Is it time to stop chasing "just one more qualification"?
- Sian Kneller
- Aug 6
- 2 min read
So many of us Millennials, and increasingly Gen Z, are caught in the cycle of “just another Master’s,” “one more certificate,” or “maybe an MBA,” before we ever actually jump into the workforce or pivot paths.
Quick reality check: I’m not talking about essential degrees like medicine, pharmacy, or PhDs in core fields, those genuinely open doors and are often essential. I’m talking about stacking postgraduate credentials in hopes of getting hired, that often don’t pay off.
📊 What the data actually say:
Nearly 43% of Master’s programs deliver a negative ROI, meaning graduates earn less over time than if they had stopped at a Bachelor’s degree.(1)
Gen Z graduates holding Master’s degrees now face an unemployment rate of 5.8%, notably above the 4.1% national average, and up from 3% a year earlier.(2)
MBA programs can cost $100K or more, and unless they’re from top-tier schools, it can take years to recoup the investment, and often still underperform the earnings of someone who used that time to get relevant experience instead.
✅ What actually moves the needle:
Instead of getting yet more qualifications, here’s what works:
Get real experience: even via stepping‑stone roles that build transferable skills.
Build practical competencies: think digital literacy, AI, project management, stakeholder engagement, data analysis, etc.
Show your work: be visible in your field, write articles, engage online, speak up where it matters.
Network smart: make sure that the people who would hire you already know or trust you.
If your dream role feels out of reach, ask yourself: “What role today gives me the transferable skills I need for the next step?” That’s your path forward, not another classroom.
Bottom line: piling more letters after your name doesn’t guarantee a job, a salary increase, or career progression. A strategic plan focused on skills, experience, and visibility does.
You're better off building something real now than banking on a degree down the line. Let’s be strategic, not credential collectors.
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