Don't rush this crucial decision

Choosing the right degree, not just any degree, is now more important than ever for your future career, writes Dr Ronald K Chung

In our debut column, I pledged to make these articles a resource for graduate-level degree programmes in Hong Kong. I'm sure many of you eagerly awaited this week's article, intending to pick a course, complete it as soon as possible, leap into a great job and live happily ever after!

Well, "happily ever after" doesn't happen in real life and picking just any course isn't exactly what we want you to do either.

Choosing a programme is something to do very carefully. Unfortunately, many plunge ahead without due consideration and are stuck with their mistake for the rest of their life. Am I being too serious? By no means - not when you're in my position and get to see hundreds of resumés.

Have you ever come across a resumé with five Master's degrees on it? What do you think a prospective employer will do when he sees that? It will definitely attract attention... but as for getting a job? Maybe not.

So, please take a moment to answer the following :
You want to spend your time and money on a Master's degree because:
(A) You have time and/or money to spare.
(B) You want more letters after your name.
(C) You want to build a foundation for future career progress.
(D) None of the above.

If you answered (A) or (B), please send your money to my PO Box and move on to live "happily ever after". If your answer is (D), you may want to stick around or take a few days for soul-searching. If your answer is (C), the next move is going to be crucial so let's think carefully.

For most of us, the decision will have career implications - at least that's what we hope. If so, a prerequisite is a critical look into your future to evaluate how the degree you're considering will help you.

For instance, consider Ron, aged 22, with a BA in Economics from a respectable university. Instead of joining the workforce, he decided to take a Master's degree. Knowing that an MBA is the most popular master's degree, he opted for a local university offering a one year full-time MBA programme.

If we fast-forward a year, we see Ron getting his newly-minted MBA. He sends his resumé to you as a prospective employer. You see a good undergraduate degree and, wow... an MBA, but no experience. What do you do?

I know what a number of my friends at banks would do - kick the resumé straight out. To be a 23-year-old MBA looking for a job is tough. In this case, the MBA on the resumé won't help the job- seeker. It will, however, help the employer to screen him out. Clearly, this is not a smart career-building move.

The moral of the story is... before you choose a Master's programme, look ahead and see which degree will help you build a great career. Don't jump into a programme that does nothing to increase your personal value. Definitely avoid those that may derail your career and, before choosing, remember the guy with five Master's degrees and our 23-year-old MBA. Don't make those mistakes.

Your next assignment - close your eyes, relax and think hard about how a Master's degree can help your career. You can email the assignment to DrChung@etbc.com.hk

Until next time, work hard and play hard.

Acknowledgement Dr Ronald K Chung is academic development director of the ET Business College, a member of the Hong Kong Economic Times Group. He has worked for a number of private companies and universities in the United States, as well as Hong Kong's Consumer Council. To contact Dr Chung, please write to DrChung@etbc.com.hk.

Taken from Career Times 2003/09/05