How to choose a postgraduate course: factors that should be evaluated

Are you thinking about taking your career one step further, but you don't know How to choose a postgraduate degree?

What is a postgraduate degree?

At first, before knowing how to choose a postgraduate course, It is necessary to know, what is it?

A postgraduate degree is a level of higher education that goes beyond an undergraduate degree, designed to deepen knowledge in a specific area.

As well as developing advanced skills and promoting professional specialization.

How to choose a postgraduate course: factors that should be evaluated

First of all, choosing a postgraduate course is an important decision that can define the direction of your professional career.

To ensure you make the right choice, it is essential to consider several aspects that go beyond the prestige of the institution or the popularity of the course.

See the factors to be considered:

1. Type of postgraduate degree: Stricto Sensu or Lato Sensu?

There are different types of postgraduate courses, each with its own objectives and characteristics.

For example, postgraduate studies broad sense, also known as specialization, is a course focused on a specific area of knowledge.

It is intended for professionals who wish to specialize in a specific field to improve their skills and expand their career opportunities.

In short, these courses usually last between 12 and 24 months and are regulated by the Ministry of Education (MEC) in Brazil.

In turn, there is also postgraduate studies Stricto Sensu, what includes master's and doctoral programs.

Therefore, these courses are more focused on academic and scientific research, although they can also prepare students for the job market.

For example, the Master's degree It lasts 2 to 3 years, the master's degree can be academic or professional.

The academic master's degree is focused on research and culminates in the writing of a dissertation, while the professional master's degree focuses on the practical application of knowledge, without neglecting research.

As well as, the PhD, lasting 4 to 5 years, the doctorate is a continuation of the master's degree and aims to train high-level researchers who contribute significantly to scientific and academic production.

The course ends with the defense of an original thesis.

Read also: How online courses work at FGV

2. How to choose a graduate degree: consider your career goals

Here, before diving into a sea of courses, it is essential to be clear about your professional goals.

So, what direction do you want to take in your career? Are you looking for a promotion? A change of field? Or are you looking to become an expert in a specific niche?

With this defined vision, you will have a guide to guide your search. In addition, evaluate whether the chosen postgraduate course aligns with your long-term plans and whether the skills and knowledge acquired will help you achieve your goals.

3. Job market: analyzing opportunities

Upon knowing how to choose a postgraduate course, Keep in mind that your dream option is not always the most advantageous for the job market.

Therefore, it is crucial to carry out in-depth research into the demands and trends in your area of activity.

For example, what are the skills and qualifications most in demand by companies?

Identify the hot niches and areas with the greatest growth potential.

This analysis will give you a realistic view of the opportunities that will open up after completing the course and will allow you to choose a postgraduate course that will make you stand out in the market.

4. Quality of the course and the institution

When choosing a postgraduate course, don't just focus on the name of the institution or the reputation of the course.

Take time to research the quality of the program and the reputation of the educational institution.

Also, check the curriculum, the experience of the teaching staff, the available infrastructure and the teaching resources offered.

Additionally, assess whether the institution offers technical support, tutoring, and other forms of assistance to students.

These resources can be essential, especially in courses that require the completion of complex projects or the conduct of in-depth research.

In short, also analyze the results of evaluations and rankings, looking for institutions recognized for their academic excellence.

5. How to choose a postgraduate course: consider the teaching methodology

The way you learn directly impacts your performance and the quality of your postgraduate experience.

Therefore, evaluate the teaching methodology used by the course, checking whether it suits your learning style.

In this sense, there are several methodologies, such as face-to-face classes, distance learning, practical projects, case studies and seminars.

Each one has its advantages and disadvantages, so analyze which one will allow you to absorb the content more effectively and engagingly.

6. Cost and return on investment

How to choose a postgraduate degree? Consider the cost and the return!

The cost of a postgraduate degree can vary significantly, and it is important to consider both the financial investment and the expected return.

Therefore, calculate all the costs involved, including registration, monthly fees, teaching materials and possible travel or accommodation expenses.

Also evaluate opportunities for scholarships, student financing and other forms of financial support that the institution may offer.

In short, a quality course justifies the investment.

But, it is crucial to ensure that you will be able to cover the costs without compromising your financial stability.

Therefore, consider the potential for salary increases and the career opportunities that a postgraduate degree can provide.

Research the market and talk to professionals who have already completed the course to understand whether the investment will bring the expected returns.

7. How to choose a postgraduate course: check the quality of the teaching staff

Here, the teaching staff is a determining factor in the quality of any postgraduate course.

Teachers with practical experience in the field, relevant publications and a good network of contacts can immensely enrich your educational experience.

Therefore, pay attention to the professors' resumes and research their academic and professional contributions.

Good faculty not only impart knowledge, but also inspire and guide students, offering valuable insights and networking opportunities.

Furthermore, teachers with a solid academic and professional background can bring real and contemporary cases to the classroom.

Providing more applied and contextualized learning, which is essential for quality training.

Conclusion

To know How to choose a postgraduate degree It is a complex decision that requires careful analysis of several factors.

Align the course with your professional goals, evaluate the quality of the teaching staff, consider the infrastructure, flexibility and cost of the course.

In addition to the institution's reputation, these are fundamental steps to ensure that you make the right choice.

Ultimately, investing time in this research can make all the difference in the success of your professional career.

Andre Neri June 28, 2024

Career