Short term professional courses vs full time master’s: How to make the right cho

Posted by rajaram patil on December 27th, 2019

Which should you choose? Can short term professional programs really make a difference in your career? The author discusses the a few pointers to keep in mind while choosing the right course for your future. 

Students of this generation are faced with more challenges than before. With the competition increasing in every segment, they are struggling to find decent employment with their college degrees. They are confused about which courses to pursue that can help them in getting the job of their dreams and ensure a long term career growth. Adding to their dilemma is employers’ preferences in hiring candidates with the latest skill sets.

But there is also a good side to it. Students now have more options available to them in terms of study and career choices. With the short term professional courses after graduation thrown into the picture the situation has become a whole lot more attractive. Students, who don’t want to pursue a career in academic, or are in a hurry to finish education and start a career these short term courses are ideal. These courses will help you develop the skills to start in a fancy corporate profile right after the course. However, just don’t jump to a conclusion immediately and don’t discard the full-time courses yet. Here are a few things to consider before you enrol for any program.

Consider the time: The full-time master’s program after graduation are normally of 2-3 years duration, whereas, a diploma program is of 1 or 2 years, and certification program have even shorter duration. If you are in a hurry to start a career that’ll help you and your family financially, then a short term program is great for you. But in this case, you may also miss out the detailed curriculum taught in full-time courses.

Consider the curriculum: Your choice of study will impact what you learn from the course. The full-time programs normally have a well thought out curriculum, with a focus to build the base before imparting advanced specialisation. On the other hand, a short duration program has a tight curriculum - focused and curated to deliver niche knowledge, and don’t give a time to clear your fundamentals. So if you choose a professional course, be prepared to learn too much within a short period.

Tuition fees: The costs associated with the course will depend on your choice of program or specialisation. Since, diploma programs are of shorter duration they cost less than a full-time program. But full-time programs often have scholarship facilities which can reduce the burden on your pocket. You can search online and compare the costs of different programs to find one that will fit in your budget. Also, inquire if they have scholarship programs.

Flexibility: Shorter duration means more time to pursue other options. With a short duration program you can also enrol for internship to fortify your learning with hands-on experience. This is especially a great option for students pursuing a career in Financial Market or Stock Broking; where practical experience is valued more.

Short term professional courses after graduation: A tough decision?

Do you think it’s a difficult decision? Not really. Professional courses are designed to offer niche knowledge. And, the employer doesn’t mind how much time you have spent in your education if you can meet their demand. For some courses, like business management studies, the employers don’t differentiate between MBA, which is a degree, and PGDM. Both PGDM and MBA students enjoy excellent corporate opportunities post their education and climb high in the organizational ladder.

The choice really depends on your career objectives. But if you are looking for a career right after your education, select a short term professional program that will help you develop the skills that will let you cut-through the market.

Rajaram Patil writes for online blogs and portals. He is also involved in developing courses content for management students. To find out more information, visit: https://www.itm.edu/.