A postgraduate degree demonstrates sheer commitment and an ability to complete an intensive and challenging qualification. As a result, it also opens up new career possibilities which are unavailable to those who have only studied as far as undergraduate level. However, the question of what to do after a postgraduate degree springs to many students’ minds. Do they further their studies or find employment?

Postgraduate study can be difficult, and to have made it through to graduation is an outstanding achievement. Following graduation, there are a number of options available to people with a postgraduate degree.

Further Study

Depending on the postgraduate qualification you have completed, one of the options after a postgraduate degree is to continue your journey in education. For example, maybe you completed a postgraduate diploma and want to start a master’s degree. Or perhaps you have completed a master’s degree and you want to go on to study for a PhD.

Completing a master’s degree is a common route to further postgraduate study toward acquiring a PhD. The majority of institutions will often require PhD candidates to have achieved a master’s qualification as well as an undergraduate degree graded at 2:1 or higher. Even institutions that may not necessarily need candidates to have completed a master’s will still look favourably upon those who did.

If you have enjoyed your time studying for a master’s degree, then you may be keen to continue progressing your level of qualification. Visit our dedicated page on starting your PhD to find out more.

Job Applications

Another option when asking yourself, “What’s next after a postgraduate degree?” is to enter the job market. Following the completion of your postgraduate degree, you will have the skills, expertise and experience you need to enter the working world.

According to a 2021 study, 91% of postgraduates who completed their course in 2018/2019 were in highly skilled jobs in 2021. In comparison, only 69% of undergraduates were in highly skilled jobs during the same time period. This shows that students who have studied to a postgraduate level are more attractive to prospective employers.

Visit our guide on Finding Graduate Jobs for more information.

What Do Employers Require?

Some employers may specify a postgraduate qualification. This could be a master’s degree, PhD or alternative qualification, as an essential eligibility requirement to apply for a particular role. A postgraduate degree can increase your depth of knowledge and understanding of your field far beyond that of an undergraduate.

Not all employers will require candidates to have completed a postgraduate qualification. However, your academic history will still be highly valued and can help make an application stand out from the crowd.

For further information on applying for jobs as a graduate, check out our dedicated pages on Writing a Graduate CV and How to Nail your First Graduate Job Interview.

Career Paths for Postgraduates

Many people who have completed a postgraduate qualification have a firm idea of the type of career they want to pursue. Postgraduate qualifications often tend to be more specific than those at undergraduate level.

For instance, if you have undertaken a master’s qualification in museum studies, you’re likely interested in a career working in a museum or gallery, perhaps as a creative director. Or maybe you have completed a specific PhD research project on the ways single-use plastics affect the coral reef habitats of marine wildlife. In this situation, a career in environmental marine biology would make sense.

If you want to understand more about the industries and careers available to you, take some time to explore our graduate career paths after a postgraduate degree.

Careers Fairs

If you are still unsure about what to do after a postgraduate degree, don’t panic. There are many options for you to explore. A great place to start is by attending a careers fair. This will provide you with the chance to speak to a range of companies about the careers available to graduates with a postgraduate qualification. You’ll get to chat one-on-one with potential employers and weigh up all your options.

For more help with careers fairs visit our guides: Why attend a careers fair and How to find opportunities at a careers fair.

Take a Break or Travel Abroad

Many graduates will decide to take an extended break after their studies. Taking some time to yourself after a postgraduate degree is a great way to recharge your batteries and get a newfound perspective on your situation. Many graduates will even travel overseas to experience different parts of the world and their cultures. This can give graduates some breathing room and extra time to consider their next move.

For those who can afford it, travelling can provide graduates with the opportunity to meet new people and establish new professional relationships. Some surveys even show that candidates who take a constructive gap year can make their application stand out. Travelling and gaining a better perspective on the world we live in can create more well-rounded employees who are more independent, adaptable and willing to take risks.

Interested in working abroad? Check out our guides to working abroad in Australia and the US.

Conclusions

Knowing what to do after a postgraduate degree is not always easy. However, completing your postgraduate degree is proven to open up a range of opportunities in the working world. Depending on your level of postgraduate study, you can also avail of the option to continue in education by beginning a PhD. Taking some time off can also benefit you in the long run and help you stand out during the job application process.

Do your research and make the most of the help and advice that is available to you. Developing a Student has a live jobs board for those of you considering a move into full-time, part-time or even summer employment. Be sure to check back regularly for the latest job postings. Finally, sign up for our newsletter below so you don’t miss a thing.