WHU
11/11/2020

Five Reasons Why You Should Consider Pursuing a Master’s Degree

Taking the next step towards your dream career.

ou have finished your bachelor’s degree and are considering the next academic step. With multiple career paths ahead of you, it can be intimidating to start planning what that future will look like. Choosing the right master’s degree at WHU can help you to make an impact as a graduate. 

Unlike a bachelor’s degree that offers a broad range of knowledge, a master’s degree offers specialized insights in your chosen field of interest. Often there is the opportunity to take a deep-dive into specific topics and gain advanced expertise not available anywhere else. Studying for a master’s degree is a voluntary commitment to lifelong learning rather than fulfilling a minimum requirement, thus enhancing your enjoyment in the subject and the opportunity to learn more in this field.

Which master's degree is right for me?

Choosing which degree program is the right fit for you can be a daunting prospect. Visualizing your ideal career and industry, talking to alumni and current students, and uncovering job possibilities as a future graduate can help you make an informed choice. At WHU, there are programs to suit your chosen career path whether that is as a manager, entrepreneur, consultant, or corporate innovator. However, there are many other reasons why it may be worth considering continuing your studies and strengthening your knowledge with a master’s degree:

1. Job security in uncertain times

While the impact of COVID-19 is still present, the idea of looking for a job during such a difficult time can seem like a daunting task. Now is the best time to make your CV stand out. A master’s degree not only demonstrates that you are a proficient student with specialized knowledge but may also land you the role that you really want, rather than starting at an entry-level position. Soft skills are increasingly more valuable to employers, and a degree at WHU focuses on more than just academic knowledge. During the program, you learn how to communicate with different departments, broaden your intercultural experience, and sharpen your emotional intelligence.

2. Gain hands-on experience outside the classroom

What use are new insights and knowledge if you do not know how to use them? Hands-on experience is key to not only putting into practice the academic knowledge you have gained, but also immerse yourself in your chosen field of study, and explore your industry of interest. A master’s degree at WHU offers valuable work experience through integrated internships in Germany or abroad, with windows of opportunity to apply theory to real-life situations. Such experience can help you become an expert in your field, which makes you more attractive to employers.

3. Expand your professional network

It may not have been as crucial as a bachelor student but expanding your professional network can be the key to finding your dream job. The WHU Career Center organizes several events to help you personally interact with corporate connections from international organizations such as Henkel or Adidas, to family-run businesses, start-ups, and even alumni. With access to company presentations, career fairs, networking dinners, and individual career counseling, a master’s degree can open doors to a career that might have otherwise not been possible. 

4. Develop personally and professionally

Studying for a master’s degree will prepare you professionally for an advanced position in your chosen field, and offer room for personal growth. As a student at WHU, you can complement your academic studies through extracurricular activities that broaden your horizons and pursue existing hobbies, whether it is sports, music, theater, or joining one of many student initiatives such as IdeaLab! WHU Founders’ Conference. A semester abroad or the option to participate in a double degree also provides personal growth, giving you the chance to develop your understanding of other cultures, social values, and markets.

5. Explore a number of career possibilities

Previously the common job sectors for students following graduation from WHU would be within finance, IT, or industry. Now, the career possibilities within each field are much broader and varied. The WHU Master in Entrepreneurship is not just for students who want to start their own companies, but can also lead to roles within venture capitalism, becoming a technology expert, or even a corporate disruptor. A Master in Management does not always mean a role in consulting – with an active start-up ecosystem at WHU, many students go on to work in e-commerce, with start-ups around the world, or become founders themselves.

Ultimately, the considerations to pursue a master's degree should take into account both the academic rigor of a top business school like WHU, along with plenty of options to develop personally and expand your network. It is worth taking the time to find a program that suits your personality and your career goals that can offer specialized knowledge and experience to help you stand out in the job market.

Take the next step in your career - find out more about studying a Master of Science at WHU

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