Top 3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Pursue A Master Degree Yet

By Lilian Wamaitha

Getting a master’s degree seems to be so much hyped in Kenya today and everyone seems to be headed in that direction. With undergraduate loans still weighing heavily on your shoulders, the pressure of enrolling for an MBA kicks in.

This pressure is created mostly by the job market where some employers want candidates with Master’s degree. But not all jobs requires you to have an MBA.

Here are reasons therefore why you shouldn’t think about enrolling for a Master’s programme yet.

Must Read >>> 7 Traits You Need To Adopt To Build A Solid Career

1. If you have no relevant work experience

If you have just completed you undergraduate degree and have no work experience except for a three month industrial attachment, I suggest that you first get your CV in order and apply for a job first.

After all those years in college, the best thing to do is to find a job, start a career and get hands on experience.

Having a Master degree will not give you advantage over other candidates if you have no work experience because most employers in Kenya will rarely employ you if you have a Master’s degree and no work experience. A job will teach you so much that a Master degree cannot.

After school, give yourself a break, utilize what you have learned first in school and then only then can you think about going back for a Master’s degree.

2. If you believe that a Master’s degree will get you ahead

Things have changed. Employers now more than ever prefer candidates who have skills to do the job.

Unless an employer specifically requires a Master’s degree to employ you, most of them actually prefer candidates who have experience rather than papers. Your competency and skills are what matters to effectively carry out your duties.

A Master’s degree will never be the key to success.

3. Don’t get a master degree if you are looking to escape the struggles of looking for a job

The job market in Kenya is unpredictable and most fresh graduates are already feeling the struggle. Some may feel that getting a Master’s degree is the answer to getting a job.

They therefore go to school in the name of advancing their education to get ahead in their career until reality dawns in.

Only enroll for a Master’s degree if you think it is in your best interest and a way of gaining more knowledge in your chosen career.
While it’s not bad getting a Master degree, acquiring it for the wrong reasons like helping you get a job or getting ahead in your career is always wrong.

Create a career first and after you are sure that that is the career you want, then add more knowledge by enrolling for a Master’s degree and to maybe figure out the best career for you, you could seek career coaching services in Kenya. Just saying.

Must Read >>> Why You Need To Be Competitive In Your Career

The writer is a Communications & Digital Marketing at Career Point Kenya. Send an email to lilian@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke.