Category Archives: Career
Master’s Degrees to Consider if You’re Looking for Long-Term Job Opportunities
If you’ve completed an undergraduate degree at college and are now thinking about taking on post-graduate studies, or if you have been in the workforce for a while and want to go back to school to get further educated, it can be rather tough trying to work out which program to enroll in.
Today, with the costs of study rising constantly, and with many industries in decline, you need to make your decision carefully so you spend not only your money but also your time and energy wisely. As such, it’s important to be on the lookout for degree options that will help you increase your job prospects as soon as you’ve graduated, and well into the future. Read on for a sample of good master’s degrees to consider.
Engineering
A master’s degree in a field of engineering is a beneficial qualification to have, with engineers being in-demand around the world for all types of jobs. There are a variety of areas of engineering you can specialize in, but whether you choose to check out the best biomedical engineering schools or are keen on getting a post-graduate degree in civil, mechanical, chemical, electrical or other type of engineering, you should be set for years.
From a master’s degree, you’ll gain additional technical knowledge and skills which will set you up well for roles and help you enhance your safety record. The extra studies you complete will assist you to become a more reasoned, cautious and experienced engineer, as well as give you the chance to work on more intellectually challenging, and interesting, engineering projects.
Economics
While it has been a popular area of FAME (finance, accountancy, management and economics) studies for many years now, and known for providing good job prospects and pay, right now economics is growing further, for a variety of reasons.
For instance, students who study a master’s in economics will learn how to effectively work with and analyze big data sets, something that is particularly of-use in this tech-driven world. More and more companies across the globe are looking for people who can help them handle their digital information and make decisions based upon it. As such, being able to strategically utilize large amounts of data will certainly stand you in good stead for future roles.
Another reason why economics is big right now is because of the explosion in the global population. This, combined with the banking and other financial turmoil of the last decade, and the huge debt problems of a number of developed countries, has led many people to question the way economics has been approached for decades. As a result, if you complete a master’s in economics, you’ll be able to enter the arena at a time when fresher, more innovative ideas are welcome.
Computer Science
Of course, as you’d imagine, as our world relies more and more on computing breakthroughs and abilities, and technology continues to disrupt industries and change the way we live our lives, having a post-graduate qualification in computer science is a real boon.
The need for computer-savvy job candidates continues to grow and isn’t likely to abate any time soon. After all, businesses in every sector now rely upon technology at least to some degree. If you have a thorough understand of all the elements of computer science, then you’ll be able to work in tech firms and also for any other sort of business that needs your skills.
Plus, with cybercrime such an issue, and something that isn’t likely to go away, people who have trained in computer science can get jobs as security specialists, for both government organizations and private firms.
MBA
A Master’s in Business Administration continues to draw in huge numbers of students because it’s easier than ever for people to become entrepreneurs. Plus, there is more focus on the world of business management and the rise of entrepreneurial superstars, so increasing numbers of people wish to further their skills in business and hopefully follow in the footsteps of well-known leaders.
An MBA is a highly flexible degree, which allows students to learn about and acquire skills in various subjects such as leadership, finance, accounting, sales, marketing, technology, international markets and the like. Being qualified in this area has helped many students to go on not just to earn a lot more during their careers but also to have more career stability. In addition, completing an MBA opens up opportunities to work in varied and interesting fields and diverse geographical locations.
What Else You Can Study Before a Social Work Career
Social work might be the noblest profession. Not only do you devote your career to helping the less fortunate navigate the world around them, but you work long, hard hours and get paid laughably little. Still, the rare satisfaction of improving people’s lives and improving the community pushes a few more people into the field social work every year.
There are social work degree programs – but they aren’t the only way you can get into social work. Because you can find accredited online MSW programs, you can gain the necessary credentials for a social work career while studying a broader, more widely applicable subject for your bachelor’s. If you are afraid of pigeon-holing your career with a niche degree before you enter the workforce, here are a few other programs you can pursue in undergrad.
Sociology
Sociology is the scientific study of society, which often involves studying the development of society as well as the structure and function of existing societies. Sociology can also entail the study of human relationships, which form the backbone of society. Sociology is a relatively new discipline, only just over 100 years old, and it intersects with dozens of similar fields of study, including behavioral economics and social psychology.
Social work can easily be explained as sociology at work; social workers apply what sociologists study and theorize. Therefore, sociology is an exceptionally useful major or minor for those eager to become social workers. Studying sociology will help you understand many of the phenomena affecting modern society, so you can more effectively respond to your clients’ needs and create positive change in their lives.
Political Science
Political science focuses on the theory and practice of government. In the classroom, students of political science study how power is distributed in different systems, how effective certain systems are at meeting the needs of their people, how political thought has evolved over time and more.
Some people believe that the definition of politics is who gets what, when and how. If that’s the case, then social workers equipped with a political science background might be better at obtaining the services their clients need. Especially if you plan to work in a government agency, you might want some experience in political science to help you navigate the complex rules and regulations of the public sector.
