When you start out in your chosen field of work, you likely do so with the intention of simply getting started and learning as much as possible in an entry-level position.
However, as you progress in your career and gain more experience, you might find that you would like to assume a role of greater responsibility so that you can make more of a difference in your field.
Even though you might have aspirations of advancing in your career, there are certain industries wherein advancement isn’t possible without certain degrees or qualifications.
Before you can start looking at career advancement opportunities, it is important that you identify precisely what sort of degrees or qualifications are going to be necessary for your potential career aspirations.
While every industry is going to be different, there are a great many wherein you will find that a master’s degree of some sort is a baseline requirement for a promotion.
Earning a master’s degree isn’t the easiest thing that you will ever do, but it might very well be necessary in your line of work if you hope to be promoted to a position of greater responsibility in your job.
Here are four of the more common career paths that require a master’s degree in order to get ahead.
1. School Principal
Not all educators aspire to assume the position of a school principal or headteacher. It is, however, one of the most important roles in education.
School principals are the highest rank in responsibility when it comes to the education and wellbeing of students.
Moreover, they are responsible for ensuring that all teachers and faculty at a school are equipped with the support and resources that they need to be as effective as possible in their respective roles.
If you are currently working as a teacher and see yourself one day working as a school principal, you will certainly need to earn your masters in education.
Such degree programs give learners the tools and knowledge that they need to assume higher roles in the field of education.
With courses in management, education theory, and communication, you will find yourself exploring the deeper facets of education so that you can implement the best practices at your school.
Generally speaking, a master’s degree of this nature can be earned in roughly 24 months.
It is also the sort of degree that can be completed entirely online if that is something that works better with your current work situation.
Remember, too, that there is no substitute for experience when it comes to becoming a school principal.
This means that earning your degree online might be the best option as it will allow you to continue to obtain valuable education while also earning your degree.
2. Computer and Information Research Scientist
The world of computer sciences is one that is becoming one of the most prominent industries in the world.
With so much of business and the world, in general, taking to the internet and storing data in digital formats, the need for skilled and knowledgeable computer scientists is only going to continue to grow.
Furthermore, there are so many types of jobs that are available to those who work in computer science. You might choose to work on the front end of things by developing and programming software.
There are also a variety of jobs for those who wish to work as analysts and researchers working to identify and solve problems in the field.
One of the most important areas of computer sciences today is that of cybersecurity, where experts seek to keep digital data and systems protected from cyberattacks.
If you would like to pursue any of these types of jobs in cybersecurity, you will need to earn a master’s degree that is specific to the job you are after.
It is only with a relevant master’s degree that you can progress in your career and assume the particular position that you are interested in.
While an undergraduate degree will get you through the door in computer science and allow you to pursue an entry-level position, more complex and intricate work is reserved for those who have earned the appropriate level of education.
3. Architect
The field of architecture is one that holds an important place in society.
As cities continue to grow and develop, and as more and more investors seek to rebuild and renovate older structures, the need for skilled architects will continue to grow.
However, if you wish to work as a fully qualified architect one day, you will need to first earn your master’s degree.
A master’s degree in architecture can take as little as one year, and as long as three years to earn. Because of the practical nature of the work, there are going to be certain courses that don’t translate well to an online format.
Furthermore, as you come to the end of your degree program, you will need to complete a master’s project in order to receive your degree.
4. Engineering
Even though you can find work as a fully qualified engineer without a master’s degree, anyone looking to get ahead and seek out opportunities for advancement will need to equip themselves with such a degree.
This is mainly because there are so many areas that an engineer can specialize in that the best way to pursue a specialization is to earn a degree relevant to the work.
For instance, for an engineer who would like to pursue a career in research and development or product design, a master’s degree is essential.
The good news is that the company you already work for as an engineer might very well offer some sort of scheme to encourage you to continue your education.
This would be an investment in your future at that company, so be sure that you are happy with the company you are employed at. It might very well be a worthwhile track to consider.