Introduction
Life after graduation can be challenging, especially if the student in question is not adequately prepared for the outside world eventualities. It can be even more challenging, if the person involved has not taken time to think about the possibilities that may present themselves after graduation, and if a lot of research has not been done on these possibilities, as this may affect the quality of decision that the student may make, which impacts either directly or indirectly in their future career prospects. This paper discusses the options of joining a graduate program, or taking up a job offer in a bank in the author’s home country. Attempts will be made to try and analyze both options with regard to the opportunities that they present and the pros and cons of the same. The choice of these two options is informed by the information available, that these are the main popular options that students tend to take after graduation.
The prospect of either taking up a graduate program, or going back to my country to take up some banking job is a subject of interrogation, by laying down all the parameters and ultimately deciding on the merits of each. A brief description of each of these activities will assist in this task. To begin with, we address the expectations from each of the options identified above.
Description/ expectation
Graduate program
For this program, the experience will not differ significantly from our current operations. Duties and responsibilities as well as the experience is more or less the same as the current, with a difference arising from the fact that the educational program is a little advanced, and more narrowed down to a particular aspect of the major. It’s also expected that at the graduate program, there will be more participation from me as the student, than it is the case currently. The mode of testing will also be a little advanced, with a project or a thesis forming the ultimate evaluation tool to gauge my academic development.
In contrast with the graduate program, the job that I intend to take with is quite different from the school program. The expectations are also different, with more responsibilities as opposed to the life of a student. Also, unlike college that has irregular study hours, the job would entail working from 8am to 5pm, constantly from Monday to Friday, unless otherwise agreed. A typical day would involve waking up at 6am to prepare myself, take breakfast and leave the house at about half past seven so as to be able to beat the traffic to the office and be there by 8am. Sometimes though, there is a possibility that I will be called upon to put in more hours especially when there is something to be checked with the banks systems. This job will be associated with very minimal hazards especially occupational, mainly because of the nature of the work that I shall be engaged in.
Education/entrance requirements
Graduate program
Good grades in my current undergraduate program should guarantee me a place in the graduate class. Of course, a formal application plus the ability to pay the required fees are a prerequisite. To attain these good grades, it means that I have to begin working really hard in my studies, and especially in my major which is international technology, as good grades in this are necessary. Its also a requirement that I shall have to sit for some specialized graduate entry tests/examinations which must also be passed.
Job offer
For me to be able to get this particular job and also succeed in the same there is need for a clear understanding of the job requirements, and training on the same. In the bank, I intent to be a risk management assistant, working hand in hand with others in the risk management department, where we shall be expected to manage the banks security system, and therefore, proper understanding of international technology will be important. An internship program during the holidays will also be important in sharpening my skills before the actual ob.
Aptitude
Graduate program
As earlier stated, one must demonstrate their capacity to take this graduate program at the university, and this is done mainly by ensuring that there is a very strict selection criteria, which has to ensure that the students taken for the program are actually not only able to succeed with regard to grasping the teachings, but also have the financial muscle to pay for the program. The student must also demonstrate their grasp of wider spheres on the subject, and also express unreserved willingness to pursue a career as chosen. The most common methods of entry is working hard during the undergraduate program, and also having the zeal to further ones education at the university’s graduate program.
Job offer
For this proposed job, it’s important that the incumbent have the capacity to handle the facilities security and technology issues on their own at any given time, and therefore, I must seek a lot of training on this by either attending to banking sector information sessions or simply doing an internship with one of the leading banks so as to learn on the operations of the bank.
For one to succeed in this job, it’s imperative that they have to be good in technology as well as mathematical issues. This is because, for one to resolve financial issues, they must be able to understand how accounting works so as not to be in the dark, even in their own operations. The most common methods of getting this job are to make many applications, and also for one to networks so as to ensure that they are employable.
Outlook and salary expectations
Graduate program
If I pursue this graduate program, then there is a great opportunity that I shall be able to get employment all over the world as a long as one has the valid working documents. From experience, most of the people in this graduate program are either in very stable jobs, or running their own enterprises. On completion of this graduate program, I may even decide to teach at the university.
Job offer
In the event that the banking job is available, then a handsome salary awaits, especially if the bank is doing ok. This is because risk management is a very critical docket in the banking industry and the staff’s working there are adequately compensated (George, Taryn, & John Snyder, 2009)). The salary expectation ion the basis of experience and research from similar banks approximately $ 25,000 for beginners, with prospects of significant increases after the probation period. The salary quoted above is of curse exclusive of some other benefits such as medical cover, paid leave among others.
Financial analysis
For the graduate program, I stated that fees and other emoluments are paid by the student entering the graduate program. Living expenses are also catered for by the students and therefore there has been an increase in students seeking to secure financial assistance from these universities. If I decide to go the employment way, then of course I have to meet the financial obligations with regard to rents, salaries among others. I believe that I should be able to pay all these from the salary that is paid to me each month. While this expenditure may be justified, it’s important for the student or employee to ensure that they learn financial and basic accounting so as to be able to spend their resources wisely.
Summary
The above analysis presents very fundamental issues that each student must be concerned about even before they have the undergraduate degree (UK National career service). Realizing that the outside world poses a lot of challenges on them is an eye-opener, and planning will be done well in advance next time. It’s also noted in modern times that experience is very important than even great grades and therefore, my decision to stick to working for the bank is informed by the need for the money as well as the many learning experiences that shape my future and may be worldview. This experience is also widely broad and therefore it would be handy even in my future.
References
Aaker, D. A., McLaughlin, D. (2010). Strategic Market Management – Global Perspectives. West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Southern New Hampshire University website: available at www.snhu.edu
Graduate program of New Hampshire. Available at http://www.snhu.edu/University-Graduate-Programs.aspx
George J. Kress, Taryn Webb, and John Snyder (2009) Forecasting and Market Analysis Techniques: A Practical Approach
UK National career service. Available at: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/youngpeople/Pages/Youngpeople.aspx
