Postgraduate In The New Normal

Read on if you’re thinking of pursuing a postgraduate during the pandemic.

COVID-19 is tough for everyone. We get it. But do we have to abandon our preCOVID plans for postgraduate education because of it? Do you lie awake at night, asking yourself: Should I get on with the plan?

The points below may help you answer that question!

What are your goals?

A pandemic isn’t a good reason for you to take up a postgraduate course just so you can avoid adult responsibilities. Figure out what you want from your postgraduate qualification, and start building on your plan from there.

This is a good way of deciding on your postgraduate path. A clear goal, whether it comes to studying or working, is a necessity - come hell or high water. So take a moment to reflect on your options.

There will always be moments in your life when an informed decision has to be made: this is one of them, so choose wisely!

Grab the opportunity!

Let’s be real: the economy isn’t the best right now, and chances are that it’ll remain lukewarm for the unforeseeable future. Starting a career at this time might not be the best option due to possible lower starting salaries. On top of that, your specialization or industry might be facing a massive recession. But there is a bright side to this bleak reality: staying in school.

Taking a course now can help you sharpen your skills. And once the economy has improved (yes, we are optimistic!) you can jump back on the job-hunting bandwagon, better prepared for the working world.

The bottom line is this: Education can sometimes be a viable alternative plan which can offer you benefits as you ride out the storm. Not to mention, a lot of institutions are offering courses for lower fees. Plus, nearly all of them are now done online for safety and convenience.

SAFETY IS THE FIRST PRIORITY

Check if your chosen programme and institution are following the SOPs laid out by the government. There is never zero risk when it comes to COVID-19, and even if the courses are fully online, occasionally there may come a need to see your supervisors face-to-face. Remember to take extra precautions when you’re doing so. This might sound like a kind of cliché, but in this trying time, it’s better be paranoid than sorry. This article wasn’t written to guilt-trip you into any rushed decisions. We understand that while a postgraduate option – if it was a part of your plans pre-pandemic – should be followed through to completion, we also realise that many external reasons might be stopping you from continuing. And that’s okay. We just want you to know that this pandemic isn’t the end of your postgraduate journey, and there will always be options for you to weather through this storm.

Good luck with whatever you’re going to decide for in the future!

Long-term mindset

Again, we believe this storm will pass. This economic recession will reach an end, and when it does, industries will be hungry for qualified professionals. Doing a professional diploma or a Master’s degree now will give you that headstart for that career you’re aiming for.

With wider professional networks, enhanced skills, and newfound confidence in your abilities, we bet you’ll be amongst the first to reach the finish line when the race starts!