5 Reasons to Get a Master’s Degree Early in Your Career

You’re closing in on earning your bachelor’s degree and the thought of staying one more year for a master’s degree may feel daunting.

But that additional year (or two, depending on the program) and additional degree could open up a number of opportunities that you wouldn’t otherwise have.

The Carlson School offers several programs that you can join right after getting your bachelor’s degree. Programs are open to all majors as long as all prerequisites are met. Those programs include:

• Master of Accountancy
• Master of Science in Business Analytics
• Master of Science in Finance
• Master of Marketing
• Master of Human Resources and Industrial Relations

Those degrees can help you stand out, earn a higher salary, and make a big difference throughout your entire career going forward.

Here are five reasons why you should consider pursuing a master’s degree early in your career or right after obtaining your undergraduate degree.
 

1. Increase your job prospects

Getting a master’s degree increases your qualifications for the jobs you want. A graduate degree shows you’re willing to go the extra mile and can help your resume stand out from the rest when applying for jobs.

At the Carlson School, all of our master’s programs have high job placement rates. 

• In the Master of Human Resources and Industrial Relations program, 98 percent of students accepted employment offers within 90 days of graduation. 
• The Master of Science in Finance had 97 percent job placement in 2022.
•  The Master of Science in Business Analytics program has had 100 percent of students land jobs in 2022.
• The Master of Marketing program had 91 percent of its 2022 graduates find jobs.
   

2. Advance more quickly in your career

Not only is it easier to get that first job, but a master’s degree can also help you advance throughout your career. Earning a master's degree can better qualify you for management and leadership positions as well. Many employers seeking to fill senior positions prefer to hire those with advanced degrees.

The career opportunities will be higher quality, more challenging, and more varied for you than they would be without having a master’s degree. It puts you on the fast track to success. 
 

3. Higher earning potential

Earning a master’s degree can help significantly increase your earning potential. Depending on the industry you choose to enter, those earning a master’s degree can receive higher salaries than someone with a bachelor’s degree in a similar subject area.

That will continue to compound throughout your entire career. With the additional qualification and the added responsibilities, you can expect a higher salary than with an undergraduate degree alone.
 

4. Expanded networking opportunities

As a graduate student, you’ll be learning alongside students with the same goals. Your classmates will become part of your network and those connections can lead to promotions or job placements in the future.

For instance, in many Carlson School master’s programs, students advance through the program together. You’ll develop strong relationships that you can carry forward as you enter your career.
 

5. Smooth transition from undergrad

Lastly, if you’re on the fence about getting a master’s degree, consider whether or not it may be difficult for you to circle back and earn a degree at a later time. 

Balancing work, school, and family later in life can be demanding. Some may find it easier to pursue a master’s degree right after completing an undergraduate degree.