How to Make the most of my Postgraduate degree

How to Make the most of my Postgraduate degree by Amber Rolfe Not sure how to utilise your postgraduate degree? It’s all about how you sell it…Having a postgraduate degree is a great way to stand out from the competition, especially in certain fields and industries â€" but that doesn’t mean simply referencing it in your job applications is always enough to impress employers. You need to make it count.We’ve already covered how to write a postgraduate personal statement, but here are a few more of our top tips to help you make the most of your postgraduate degree:  Focus on how a postgraduate degree makes you different Firstly, make why you chose to do a postgraduate degree clear to employers â€" and ask yourself, how has it helped you to improve and expand on your past knowledge, and how can it benefit an organisation?Then, you need to prove how your knowledge sets you apart from undergraduates. This means understanding exactly what you’ve learnt, and being able to provide tangible examples.For example, if you fe el your postgraduate degree has allowed you to gain a deeper understanding of the topic you studied, it’s given you the ability to be more self-motivated, or it’s improved your technical writing skills â€" always link back to your postgrad assignments and/or projects where these skills have been shown.After all, if you can’t prove the importance of your further study, your postgraduate degree won’t make you any different from undergraduates in your field.  Don’t pretend it was easy Studying for a postgraduate qualification can be tough â€" no matter how motivated or talented you are.And although it might be tempting to tell employers you progressed through your postgraduate degree with no problems â€" it might actually mean you’re brushing over a range of useful skills you’ve gained from powering through the hard (see also: sometimes seemingly impossible) work.From an ability to stay motivated and determined, to gaining key skills in problem solving and multi-tasking, your struggles could actually become your strengths if painted in the right light.And as well as employers admiring your dedication to do well in your degree, they’ll also be able to benefit from your skillset if they choose to hire you.  Combine it with practical experience Although a postgraduate degree alone is beneficial in many careers, demonstrating practical work experience is equally important.Because even though you might be academically qualified to do the job you’re applying for, being able to prove it in a workplace setting makes all the difference when it comes to quantifying your skills.Many postgraduate courses will include work placements in your area of study, as well as allow time for you to intern, work, or volunteer while you learn. Taking advantage of this will allow you to make your skillset more varied and as a result â€" more attractive to employers.And, not only could working alongside your degree enhance your career prospects, it could also boost your i ncome when you’re at uni.Show you can still growNever see your postgraduate degree as the limit to your learning.Because although you might be ready to say goodbye to education right now, implying that you have no room for extra knowledge (in an attempt to show your interest in working) might not give the impression you’re looking for.Learning is a key part of any new position, and aside from needing an open mind and an ability to grow within your role, many career paths also involve additional education if you want to progress.And depending on the role you’re applying for, keeping yourself open to the possibility of further study in the future (in the form of a PhD, Doctorate, or other industry-recognised courses), to aid your career progression is a great way to show your enthusiasm, drive, and long-term goals within your chosen industry.  Remember: it’s not your degree, it’s what you do with itIf you use them to your advantage â€" postgraduate degrees will always benefi t your career, whether it’s now or in ten years.And even if you’re currently applying for jobs that don’t necessarily need a postgrad qualification â€" your ability to progress and go on to earn a higher salary within many careers often depends on it.This means that although your postgraduate degree alone might not land you your dream job straight away â€" it can certainly set the groundwork for you to go further in your career than you could without one.You just need to use it.Thinking about going back to university? Find out more about how a postgraduate degree could be for you  Ready to find your course?  View all available university qualifications now.