4 reasons to pursue a specialised business master’s

Sponsored by the John Molson School of Business

It’s very common for business hopefuls to equate going to business school with doing an MBA. After all, an MBA is not only a prestigious degree, but also one that can offer top-tier executive positions with six-figure salaries.

Nevertheless, as more and more undergraduates dream of becoming business professionals, business schools have begun to expand their catalogue by offering qualifications – such as specialised business master’s – that help students kick-start their dream careers in a wide range of business fields – from marketing to management and finance to supply chain management.

If you’re not set on doing an MBA yet, here are four reasons why a specialised business master’s might be the perfect degree for you instead.

Gain a business degree early on in your career

While MBAs usually require candidates to have at least a few years of professional experience in the job market, specialised master’s programmes more often accept applicants with limited professional experience – or even straight after graduating from your undergraduate degree, like at the John Molson School of Business.

For this reason, a specialised master’s degree is ideal for any student or young graduate who is looking to take their career to the next level without having to spend years building up experience in the workforce first.

Specialise in relevant and contemporary business issues

The world of business has undoubtedly evolved in the past decade and the way companies operate – whether they’re global corporations or start-ups – is constantly subjected to deep technological and cultural changes.

Just think about the many fields that have emerged in the 21^st century alone – such as user experience (UX), data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) – or how widespread virtual and remote work has become. The way we work has not only shifted to the digital sphere, but it’s also become highly specialised.

Going to business school can give you a significant advantage in the job market by allowing you to explore new subject areas that have evolved significantly in recent years. Specialised master’s programmes, and Master of Science (MSc) programmes in particular, give you a chance to deep dive into the most crucial fields of business, such as finance, marketing, management and supply chain management.

Develop a unique skillset and land a specialised job

If you have a clear field, sector or job in mind for your long-term career, then a specialised master’s is likely an ideal choice for you. In fact, this type of programme focuses on a single area of business, providing students with in-depth knowledge and skills on the wide range of subjects within it.

Not only is this a great way for you to learn useful skills faster than you would with an MBA, it can also be a fast-tracked path into a specialised profession, whether in industry or academia. In fact, your background, knowledge and abilities will make you a highly attractive candidate in the eyes of employers, as your choice of studying a specific business degree will demonstrate your commitment to your career.

The same principle also applies to PhD programmes: if you’re considering pursuing doctoral studies, having a specialised master’s degree under your belt showcases your dedication to one field and helps you stand out in the candidate pool.

Build a strong network

The opportunity to build a strong network is one of the main aspects applicants look for when applying to business school – and for a good reason. Knowing the right people on a global scale can lead to successful professional relationships, exciting collaborative projects and even new jobs in the long run.

Doing a specialised business master’s is one of the easiest ways to build a solid network, especially if you choose programmes with a focus on diverse and representative cohorts, small class sizes and career management services.

Student- and business school-led events are also a great way to expand your web of connections. At the John Molson School of Business, for example, students can connect with employers through events such as the Annual Graduate Research Exposition (AGRE), where they can present their business research to both the academic and business communities and make a long-lasting impression on their peers and recruiters alike.