Why consider undertaking a higher degree
Higher degrees, such as the MEngSc(Res) and PhD, are increasingly
becoming an important way for engineering graduates to differentiate
themselves in the employment marketplace. Similarly, employers ascertain
the quality of job applicants by assessing educational qualifications
in the first instance. Postgraduate qualifications give individuals
a `competitive edge' enabling them to successfully make the transition
from engineering student to engineering professional.
One indicator of the level of acceptance of postgraduate qualifications
as being `the norm' is the increase in both enrolments and the number
of Master of Business Administration (MBA) courses over the past
twenty years or so. For engineering graduates in the United States
the current trend is to continue studying towards a Master's degree
almost as a matter of course. In today's global business environment
these overseas trends have an impact locally on Australian-based
students.
Challenging
Undertaking study towards a PhD is often more intellectually challenging
and stimulating than some graduate jobs in industry. Anecdotally,
some
high-achieving undergraduate students, who enjoy the intellectual
stimulation of university life, are sometimes disappointed after
entering the workforce following their first degree. Completing
a PhD is also likely to result in more intellectually challenging
employment opportunities.
Pursuing personal and professional goals
Students often feel they have had enough of university after completing
their undergraduate degree. But it is worth noting that a higher
degree by research is very different from an undergraduate degree.
For a start, there are very few formal coursework requirements,
which means no
timetabled classes and no cramming for examinations. In addition,
instead of being taught a set curriculum, research involves immersing
oneself in an area of real interest and learning new things in a
way that suits the individual. By reducing the restrictions on a
postgraduate student's time they have the scientific freedom to
set and manage their own research work plan and daily schedule.
International experience, knowledge and networking
A higher degree offers advantages to individuals seeking to be
recognised as a global engineer, initially through attendance at
international conferences during their candidature and afterwards
through greater scope for international career opportunities. The
university contributes substantially to travel expenses for one
international conference during each candidates research program.
As for the disadvantages, a key drawback is financial! The (tax-free)
postgraduate scholarship typically pays less than most graduate
jobs - but hey, you only live once! But remember that what you do
now, for the next three years, may affect the following forty years
of your life.
Additionally,
starting salaries for people with a postgraduate qualification tends
to be significantly higher.
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