Psychology
It should be of little surprise that psychology appears on a list of potential courses of study for social workers. Psychology is an essential tool for the social worker, who must explain, encourage and otherwise embolden clients to improve their lives. With a psychology background, you will be capable of analyzing your clients’ psychological processes and moving them toward healthier emotional states and behaviors. What’s more, you can do the same with yourself, helping you remain calm, stable and productive in your own life.
If you hope to climb the social work career ladder, experience in psychology will become even more useful. Accredited online MSW programs draw heavily on psychology theory and practice, so your undergrad major or minor will provide a solid foundation upon which you can build.
Foreign Language
Unfortunately, the populations most in need of social assistance are often immigrant groups who have come to American seeking a better life. Though they might have marketable skills and a supportive community, they might lack the language capabilities necessary to find a job or a place to live, or they might fear interacting with the government in any way. By studying a foreign language and becoming fluent, you can serve these groups and ensure they adapt better to their new lives in the U.S.
Spanish is perhaps the most useful language to learn because the Latinx population is most underserved and is growing swiftly. However, you can also study French, Romanian, Hebrew, Portuguese, Russian or similar tongues spoken by oft-overlooked immigrants to America.
Business Administration
No matter where you work – no matter what you do – you will be part of an organization, which means knowledge and skill in business administration will be useful. With a business administration degree, you will be better prepared to communicate with colleagues and clients, balance budgets, improve efficiency and manage your time. Undoubtedly, these skills are useful in social work.
Many social workers pivot their careers toward entrepreneurship later in life. Because they see the struggles and challenges of large swaths of the population, social workers are well-positioned to generate solutions prime for the market. If you suspect you might follow this path, a business administration degree would again be useful in the management of your own business.
How to Choose the Best Post-Graduate Degree for You
Many students complete their undergraduate degree, and then head straight out into the workforce so they can start earning money and get a taste for work life. However, sometimes, depending on what kind of job you want and the career path you want to take, it can be better to stay at university for a few extra years to complete post-graduate qualifications first.
This is particularly the case if you’re interested in becoming a professor or other type of academic. Keep in mind, too, that it’s often much easier to do additional studies when you’re young, don’t have a lot of commitments to worry about, and are already used to studying and being at college.
If you’re thinking of enrolling in a Master’s degree or other post-grad course, it can be a bit tricky trying to decide which program will be the best fit for you, and whether or not to stick with the same university or head elsewhere. Plus, these days there are both online and on campus options to choose from, which gives you even more options to decide between. Read on for some tips you can follow to help you make the best choice for you.
Be Clear about Your Goals
When it comes to deciding on a post-graduate degree, the first thing to think about is what your personal goals are. What is the reason you want to get a higher degree, and how do you want to use this qualification? Once you get clear on what outcomes you wish to achieve, it will be easier to tell which degree will help you to get there.
Always make sure you’re considering your own goals, not other people’s, as it’s a waste of time, money and energy to complete a program that won’t lead you down the right path for your needs. Plus, be wary about enrolling in a course simply because you think it will look good on your CV. These higher degrees are intense, time-consuming, and often very costly, so you need to have solid reasons for completing them.
Don’t Rush Your Decision
To make sure you choose wisely, give yourself time to really weigh up all the pros and cons of each course on your shortlist. Don’t rush your decision, as this is how you can end up in the wrong program. Carefully research all the post-graduate options you’re considering to find out what each one would involve, what it will cost, how long it will take you to complete, and how it will help you to tick off your goals.
You should find out how flexible each program is, with regards to not just what you learn, but when and where and who you work with, and how long completion time can be. Make sure each course you’re interested in is accredited properly. If you need access to certain facilities to complete your studies properly, investigate this in your research, in addition to any other particular university features (such as disabled access, security, extracurricular groups, large libraries, etc.) you might require.
Choose an educational provider with a good reputation too, of course. Chat with past students as well as current ones to get their opinion on the school and the specific program you’re interested in. Find out what kind of career results graduates have been achieving, as this will give you a good indication of whether or not the course will suit your needs.
Check out the different professors you would have access to at the different universities too, as this can make a big impact on your decision. Also investigate what kind of career support is on offer at each institution.
Consider the Mode of Study that will Suit You Best
Lastly, consider the mode of study that will suit you best. These days, there are all sorts of post-graduate degrees offered off-campus, as well as on, from AACSB online MBAs through to Master’s in Engineering, Accounting, Marketing and so on.
As such, think about whether you would prefer to be on campus, or to have the flexibility in schedule that’s provided with online study. Online options are really helpful if you have children who you need to be at home for, and/or if you want to work and fit your studies around your job schedule. Online degrees also give you access to courses run around the world, rather than being limited to just local programs.
However, on the other hand, on-campus study may be your preference if you want to be able to interact with your professors face-to-face, access on-site facilities, and enjoy social, networking opportunities with other students on a regular basis. Evaluate the different modes based on your goals and you’ll make a wise decision.
5 Sports Management Career Paths to Consider
Have you been dreaming of a career in sports ever since you were little Now that you’re older, that dream might seem far-fetched – especially since there are only 11,800 professional athletes in the entire U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
But you don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy a long and fulfilling career in sports. There are tens of thousands of behind-the-scenes (and in-the-scenes) sports jobs that you can do, even if you’re not an example of peak physical conditioning. A sports management degree can prepare you to follow one of these sports career paths, among many others.
