Many students face a dilemma after completing their undergraduate studies. Questioning what to do next is common as students choose between pursuing a master’s degree or seeking employment. While joining the workforce after graduation is an attractive option as it gives you exposure and allows you to earn, it may not always be the correct decision to make. The current business landscape is full of changes and finding stability requires building up your knowledge and expertise.
In a highly competitive job market, having a master’s degree increases your value as an employee and brings you lucrative opportunities to climb the corporate ladder. A master’s degree can be your ticket to a successful career and there are numerous reasons why you should choose this route.
Why is a master’s important for any undergraduate?
You’ve spent three years building a foundation. Now what? For many undergraduates, the next step isn’t always obvious. Some jump straight into work, others take time out, but a growing number are choosing to go further with postgraduate study.
The importance of a master’s degree comes down to this: it sharpens your edge. In competitive industries like tech, finance and consulting, a bachelor’s might get you in the door, but a master’s helps you stand out once you’re there. It shows commitment, expertise and a willingness to specialise.
But it’s not just about the certificate. The advantages of a master’s degree include deeper subject knowledge, access to research opportunities and a chance to pivot into a new field entirely. Maybe your undergraduate was broad, exploratory. A master’s lets you focus, dig deeper and build expertise that employers value.
There’s also the simple reality of today’s job market. Graduate unemployment is low in countries like Germany, but entry-level roles are saturated. A postgraduate qualification can differentiate you from dozens of other candidates with similar CVs. It gives you credibility, technical skills and often direct connections to industry through internships and collaborations.
Benefits of studying a master’s degree
Pursuing a master’s degree involves significant preparation and effort on your part. While the curriculum is intensive and vast, the benefits of gaining a postgraduate degree are plenty and will outweigh the effort and costs that go into it. Here are a few reasons why you should consider pursuing a master’s in education.
1. Expand your knowledge
For postgraduate studies, you can opt for the same subject you did in your undergraduate studies or choose something else that matches your interests and career goals. Being a graduate, you have a clearer idea of your skills, strengths and preferences. You are also in a better position to easily identify your area of interest.
By pursuing a master’s degree, you are expanding your knowledge of a particular subject. You are specialising in a subject which gives you an advantage in the job market. A master’s degree helps build your knowledge and skills from the foundations laid by undergraduate studies. This makes you more competitive and knowledgeable in a particular field of study.
2. Improve your career prospects
Employers look for candidates with exceptional abilities and a deep understanding of their area of study. According to a report by CareerBuilder, 33% of employers have raised educational requirements in recent years. This signifies the importance of holding advanced degrees to land better job roles.
Besides getting a job, career growth and advancement are also made possible through a master’s degree. With an undergraduate degree, your growth will remain static after a particular period, whereas a master’s degree can help you progress and secure senior positions within an organisation. Businesses value employees who can be an asset to the organisation in the long term.
3. Extend your network
Postgraduate studies are a chance to meet new people with similar interests and an opportunity to build connections. Unlike the undergraduate days, you have the chance to interact with highly skilled and knowledgeable personalities during a master’s programme. A good network will be helpful once you start looking for employment. Also, interactions with knowledgeable peers will help both your personal and professional development.
4. Research opportunities
Not everyone wants a job after their studies. Some opt to go into research or pursue a PhD after their education. For those who have an interest in research, a master’s degree is a wise choice. You will need a postgraduate qualification to become a research scholar at any top facility. It also widens your understanding and increases your expertise of the subject.
Whether it is for better career prospects or increasing your skills and knowledge in a subject, a master’s degree is often the best choice. Dedicating time to pursue a master’s degree will have more benefits than ending your education with an undergraduate degree.
How a Master’s Degree Enhances Earning Potential?
The benefits of master’s degree programmes extend well into your bank account. On average, postgraduate degree holders earn significantly more over their lifetime compared to those with only a bachelor’s, and that gap widens as careers progress.
Here’s why: specialisation pays. A master’s qualifies you for roles that simply aren’t accessible with a bachelor’s alone. Senior analyst positions, leadership tracks, research roles, consultancy work – many require postgraduate qualifications by default. That means you’re not just earning more per hour; you’re accessing entirely different salary brackets.
Certain fields see even sharper returns. Engineering, data science, finance and healthcare roles often require or strongly prefer master’s-level education, and they compensate accordingly.
The long game matters too. Mid-career professionals with postgraduate degrees tend to climb faster, accessing managerial and executive roles earlier. Compound that earning potential over 30-40 years, and the financial case for postgraduate study becomes clear.
Top career prospects with a master’s degree
So what can you actually do with a master’s? Here are some of the most in-demand roles for postgraduate degree holders right now:
Data Scientist / Data Analyst
With businesses drowning in data, skilled analysts are worth their weight in gold. A master’s in data science, statistics or a related field opens doors to roles in finance, healthcare, tech and beyond.
Management Consultant
Consultancies love postgraduates. The analytical thinking, research skills and specialised knowledge you gain in a master’s programme are exactly what firms like McKinsey, Deloitte and BCG look for.
UX/UI Designer
A master’s in design, human-computer interaction or digital media gives you the strategic and technical skills needed to create user-centred digital experiences that actually work.
Project Manager
Whether in construction, IT, healthcare or events, project managers with postgraduate training in business or management are increasingly sought after to lead complex, cross-functional teams.
Clinical Psychologist / Health Manager
Healthcare is booming, and postgraduate qualifications in psychology, public health or health management are essential for clinical, research and leadership roles in this sector.
Marketing Manager
With digital marketing evolving at breakneck speed, a master’s in marketing or business gives you the strategic depth and technical know-how to lead campaigns that drive real results.
The benefits of postgraduate study aren’t just academic. They’re practical, career-defining and highly relevant to where the job market is headed.
Is a master’s degree a mandatory qualification?
A master’s degree is not a compulsory qualification. However, it is preferred by employers in most countries. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, having a master’s degree leads to higher pay in most countries. In the US, jobs in the business, education, healthcare, mathematics and statistics fields require a master’s degree as a mandatory qualification, while most other industries don’t. Even in the UK, one in seven jobs are likely to require a postgraduate degree according to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.
Conclusion
Pursuing a master’s degree involves effort, investment and focus. But the advantages of a master’s degree – deeper expertise, better career prospects, higher earning potential and access to roles that simply aren’t available otherwise – make it a smart move for many graduates.
If you’re serious about taking your career to the next level, Germany offers an exceptional environment for postgraduate study. With its focus on practical, research-driven education and strong industry connections, it’s no surprise that so many international students choose to study here every year.
At the University of Europe for Applied Sciences, we offer a range of career-focused master’s programmes designed to get you job-ready from day one. Whether you’re interested in business, design, tech or psychology, our programmes combine academic rigour with real-world application.
Ready to invest in your future? Explore our master’s programmes today.