Education
Just before you go for that Masters degree
I was having a discussion with some colleagues a while ago and we talked about how people go for masters immediately after Bachelors degree only to have passed the Graduate Trainee age by the time they are done. Most people believe having a Masters degree with their Bachelors degree should increase their chances of getting a job.
While I don’t want to outrightly discourage anyone from going for masters immediately after bachelors degree, some questions are key.
-What is the purpose of the masters degree? Is it because it’s a family tradition that everyone must go for a second degree immediately after graduation or that is what your parents want?
-Will it increase your market value or improve your career aspirations?
-As a graduate, will you be eligible for graduate entry jobs after your masters degree especially in countries where age is used to shortlist candidates for jobs?
The answers to the above will help you to make a productive and well informed decision.
Consider this:
1. Any masters degree that will not increase your market worth or improve your career growth upon completion is not worth it.
2. Don’t just go for any Masters, go for a highly ranked program so you can easily get a good job afterwards. I have seen foreign Masters holders earn NGN 50,000 after spending so much simply because the Masters is not well ranked in the market.
3. If age is not on your side, I suggest you work for a few years to gain experience before going for masters except you plan to go into an academics career. if you intend to be a lecturer or researcher, it is better you go for your masters degree immediately after your bachelors degree.
4. Be careful of your choice of course or program, make sure it is value adding and marketable.
5. Share your plans with a mentor who can guide you.
6. Do not rush into applying to any school. if you are travelling abroad for it, consider the career services of the school, consider if you will have a work visa or residency permit before you proceed.
7. Speak to those that have passed through the program or school to hear about their experience and the positives about the course and the school.
All the best.
I recently wrote an article on why people should consider going for an MBA from a top business school, See here . Many people have reached out to say they would really love to attend a top tier business school but they cannot afford it.
The truth is going to business school is usually a big investment, and the return on investment is usually huge.
I have not seen anyone that got an admission to a top school in recent times without getting finance to attend such school. You need to focus on the admission while considering the options available.
I have identified 3 ways that you can use to finance your MBA.
1. Scholarships
Most business schools usually provide some sort of funding for their admitted students. Some scholarships may be in form of full tuition plus stipend, part tuition, teaching assistantships etc. Some schools give a merit based scholarship in which case all admitted students are considered for scholarships while some provide need based scholarship depending on your financial status and need.
For most merit based scholarships, your test scores (GMAT/GRE), essay, undergraduate grade point and other application materials are part of the things considered in giving scholarships. I know a number of people in business schools around the world that got 100% and part scholarships so it is very possible.
A very high GMAT/GRE score coupled with other strong application materials may give you a edge in securing scholarship from a top business school.
2. Student Loan
A significant number of students going to business school now use student loan to finance their MBA degree. There are organisations that give international students loan without a co-signer while some require a co-signer. For example Prodigy Finance provides student loans to international students across the globe without requesting for any co-signer. The major requirement for the loan is an admission letter from a participating school and the interest rate is mostly one digit depending on the ranking of the school. Loan repayment for Prodigy loans usually start 6 months after completion of MBA final exams and tenor can be between 7-10 years.
There are other student loan providers that different schools work with. MAke sure you research about the options available from the school you are considering and go for it.
3. Personal Savings/Family Support
This is the last preferred for me because it is difficult to finance a top school MBA solely from savings. There are instances where the financing institution will expect that you have savings for your cost of living while they pick up the tuition on your behalf. Some may request that you pay a certain percentage of the tuition yourself so be prepared for this as well.
In conclusion, financing an MBA is not your greatest challenge to fulfilling your business school dreams, scoring a high test score and securing an admission poses greater challenge and you need to give the preparation and admission process your best.
All the best and see you at the top.
I must say congratulations to the all those that recently rounded up their NYSC or those that are rounding up. I can imagine what you have gone through within the one year of serving Nigeria. I know it is a mixed experiences for a lot of poeple.
The question a lot of you are asking is, what is next after NYSC?
I recently made a post about how the decisions you make post NYSC may affect your career either negatively or positively and why that decision may be one of the most important you will make in nyour life. You can read the post here https://www.247insight.com/2018/07/25/your-post-nysc-decision-may-make-or-mar-your-career/
Some of you have reached out with different options asking for guidance. I will be glad to give as much as my time can accommodate.
However, I believe the following may help you as you venture out:
1. Update your Cv and proof-read for typos and errors.
2. Reflect your NYSC experience as a full work experience especially if you were gainfully engaged during this period. Highlight the things you did very well, your achievements and your positive contribution to your place of primary assignment.
3. If your PPA offers to retain you, take it, even if it doesn’t align with your plans while you be on the look out for a better offer. Don’t reject the offer to go and sit down at home.
4. Reach out to senior friends about your need for job and ask if they can assist to submit your CV in your company..
5. If you need certifications , go for it rather than wasting time.
6. You need to have work skills such as computer skills (Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint and Word), communication skills, leadership skills and problem solving skills. If there is any you need to learn or brush up, please do.
7. Be strategic in your job search and believe there are jobs everywhere. Your mindset is everything.
All the best.
Please share to your social network or anyone just rounding up their youth service.
