Securing your future with postgraduate study

An ever-changing global economy means most of us will pivot in our career numerous times. But how do you combat a market that requires professional agility? A postgraduate degree is your answer to unlocking new options, untapped opportunities and access to greater income.

Move with the market

The last few years have been living proof that things change - and quickly. Markets adapt, economies shift and innovation is born out of challenging times. While the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world as we know it, the need for agility produced emerging technologies and creative solutions that can only come from innovation born from necessity. There’s never been a more important time to move with the market, transforming your expertise to match the demands of the job market. It could be that you’re getting left behind as the industry evolves forward, or maybe you’ve been energised with inspiration to switch to the career you’ve always wanted. No matter your motive, postgraduate study is a foolproof solution to ensuring you can adapt in a market that requires constant evolution.

Join the upskilling boom in Australia

There has been a huge increase in demand for postgraduate courses as Australians look to upskill, with domestic demand doubling at many universities. Data on fee-help lending for 2021 compiled by the education department shows that full-fee paying loans have doubled or tripled at some universities this year. At UNSW, enrolments are expected to rise by 30% this year for domestic postgraduate students. This continues the trend set in 2020, when enrolments were up by 26% year on year. It’s official – we have an upskilling boom, with postgraduate enrolments rising 63% since the start of the pandemic. Need more proof that upskilling is right for you? A recent survey conducted by the Australian Department of Education and Training found that 88% of UNSW postgraduate students find employment within a few months of graduating.

Future-proof your career

The days of sticking it out in one job for your entire career are over. Lifetime job security is a thing of the past, with the World Economic Forum estimating that by 2022 more than 42% of core skills required to perform existing jobs are expected to change. While the stats are sobering, it provides a clear message for those chasing long-term job security – adapt with the world to continue thriving. Postgraduate study is your ticket to showcasing your ability to learn and grow in trying times. It gives you real-world skills and knowledge that will keep you ahead of the curve and enhance your existing expertise. Secure your future career at UNSW, which has climbed the QS Graduate Employability rankings to produce the 27th most employable graduates in the world in 2020.

Grow your career

You’re no longer in the stage of your career where you need to answer to anyone, so take control and add to your specialisation with a postgraduate degree. The knowledge you’ve acquired over your various roles means that, with the addition of a UNSW postgraduate degree, you can fast-track your career progression. The enhanced skillset you'll gain through lifelong learning will give you a competitive edge, ensuring you stand out in job interviews and for promotions. Your specialised knowledge will make you a highly sought-after professional, increasing your earning potential and ensuring every day at work is as rewarding as the last.

As a bonus, your postgraduate studies will also connect you with like-minded professionals so you can build your professional network, hear about industry developments first and open doors to new opportunities. Don’t just take our word for it – the Australian Department of Education and Training survey found that UNSW offers the highest postgraduate median salary in the country. While the university average sits at just under $90K per annum, UNSW graduates enjoy a yearly salary median of around $110K.