Making the decision to further your education can be difficult. There is often a list of pros and cons and it isn’t always clear what the smart move is. If you’re already a teacher who is working in your chosen career, you may be asking yourself what the purpose is of expanding your education further and getting a Master’s in Education. Is it truly necessary?
While it’s not necessary in order to continue working, an MA does offer a wide list of benefits. These benefits could have a real impact on what you choose to do in the future career-wise, how you view your career, your skills, and just how rewarded and challenged you will be during your working years. So, let’s take a closer look at what an MA can offer in terms of the benefits, which will allow you to better weigh your options.
What is a Master’s in Education?
For those unfamiliar with the MA, this degree is meant for those who want to take their level of education to a higher level. This particular programme draws in students from a wide range of careers and professional backgrounds which can include teachers, education officers, education advisors, youth workers, administrators, and mentors. This programme is really suited for those individuals who want to have more of an impact on the direction and management of education in general.
For those who like to peel back the layers of different topics, a master’s in education from an institution like the University of Exeter is also a great opportunity to examine educational issues in general, understand them better, and start to use critical thinking skills so that you can have a positive impact in a management or leadership role.
It should be made clear that obtaining your master’s in education does not mean you have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the UK. Instead, this is meant to enhance your current skills and standing so that you can look at new promotions and career paths moving forward.
Look at New Job Possibilities
As for the biggest benefit, that is the fact that your MA will open all new job possibilities for you. Perhaps you’re feeling unfulfilled in your current job and you don’t know what you can do to move up the career ladder. Furthering your education is always an excellent way to command attention from potential employers, show them you are serious, and show them you have all the necessary skills and training needed.
But what jobs will you be able to get with your MA? There are actually a number that stand out and could be that ideal career you’ve been searching for. If you’ve decided you want to stay in the field of education but don’t necessarily want to work with students, then these careers could be a great option:
- Learning director
- Education policy analyst
- Curriculum developer
- Educational consultant
- Education administrator
- Instructional designer
Each of these takes on a more leadership and management role, something you wouldn’t find teaching young kids. It may have you feeling more in control of your career, and allow you to have a big impact on policy moving forward. It also means that your employer isn’t necessarily a secondary school; you could be working at a college or university, in a government organisation, a private business, and so forth. In other words, many more options are available to you.
Now, what if you still want to work with students but would rather work with older students, even adults? This same MA can also make it possible for you to work as a tutor, teach English as a second language, become a corporate trainer, teach in a higher education institute, or even become a special education teacher. Working with older students will provide you with a whole other type of career.
Command a Higher Salary
Any time you further your education and add another designation to your CV, you’ll be working to command a higher salary. This is a great way to move into a more senior level job, which means you can expect to be paid better.
Stand Out Among the Competition
Then there is the competition angle, which can be fierce. It’s not always easy to land that dream job, and there are plenty of others out there who are also clamouring for that same job. While there are a number of steps you can take to stand out, one thing that can catch a potential employer’s eyes on your CV is an impressive educational background. This shows the employer that you are serious about your career, you have the foundation and skills necessary, and you will be able to bring real value to the job.
You Can Enrol in an Online Programme
If you’re worried about how the MA programme will shake up your current life and your schedule, you can always look into the online programme. This is much more flexible since the entire programme is conducted online. You’ll never have to worry about going into campus, which can be a huge relief for many students. It also makes it possible for you to keep working at the same time, bringing in an income while you further your education.
Feel More Fulfilled and Prepared in General
Finally, there is the mental benefits that a Master’s in Education can provide. The fact that you are learning more, and digging deeper into educational planning and issues can just make you feel more prepared in general. It can help you to see things in a different light, which then changes how you approach situations, and thereby affects the outcome – hopefully in a positive way.
Furthering your education also gives people a sense of pride and accomplishment, which should not be underestimated.
As you can very well see, there are plenty of great benefits in pursuing your Master’s in Education, from building your skill and confidence level, to opening the doors to a new career path, and even allowing you to make more money.
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