Career progression for masters students

Welcome to theCareers andEmployability Centre

Career progression for masters students

• Reasons for undertaking PG study• How have you enhanced your skills/experience• Where PG study can take you• How to meet your objectives (action plan)• Marketing your qualification• Resources

Career progression for masters students

Reasons for taking PG course:

• Further your career• Change career direction• Pursue a passion• Enter a profession• Gain a better insight into industry• Give you a competitive edge

• Do you feel you are achieving your goals?

Career progression for masters students- employers view point

Employers value the ability to develop new skills, knowledge and experience.

Your course is likely to involve considerable independent study, and require you to

make greater use of a range of skills developed at undergraduate level.

Skills• Intellectual skills: research, initiative, generating ideas, forming questions, answering

questions, analysis, analysing data, handling information, sorting, problem solving,

recalling, memorising, extrapolating, synthesising• Interpersonal skills: oral and written communication, working in a group or team,

building positive relationships with peers and tutors, negotiating, persuading,

collaborating, networking• Personal skills: self motivation, taking early responsibility, commitment, time

management, project management, personal presentation• Technical skills: from practical projects,

IT, laboratory skills, research techniques

Career progression for masters students

Knowledge• Gaining deeper understanding and knowledge of a subject is a clear benefit of a

masters course. Masters graduates are likely to be able to conceptualise and

think about the range of a topic, pose questions and formulate answers. You will

be experienced in finding relevant subject specific information quickly and using

a range of sources. Knowledge might be categorised in the following way:• up to date subject knowledge• knowledge of sources of information• knowledge of the key people working in the field• knowledge of current thinking about techniques relevant to the field

Career progression for masters students

Experience• group projects• writing reports or extended essays• a dissertation or extensive piece of independent research• work related or professional experience

From these experiences you can draw robust evidence of well developed skills.

For example, independent study involves self discipline and motivation. A

successful research project demonstrates initiative and resourcefulness.

Managing to sustain family commitments or part time work while studying can

also support claims of good time management and ability to achieve under

pressure.

Career progression for masters students – destination data

Career progression for masters studentsHow do I sell my Masters degree to employers?• Some employers specifically require the higher level skills and technical abilities

of Masters subjects, often found in specific vocational areas i.e. science and

engineering.• Employers may not distinguish between Masters and first degree graduates, so

it's important that you are able to articulate the higher level skills and specialist

knowledge you have gained and what value that might have to potential

employers.

You have also gained general skills that are desirable to employers:• time management and the ability to work independently.• analytical skills and critical thinking;• research skills;• enhanced presentation skills;• problem-solving skills;

Career progression for masters students - where are jobs for Masters graduates advertised?

• Rarely separate recruitment practices for undergraduate and postgraduate

students. Masters graduates can look for jobs in the same places as those with

a first degree: online job boards; newspapers; trade publications; and

through speculative applications.

• Increase your chances by carrying out work experience and internships and

joining a professional body.

http://www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/jobs/

Career progression for masters students - specialist vacancy sources:

Sector guides

http://www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/careerchoices/researchingcareers

Prospect profiles

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs.htm

Career progression for masters students – speculative applications

1. Identify your target organisations

2. Research those organisations thoroughly

3. Find a contact?

4. Taylor your CV

5. Compose cover letter

6. Follow up!

Career progression for masters students

Should I do a PhD?• A PhD is a long process that can take a number of years to complete. • Masters is often seen as the precursor to a PhD. Almost 45% of graduates who

do Masters in research go on to further study.• Many students choose to do a PhD

to gain the relevant qualification

to enter academia or a research.

questions?

• Briefings – Career planning, CVs and Applications • Careers Advisers are available daily 11-5pm• Call in or phone • Come to the events – listed on news & events page• Follow us on Twitter & Facebook• www.sussex.ac.uk/careers