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House Feature | Regulars

Crossroads Of A Poly Graduate

According to reports, polytechnic graduates may be enjoying better pay and job prospects in recent years, but deciding between entering the workforce or going to university is by no means straightforward.
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You’ve just passed a major milestone: graduation. Armed with your shining diploma certificate, the world may be your oyster but you’re not entirely sure where to go next. While recent trends may show better pay and job prospects for poly grads than before, there are still many factors to consider. Will you be able to climb the career ladder with just your diploma, or should you deepen your expertise by furthering your studies? Every possibility comes with its own pros and cons, so take time to consider your options before making the next move.

The Half-and-Half

> Compromise can be a powerful tool. Instead of choosing between the two, why not find freelance or part-time work while studying part-time for your degree? You’ll be drawing an income that can be used to fund your studies and pay for your daily expenses while simultaneously pursuing your studies, which will set you up for better promotion prospects in the future.

On the flipside, this may also mean you’re taking more time to complete your studies. It can be difficult to balance various responsibilities, and you might find yourself feeling drained out, which in turn, might affect your work performance or your grades. Ask yourself if you’re ready for the pressure and take some time to evaluate how well you deal with stress.

Into The Deep

> Perhaps you’re not interested in getting a degree or just want to dive straight into work for one reason or the other. Drawing a regular salary and gaining valuable work experience is definitely a great option! This way, you’ll get a head-start compared to your peers who are conscripted for National Service or furthering their studies at a university.

While there’s nothing wrong with this option, consider what it could potentially mean for your career progression in the long haul. Depending on your industry and organisation, you might find that not having a degree may affect your chances of getting a promotion. If climbing up the career ladder is important to you, this is something that you should definitely keep in mind. Also consider if you want to go back to university after gaining a few years of work experience to circumvent this.

Back To The Books

> Maybe it’s time to revisit the books again. Diving straight back into university means you’re likely to graduate with your degree earlier, and also enjoy the opportunity to relish campus life. For most of us, time spent in university is our final chance to experience the relative freedom of being a student, so why not live for the moment?

This option isn’t for everyone, of course. The lack of income means finances can be an issue, especially if you’re unable to secure a scholarship. It’s all about weighing the possibilities against what’s realistic and most suitable for you, and making your decision from there.