How a Graduate Degree Advanced My Career

Looking to boost your career prospects? A graduate degree might do the trick. But now you might be wondering is a graduate degree worth it? With undergraduate degrees on the rise, a graduate degree can set you apart in today’s job market. The difference between an undergraduate degree and graduate degree is that an undergraduate degree provides foundational skills and typically leads to entry-level jobs, while a graduate degree can help advance your skills in a specialized field, potentially advancing your career opportunities. According to Career Builder.com, nearly a third of employers have increased the educational requirements of their employees. Now more than ever, attaining a graduate degree is a practical and valuable asset to have in the current job pool.

Don’t just take our word for it. Here are a few stories from current and former UNW graduate students, demonstrating the difference an undergraduate degree vs. a graduate degree can make, what jobs you can get with a graduate degree, and how advancing your education can improve your career.

Ty R.’s Story: From High School Student to Senior Analyst

Following in his parents’ footsteps by attending UNW, Ty chose to jump-start his college education while still in high school. Ty enrolled in UNW’s PSEO program, earning 68 college credits by high school graduation. With a head start in college, Ty then pursued a UNW undergraduate degree in Data Analytics with an accelerated path to a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA).

By the age of 21, Ty completed both his undergraduate degree and his MBA. A year later, he is climbing the corporate ladder, putting his degrees to good use as Senior Data Visualization Analyst for Fastenal.

When asked about his experience at UNW, Ty praised the community and connection he witnessed as a student. He says, “Even in online classes, professors like Dr. Jessa Nelson and Professor Villabos made the experience personal and meaningful. That kind of mentoring sticks with you.”

At the age of just 22 years old, Ty exemplifies how an accelerated graduate degree program can further your career.

John J.’s Story: How Changing Course Elevated His Career Goals

John began his academic pursuits at UNW in the Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) program. With his long-term aspirations of becoming an executive leader and business owner, John soon discovered a different program might be a better fit for his pursuits. Through the guidance of his academic advisor and the mentorship of his professors, John shifted from the MOL to the MBA (with an emphasis in Management), which still gave him the leadership skills he desired, while also expanding his skills in business.

Today, John is currently working in healthcare, and is better prepared to achieve his career goals with the business and leadership skills attained through his graduate degree.

Michael L.’s Story: Faith and Determination in the Face of Hardships

After serving in the military in Iraq, Michael was inspired to matriculate to UNW at the reference of a fellow veteran and follower of Jesus. Through his faith in Christ and his determination to further his career in healthcare, Michael took the next step to finish his undergraduate degree in spite of his scars from the military.

From facing dust storms in Iraq, sleepless nights on base, and the stifled ache of missing home, now Michael was taking on new challenges: late-night study sessions, homework-filled weekends, learning new technology, all while supporting his family and working full-time. Michael took these hurdles head-on and was resolved to complete his degree. But life, as it so often does, had more challenges in store for Michael.

Struggles with PTSD, strains in his personal life, and a cancer diagnosis all came to a head. Feeling the weight of these burdens, Michael’s personal life began to crumble. More than once, he considered quitting his educational pursuits. But God, as He so often does, had a better plan.

With the support and encouragement from UNW professors and staff, Michael’s determination and perseverance was reignited. He explains, “UNW was incredibly supportive and gave me the opportunity to get my life back on track. I was still motivated to continue my studies, but I knew that I didn’t have to worry about that until things were steadier at home.” UNW didn’t just provide him with an education, but also a sense of purpose and community.

Michael continued his studies and successfully earned his undergraduate degree. He currently works at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. The skills he acquired from his bachelor’s degree (with an emphasis in healthcare) perfectly apply to his career.

Feeling God’s call for him was “much bigger,” Michael decided to advance his education further by pursuing a graduate degree. He was even offered a scholarship through his place of employment, but he turned it down to continue his education at UNW. Michael is now working on his Master’s of Organizational Leadership (MOL) degree at UNW, building upon the foundational skills from his UNW undergraduate degree. More importantly, he is thriving at work, at home, in his faith, and is now cancer free.

When discussing his choice to enroll again at UNW instead of taking the full scholarship offered through work, Michael explains, “you need to follow your heart and have the hard conversations with yourself and God. A free education means nothing if you can’t put your heart into an organization that doesn’t give you its heart back. UNW gives its heart to all students and I will always be proud to be a part of the UNW family.”

Through these stories of grit, faith, and determination, we can see the difference one decision can make. The decision to further your education is a big step, but also a rewarding one. As explained by Ty, John, and Michael, the benefits of gaining a graduate degree aren’t limited to career advancement. They also extend into various aspects of life, such as faith, community, and purpose.

At University of Northwestern, our goal is to equip our students to fulfill their career goals, gain valuable skills, build resilience, and grow in their relationship with God. We are here to offer unwavering support and prayer in your academic endeavors. If you are ready to take the next step in your education, see how a graduate degree from UNW can benefit you.