If you’re considering postgraduate study or have just completed a postgrad degree, you might be wondering how furthering your qualifications can further your career prospects. That’s why we’ve taken the time to bust some of the most common postgrad myths and set the record straight on what you can expect from your postgraduate career. To find out more about furthering your studies with USQ or what to expect once you’ve got that postgrad degree, contact the team at USQ Student Services to make an appointment with a Career Development Practitioner.

1. The truth
about your
career plan
Let’s separate fact from fiction…
POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

2. When it comes to taking the next step on
your career path, which direction will you be
heading?
If you’ve just completed postgraduate study, or are considering
taking it on, have a look at some of the myths and realities
associated with taking the next step on your learning journey.

3. True or false?
Postgraduate study can help your career in a
number of ways.

4. True

5. A postgraduate degree can open up a wide
array of opportunities in your career, including
the chance to expand your skills and increase
your earning and career potential.
By upgrading your skills, these higher level qualifications can provide you with the
ability to become a specialist in your area, gain recognition for your work experience
or change career direction.
Postgraduate study gives you the opportunity to future-proof yourself.

6. True or false?
The only reason to undertake postgraduate study
is to change or move ahead in my career.

7. False

8. While postgraduate study may enable you to
change or progress your career, higher studies
may also provide additional opportunities.
Many industries have undergone significant changes since you last studied, and
postgraduate study will give you a deeper understanding of your industry now and
into the future.
In today’s job market, a postgraduate qualification and the specialised skills that
accompany it can put you ahead of the crowd.

9. While postgraduate study may enable you to
change or progress your career, higher studies
may also provide additional opportunities.
Many industries have undergone significant changes since you last studied, and
postgraduate study will give you a deeper understanding of your industry now and
into the future.
In today’s job market, a postgraduate qualification and the specialised skills that
accompany it can put you ahead of the crowd.
Postgraduate study can also help to further ignite your passion for your career and
show a level of professional determination and desire for personal growth.

10. True or false?
You’ll be guaranteed a promotion after doing
postgraduate studies.

11. False

12. There are never any guarantees when it comes
to getting a promotion or an increase in pay.
However, what you can be assured of is that you will gain a
wealth of knowledge that will bring about significant benefits
and open up opportunities to advance your career.
For many, a postgraduate qualification is a prerequisite for
career progression within their organisation.

13. True or false?
Postgraduate study can put you at risk of seeming
‘over-qualified’ and ‘under-employed’.

14. False

15. It’s important to think about the reasons why
you’ve completed postgraduate study, or are
planning to pursue it.
Is the sole reason to progress your career, or are you interested in personal growth
and building on your skills and industry knowledge?
Postgraduate study enables career options, by adding to your skills and knowledge
base. It’s important to remember the value of work experience too, to ensure that
you have the hands-on capabilities to support your growing theoretical knowledge
base.

16. As you can see, postgraduate study can provide
significant benefits to your career and your
personal growth. If you’ve completed postgrad
studies, or you’re thinking about taking the
next step on your learning journey, now’s the
time to explore your options!

17. CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 29.8.6 02.2017 Graphics © Shutterstock
social.usq.edu.au
Contact the team at USQ Student Services
to make an appointment with a Career
Development Practitioner and explore how
postgraduate study could enrich and expand
your career prospects.