Reason #2: the network
Do not disregard the value of connections.
Lifelong networks comprising of your peers, expert
lecturers and industry thought leaders are a major
feature of postgraduate programmes. This benefit
is particularly true for programmes where the
faculty or academic staff are active in, and highly
regarded for their involvement in industry.
Even more so when they navigate outside
academia on behalf of their students. Programmes
that provide direct contact and open conversations
help students to build meaningful relationships
with industry practitioners, thought leaders and of
course the alumni.
A postgraduate programme designed with the
future in mind will undoubtedly build a network of
collaborators who will continue to soundboard and
work together on projects, even and especially
as personal goals and careers evolve. These two
motivations are interdependent in many ways.
Posited as a counterargument, why would anyone
pursue postgraduate studies in a field you may be
lukewarm about, or engage with individuals with
little or no common interests?
Embarking on this venture would then be a waste
of intellect, energy and resources – not only of
yourself, but also those of peers, specialist tutors
and just about anyone else involved. Here we have
the crux of the matter: what sets further education
apart?
It involves so much more than merely a perceived
advance to a job or promotion. Rather, it is a
lifelong pursuit of personal growth, developing
and strengthening collaborative relationships - and
achieving collective changemaking. You should
invest yourself in postgraduate studies because
the field is of significance to you, and if your
contribution matters to you.
Founded in 1999 by a
breakaway group of
pioneers,
mavericks
and innovators; Vega
was born in response
to the urgent need to
shift the paradigm of
conventional marketing
communications.
A
rapidly changing world
called for a new school
of thought and we
answered that call.
Dr Carla Enslin, Vega Co-founder
Head of Strategy & New Business Development
Vega is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd which is registered with the
Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the
Higher Education Act, 1997 (reg. no. 2007/HE07/002). Company registration number: 1987/004754/07