1) Sports Agent
Every professional athlete needs a competent sports agent to guide and advise them when it’s time to negotiate deals and sign contracts with brands and companies. As a sports agent, you’ll need to have a good head for business and strong negotiation skills. You’ll be responsible for handling all of your clients’ corporate and legal obligations, as well as helping them manage their money.
As a sports agent, you’ll travel to meet clients, potential clients and league representatives. Contract negotiations will occur during the spring and summer, while much of the winter and fall will be spent meeting with clients. You’ll take care of your athletes’ taxes, negotiate their salaries and bonuses and set up their product endorsement deals. Some background in contract or tax law would be useful.
2) Public Relations Assistant
Professional athletes spend much of their career in the public eye, especially those at the top of the field. Sports public relations assistants and other PR specialists in the sports field work to build and maintain a positive public image for the athletes they represent. They do this by attempting to control the information that flows from the team or athlete to the press and by working to soften the blow of any negative attention an athlete may garner.
Daily tasks for PR professionals in sports include preparing media reports and press releases, drafting speeches, arranging media interviews for athletes, responding to communications from journalists and crafting promotional campaigns. You’ll have a role in any activity that increases or bolsters a team’s or athlete’s positive public image.
3) General Manager
As a sports general manager, you’ll be in charge of managing a sports team’s deals and business transactions. General managers may work for teams in the minor leagues, as well as in the major leagues, with minor league general managers earning a starting salary of about $112,000. You’ll hire head coaches, manage the team’s revenue and budget, draft new players and speak for the team at media conferences.
A successful general manager has strong people skills, business acumen and communication skills. He or she must be able to hire and manage staff, including coaches and other support staff, as well as come up with new marketing and business strategies to increase the team’s revenue. A strong background in sports management will help you assess the strengths and weaknesses of your team and then find and recruit the players who can best help your team improve.
4) Sports Event Coordinator
Do you want to help plan and coordinate major league sports competitions? Perhaps you’d like to work on coordinating sports events for amateur or minor league athletes. Maybe you’re even interested in planning community sporting events or helping young people answer the question, “What can sports teach you about life?” Sports event coordinators get involved with planning sports programs and events on every level, from local amateur athletics and community or youth sports to major league competitions.
As a sports event coordinator, you’ll need an eye for detail and skills in marketing, business and organizational logistics. You’ll also need to understand the sports environment and the specific physical activity involved in the event you’re coordinating. In addition to planning the event itself, you’ll be responsible for logistics surrounding the event, such as making sure teams find their way to and from their hotels and that they’re comfortable in their accommodations.
5) Fitness Director
As a fitness director, you’ll be responsible for organizing and implementing fitness and group activities, which may or may not be for the benefit of professional athletes or even sports fans. For example, a fitness director may work as the face of a university’s student wellness program and may also be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the university’s fitness or recreation center.
You’ll need strong budgeting skills and may need management or supervisory skills. You may also need to teach fitness classes or train fitness instructors, provide customer service for participants and conduct teaching observations.
If you love sports and want a career working in fitness or with athletes, a sports management degree may be right for you. A degree in sports management will open up a range of fulfilling career paths in the sports industry, so you can build the sports career of your dreams.
Making a Difference: How to Choose Meaningful Work
When you’re working one of the most important things is motivation. If you’re insufficiently motivated, you’ll find yourself dragging your lumpen carcass out of bed on a Monday morning, resenting every minute of your commute and sleepwalking through your day, ending up with no energy to pursue personal projects or relaxation in your leisure time.
The best motivation comes from choosing work that’s meaningful to you. Work that makes a difference, so that at the end of every day, you know the effort you’ve put in is linked to very real results – people working in medicine, in social work, in substance misuse jobs deal with people every day and despite being frequently stretched for resources and under stress, get to make genuine differences to people lives every day (for the better, crucially).
If you don’t have the skills or, in fairness, inclination to pursue a job like this you need to either reframe your attitude to your existing job to emphasise how you’re making a difference, or find an alternative career to move into that lets you feel that you’re contributing in a meaningful way. You don’t need to be an ambulance driver or brain surgeon, just find a job that you feel is worthwhile or take a fresh look at your existing role to understand your real worth within the organisation.
If you’re in a position to change your job, think before you leap. If you’re dissatisfied and leap into a new position before you’ve really thought it through, you might find yourself just as dissatisfied and needing to sit in your new job for months or years before you can change again.
Be honest with yourself, and make sure you’re reorienting yourself towards a career that you find important and meaningful, not what is, on average, expected to be. There’s no point pursuing a career as a social worker to impress your friends with your social responsibility when you simply don’t have the motivation. If your strength is in administration, then you can put that towards a meaningful job in local government. If you’re into sales at heart, becoming an estate agent allows you to put your skills into finding people homes, and while estate and lettings agents can get a bad rap, if you deal fairly with people you’ll impress them and they’ll never forget you!
If you’re not able to change your job, talk to your manager about shadowing people in other departments. This gives you an insight into how your input is valued across the company and a new commitment it.
