Further education is more than just an academic pursuit - it’s an investment in personal and professional growth. For many of us, it provides the opportunity to refine our expertise, expand our networks, and open doors to new career paths.

As someone who pursued a master’s in international journalism after completing a law and politics degree, I can confidently say that my decision to continue my education has been instrumental in helping myself discover passions and ignite a career path.

The Decision to Pursue a Master’s

After completing my undergraduate degree, I recognised that my passion lay in media, analysis, and communication.

While my background in law and politics gave me a strong foundation in critical thinking, research, political and legal thought, I knew that further education would provide the specialist training and industry connections necessary to excel in journalism and PR.

A master’s programme offered the chance to develop hands-on skills, learn from industry professionals, at a well-respected school and gain access to skills and opportunities that would be key to propelling myself into a career. I wanted to immerse myself in an environment that would challenge me, learn new things and to grow and refine my craft.

The Benefits of Further Education

Specialised Knowledge and Skills

Further education allows for deep dives into specific disciplines. My master’s equipped me with broadcasting techniques, advanced news coverage and reporting skills and practical journalism and communication abilities. These skills were not only theoretical but applied in real-world practical scenarios, making me industry-ready from day one.

Career Development and Opportunities

A postgraduate degree provides a competitive edge in the job market. It signals to employers that you have the dedication, expertise, and work ethic to succeed in your chosen field. My master’s allowed me to find a job role I was passionate about stepping out of university.

Networking and Industry Connections

Being part of a master’s programme meant engaging with peers, professors, and industry leaders. These connections proved invaluable, whether that was mentorship from a lecturer, team coordination with peers or unique programme experiences - exclusive to the master’s course.  

Beyond professional networking, studying at a postgraduate level also provided the opportunity to work closely with young postgraduates from diverse backgrounds. Engaging with fellow students in discussions, group projects, and social events fostered a strong sense of community, and enhanced my ability to communicate effectively across different perspectives in ways that an undergraduate degree could not offer as extensively.

The experience of collaborating with like-minded individuals in a dynamic academic and practical newsroom setting not only expanded my professional network but also enriched my personal development, strengthening my confidence in both formal and informal communication settings.

Personal Growth and Adaptability

The challenges of postgraduate study - meeting tight deadlines, conducting in-depth research, and balancing multiple projects, as well as managing extra-curricular responsibilities - helped me refine my time management, resilience, and adaptability. These are transferable skills that benefit any career path.

Demonstrating the Value of Further Education

BlueSky Education is a company that works closely with universities and business schools, we firmly believe in the transformative power of further education. Investing in learning, whether through a master’s programme, executive education, or professional development courses, equips individuals with the knowledge and confidence to drive change in their industries.

But don’t just take it from me, BlueSky is full of successful communication professionals, grateful for the pursuit they took to gain further higher education qualifications and the benefits it gave them.

“When the pandemic hit, I was abroad doing work, hoping to improve my Spanish. Unfortunately, I had to return home at a moment’s notice, only to find that the job market was practically non-existent. It turned out to be the perfect time to go back to school.

“My master’s degree taught me to think more critically, engage with—and persuade—people with bigger brains (and bigger egos) than mine, and write compellingly. All of which has been invaluable for a career in PR.

“Would I have pursued a master’s without the pandemic? Who knows… but given my fallback plan was 'hope for the best', I think I made the right call. Even the worst crises need good spin.” - Alex Lopez, an Account Manager at BlueSky Education, who graduated with a Master’s in International Security Studies from the University of St Andrews.

“I got a lot of time to read, think, and write, which, for me, are the best ways to spend time.

“I think that the pursuit of knowledge is valuable in itself, and a PhD allows you the time, space and structure to pursue that intensely for a while.” - Tom Willis, a Senior Account Executive at BlueSky Education, who graduated with a Master’s and Doctorate from UCL and became a graduate researcher at Yale University.

For those considering further education, the decision should be seen as more than an academic pursuit - it’s an opportunity to sharpen expertise, build meaningful connections, and accelerate career growth. We understand this because we’ve experienced it firsthand. Further education leads to great things, and we are proud to champion its value every step of the way through the work that we do.

Author: Adam Kelly-Moore

Adam understands how to tap into current news and ensure his clients’ voices are heard. He secures strategic media visibility for renowned institutions from around the world, including Trinity Business School, Hult International Business School, and more. Adam understands the value of higher education first-hand, having achieved his undergraduate degree in Law and Politics at Cardiff University, a respected Russell Group institution, Adam built on his academic success with a Masters in International Journalism, at Cardiff’s School of Journalism, Media and Culture.