time. If you can anticipate these periods in advance, it is easier to plan to do more beforehand so you can keep up with your deadlines.
Whenever possible, try to work in advance of deadlines, so the pressure does not begin to mount as one approaches. Completing projects a week or so before they are due also allows you to check your work thoroughly and correct any mistakes before making your submission. A busy lifestyle includes unexpected obstacles at work and home, but if you are already ahead in terms of university work, there will be no problem handing in your assignment.
As you are taking a second master’s degree, it is likely you have already had experience in time management and you have got an idea of where to begin. However, if you have struggled in the past and felt like you have only just scraped through, approach your tutor for advice on overcoming this challenge.
Maintain a sense of perspective
This is probably going to be a demanding few years, but your second master’s degree will not take forever to complete. Right now, managing the dual demands of work and study, as well as trying to maintain a personal life, is tough. However, this challenging experience will come to an end. It might help to accept that things will be difficult and busy, but remind yourself that you are working towards a major qualification — one that has the potential to transform your life. Long after you graduate, when the memories of essay deadlines are forgotten, you will still be enjoying the benefits of your second master’s degree.
Understand when you work best
Studying for an online qualification is extremely flexible, but even at a physical university, you get to choose when to carry out research and when to start writing. As you begin to construct a schedule for yourself, think about when you prefer to be productive. If you are a morning person, capitalize on this by waking up an hour before you usually do and getting in some note-taking or reading. Traveling to work by public transport can also be a learning opportunity. If you usually just browse social media, spend time on your program’s message boards while you commute instead. The key point to remember is determining where and when you are productive or have the chance to be productive.
Chat with other people on your course
Many people choose to take a master’s degree, or indeed a second master’s degree, while they are also holding down a full-time job. That means you will be surrounded by students who are in the same situation as you and there is no need to feel alone. Chat with other people on forums or message boards to learn how they are managing their commitments while studying. Some are likely to have excellent advice or supportive words that can make you feel better about sharing your thoughts. Also, do not forget that your university will have a support team who can provide you with guidance and practical tips. Turn to them if you start to feel under too much pressure.
Break down large tasks into manageable pieces
It is far easier to manage a series of small tasks over a week than tackle an enormous assignment in one day. Chipping away at your research and essay writing in daily sessions is better than leaving things to the last minute, even if you have a full day off. If you do not feel like working or something crops up, that entire day could be wasted, so study in small bursts instead. Falling behind is stressful and frustrating, not least because you have to work even harder to get back on top. Moreover, if you feel upset and panicky about your studies, you will struggle to concentrate at work.
Keep the lines of communication open with your employer
Hopefully, your employer knows you have been planning to undertake a second advanced degree and they are supportive of your decision. Having an honest discussion with them in the earliest stages and letting them know how much time the course will take up, is essential. Explaining your plans from the outset means they will not be surprised if you cannot come in for overtime or work late at short notice. Moreover, it is one less thing to worry about for you.
Take care of your health
Eat healthy foods, get plenty of sleep and look after yourself well, so you can focus on your work effectively. A stable routine, with breaks for exercise, socializing and hobbies will pay dividends when the going gets tough. Furthermore, paying attention to the simple things, like having time to relax and drinking plenty of water, can make a hectic environment more manageable.
Explore the resources your university has to offer
To develop your existing skills and make your learning more effective, your university will make extensive resources available online. From short seminars to information packs and worksheets, it is worth taking advantage of everything on offer. These resources have been devised and curated by experienced academics, so every piece has value for you as a student.
Take steps to avoid procrastination
Although you hate housework, when you sit down to study having a quick tidy up or putting a load of washing on can suddenly seem like a great idea. If you struggle to stay on task and look for other things to do when studying, you might need to manage your procrastination. It is far easier to do this if you remove the distractions that often tempt you. Tidy up in advance, switch your phone off and bring a few snacks to your desk. Phones are one of the worst procrastination traps, so put yours on another table while you concentrate to avoid frequent trips to social media or games.
Be self-motivated
After working all day and traveling home, feeling tired is understandable. Motivating yourself can be a struggle, but if you think about why you started this second master’s program and what the rewards could be, it will help. Spend time considering what a great nurse, business leader or lawyer you will be and what you have already overcome to get where you are today. Also, when you reach a milestone or excel in a particular assignment, reward yourself for a job well done.
Pursue your dream
Deciding whether to take the plunge and enroll on a second master’s program is difficult, but ultimately it will depend on what you hope to achieve. If you have thought about your future career goals and have a plan for when you graduate, there is no need to doubt yourself.
Having work commitments makes it trickier to take a second master’s degree, but with some practice, it can be done. A second master’s degree can help you move into a different specialism or a more senior role in your industry. It is a gateway to new and better opportunities, so if you are ready for a challenge there is no time like the dstvportal.
