If you’ve just graduated, now the big question is: should I go straight into postgrad or full-time work? Continuing to study may not be for everyone, but here’s why it could be a wise choice.

1. Now’s the perfect time

With unemployment in Australia at its highest since the 1990s, there’s never been a better time to study. Boost your skills now and be better prepared to enter the post-COVID workforce. When you’ve obtained your postgraduate degree, the job market will probably be healthier and you’ll be ready for it, too.

You can advance your career now – possibly faster than what you could achieve in the workplace – and specialise in what you’re passionate about. Do you want to become a manager or leader in your field? If yes, why wait for the skills that could get you there? If you don’t yet have the qualifications to start working in your chosen field, now’s the time to make it happen. Whether your aspirations are to become a lawyer with a Juris Doctor, a psychologist with a postgrad psychology degree or something else entirely.

Perhaps there’s little point getting a job that will simply delay you from going after what you actually want to do. Follow your passion and invest in yourself by working towards the job you really want.

2. You can get financial support

While studying can be a significant investment, it’s important to remember La Trobe is here to help. As a La Trobe graduate, you might be eligible for a 10 per cent fee reduction in your postgrad course – a substantial saving. It’s what we call the Alumni Advantage.

There’s also a wide range of scholarships available to postgrads. If you’re a recent graduate, you’re well placed to apply for a scholarship – you have a good body of academic records to demonstrate you’re an outstanding student, and are therefore an ideal scholarship candidate.

3. You’re still in study mode

After several years of tertiary education, you’re a pro when it comes to attending lectures, note-taking, referencing and writing essays in a style that earns you top marks. You’re in prime position to start postgrad and hit the ground running, rather than going through that newbie feeling again.

4. You can gain real-world experience while studying

Many La Trobe students balance full-time postgrad study with part-time work or volunteering in their chosen field, so when they finish they’ve already got great experience. At the same time, many postgrad courses include placements, internships and guest industry-leading lecturers so you’re gaining relevant experience and networks within your chosen field while studying.

This is one of the overarching reasons why postgrad is so valuable – aside from further developing your specialised skills and knowledge. It puts you in a better position to gain a better job.

5. You can get a taste for research

Postgraduate study gives you a great opportunity to see what research is all about. If you’ve ever thought about following a research career or becoming an expert in your field with a PhD, getting straight into a postgraduate degree will give you the experience to see if it suits you.

Whatever you decide to do post-graduation, it pays to consider your options and weigh up what will help you build your dream career.

Thinking about taking the plunge?
Join us for a Postgraduate Webinar hosted by academics from your course of interest. Get insights on course content and structure, graduate outcomes, the application process and life at La Trobe as a postgraduate student.

Want a more personal experience?  Book a one-on-one consultation today.