24 Apr Will COVID19 affect my 2020-21? A four-step guide for graduating students of 2020
If you are a graduating student, read on.
You are not alone.
There are thousands of young adults like you who have been mulling over this question. The Covid-19 outbreak has perhaps shelved a lot of plans, and if not, it has most definitely planted seeds of doubt.
While it is always difficult to predict future, unless you are an astrologer, it is possible to see broad direction and see a few emerging trends.
You may be thinking of: Is this the right time for you to pursue a Master’s program?
Well, the rhetorical answer is: there has never been a better time! On a serious note, COVID19 has knocked the wind out of world economy. In all likelihood, 2020 is a washout year. We will see the Indian and global economy getting some stability only in 2021. It makes sense to invest in your career now and reap the benefits when the economy is on an uptick.
To make it easy, we have four-step guide for you.
Remember, you are looking at 2021.
And that’s the good news. This 2020, follow our formulae and work towards higher education.
1. Take a good look at yourself:
Take the time now to learn everything about yourself. Are you prepared to take on graduate school? Have you gotten around researching your subject of interest? Do you have the time, energy and money? What are you passionate about? And does this passion take you towards your long-term goals?
You could take your engineering degree ahead or if you realize that your forte is business, then a master’s in business administration or finance would make sense. But to get this answer, you must reflect upon yourself journey so far.
We do agree that some of you may not know these answers at all. Some of you may even have difficulty in figuring your passion. While, some may realize that they have a skill that could be honed with a future program. The key point here is that the world needs specialists more than ever before. Gone are the days of building a long-term career on the strength of a bachelors degree. Talk to our experts and evaluate your options.
2. Take a good look around you:
Now, ask yourself: do you want to be part of the global workforce? If so, which part of the world interests you? Which university would you like to go to?
Prepare for your tests- A Master’s program would mean prepping for tests that are mandatory for admission purposes. These would largely be the GRE or GMAT. Staying at home during Covid-19 doesn’t come in the way at all as online training is available to you. Prepping and cracking the test is literally an arm’s length away. You can take up to 5 test opportunities in the GRE or GMAT and submit your best scores. (link here )
Do you have a role model? If yes, your role model could speak to you about their experiences and choices. If a role model is a family member, he or she could help you in assessing yourself.
You could speak to a peer who took a path similar to you and could therefore mentor you. EduPeer can step in here with the ‘Ask A Mentor’ program. We have mentors across the world who have already taken on journeys towards higher education. Speaking to a mentor would help you to zoom in and out of your choices.
Prepare for your tests- A Master’s program would mean prepping for tests that are mandatory for admission purposes. These would largely be the GRE or GMAT. Staying at home during Covid-19 doesn’t come in the way at all as online training is available to you. Prepping and cracking the test is literally an arm’s length away. You can take up to 5 test opportunities in the GRE or GMAT and submit your best scores.
Look around at fields that have potential future growth, not only in terms of higher education but even career growth and compensation. This point holds true for both students and working professionals.
3. Take a good look at the programs and schools:
Once you have identified your area of interest, then it’s time to study it thoroughly. How will the program help you? Are you qualified enough? Are you aware of other people who have enrolled in it before? Is the masters the final step? Or would there be a doctorate available as well?
Look at schools in detail. Do they offer you the specialization that you are looking for? Is the program affordable? Is there any financial assistance available? What test scores are required? Are you equipped to write out your Statement of purpose? All schools lay down a set of mandatory guidelines that help to through the application process.
4. Now, take a look at the next decade
You must plan for the next decade. Whatever may be your education goal, it needs to prepare you for the job market of the next decade. Getting into a university of your choice and availing of a program of your choice is a long and competitive process. And this begins with contending amongst thousands of test scores. Train and prepare in this time to achieve the best possible scores that could put you into top percentile categories.
In a period of uncertainty, going back to school and acquiring new skills would mean expanding your horizons and being prepared for what the future offers. A Master’s degree from an international university is a highly coveted achievement. Go in with your eyes open and with a plan. Think about your best-case scenarios and your worst-case ones too. The truth remains that nobody is really prepared for an economic event. A similar gamble could be in play for many other life decisions like buying a house, losing a job or having a baby. Stay agile, become adaptable, be a life-long learner. Even in an uncertain world, you can chart your own path.