WHICH POST- GRADUATE STUDY PROGRAM?

In our present economy, it is commonplace to desire to further your education. This could give you an edge above the rest to either attain higher management positions, or facilitate a career move. 

There are a couple of education consultancies that offer professional advice on local /international post –graduate studies and  oversee the application process for admission, and visa approval at a stipulated fee. You may also choose to go through the application process yourself; however picking the right post-graduate course and college of study may present a dilemma to some.

Before picking the right post-graduate course for your career advancement, it is my candid advice that the individual first undertakes career assessment. Career assessment, in the form of tests and other structured and unstructured tools, can be very useful for those who are uncertain about the array of career possibilities. This test can either be done individually or through the services of a professional career coach.

Career assessments are tools that are designed to help individuals understand how a variety of personal attributes (i.e., interests, values, preferences, motivations, aptitudes and skills), impact their potential success and satisfaction with different career options and work environments. 

Assessments of some or all of these attributes may be used by individuals or organizations, such as university career service centers, career counselors, outplacement companies, corporate human resources staff, executive coaches, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and guidance counselors to help individuals make more informed career decisions.

There are several websites online that offer free and simple career assessment test for individual use, after which the examinee is sent an assessment report. This report generated from the completed test highlights the individual’s dominant abilities, personality index and outward disposition.

Correct interpretation of this report, should act as a guide to facilitate any career change, as it would help you decide on the right career path that fits your inherent knowledge abilities.

For instance, after I had completed an online career assessment test, the report showed that I should consider a career path in management, community and social services, or entertainment.

After picking a post –graduate course, then remains the decision of where to study.

I recently applied for an international post graduate study program, and these are some of the factors that helped me narrow down my search for the right university.

Program duration

Post-graduate studies normally could either span 12, 16, or 18 Months.

How much time can you afford to dedicate to the program without distorting your career plans too much?

Entry date

University entry dates could either be in Fall (September) or Spring (January)

Tuition Fees and availability of Scholarships

The cost of any post graduate study includes the tuition fees and living expenses. These funds must be available in order to secure a visa to the relevant country, as the case may be.

The possibility of scholarship grants should also be considered especially if your program is self-funded.

Available specializations

Some post graduate courses present several options for specialization, please ensure that the University of your Choice, offers your preferred specialization electives/courses.

University Rankings

Before narrowing down your college search, you may choose to go through one or two online University rating websites for their top picks and University league tables.

Application Requirements/Checklists

Remember that you must meet all the application requirements of any University you choose to apply to, in order to be even considered for admission.

Post-graduate applicants are always advised to apply to at least three universities, this gives you better leverage in the decision making process.

Good luck in making the right choice, cheers.