How to Prepare for a Life as Master's Student
Are you worried about taking a Master's degree in Modern Languages, Literature and Culture? Are you wondering about a Master's in Biotechnology? You're thinking of a Business Master's Degree, yet you haven't thought about your career options. Is it the right thing to pursue it? You can answer these questions after you find out if you're ready for a life as a Master's student.
You must have been weighing your options during your final year while you're occupied with thesis and the remaining modules in your program. The thought of a program tailored to the 21st century would disrupt you concentration, even make you reluctant about pursuing a Master's degree. If you have any idea of your specialty, you would wonder if you could be up to the demands of the coursework. It should be more challenging than what you've done during your undergraduate years, as you have a job. And you can't take it for granted. You can think about your expenses later, as you must gauge your capabilities and resolve to pursue a Master's degree and finish the program. Some students may opt to find a job, and think about further studies afterward. It would be a wise choice, but there would be other options. If you haven't assess your options, you must keep a mental note on what you're about to read.
Expert Advice from Former Master’s Students
Find your space, as you would need lots of sleep. You would miss the noisy halls, the messy tables, and the late nights, and these would make you think about pursuing a Master's degree. Nostalgia could put you into serious trouble, as a Master's program would demand more of your time. You need a few more hours in reading and analyzing data - lots of sleep. A sleep-deprived student couldn't think properly, which you have learned during your first year. (And you learned about it the hard way.) Having your own space may cost you more, but it should be good for your mental health. It would dawn on you when you're trying too hard in analyzing the information that you've researched for hours. Don’t forget to bring a not-too-soft mattress and curtain, which should help you fall asleep in a short time. You must take note of the next item seriously.
Advance reading is a must. You have a job, which won't make it easy for you. There are days when you rather hit the sack early and catch up on your sleep. You still need to prepare for your lessons, which is why it would be best to read the texts way ahead of the start of the term. If you plan to start on your studies next year, you can begin your advance reading next week. You must get in touch with the members of the faculty of the department where you want to enroll in, and inquire about the books. No one would think twice about showing you the list, which you must not take for granted. The knowledge would lessen the pressure, which would be helpful during those stressful days. If you have a family, you would be glad of looking at some titles (and reading it). It means giving up on some plans, if not luxuries, but this could enable you to finish the program in a year. The undergraduate years should have taught you that time lost can’t be regained, and you won’t have another opportunity after the completion of your Master’s studies. It would take your steely resolve to do it, as interest (or passion) wouldn’t be enough. After all, you want to make great strides in your field by doing further studies. What’s next for you?
Paid work is a good thing, but in moderation. You’re worried about your finances, and you should be. If you happen to be a recipient of a scholarship, you’re wondering if you could avail another one. You’re not daunted about incurring heavy debt, as you’re determined to work hard. You can’t do it beyond ten hours, as you would struggle to focus on the seminars or research. Transportation would be an issue if the university is far from your place (or office). Plan this one out, as you might consider a part-time job after completing your studies. In this regard, it won’t be a bad idea to finish your studies in two or three years. You may succumb to stress, so follow a flexible schedule. It would give you some time for getting fit.
You Must Absolutely Love What You're Applying For
No problem is hard to handle if you know what you want to pursue. You might be like a kid during those lecture hours, but you won’t encounter fun while immersing yourself in seminars and trainings. The career prospects would depend on it, so one is less important than the other. This is what success is all about. If you don’t think (or feel) that it would be that way, read this post again. And then decide if you want to apply next year or the year after next.
