Choosing a master's degree involves a significant financial and time investment, and for this reason it is important to take into account some basic aspects before making a decision.

Set the goals

"Being clear about our strengths and where we want to go is key to deciding in which area we want to specialize and what training is the most complete and appropriate to grow professionally in that field," they point out from the Department of Orientation and Admissions of ENAE Business School. It must be borne in mind that in addition to the official master's degrees, which offer ECTS credits recognized at a European level, there are the Own Title master's degrees "aimed at acquiring rapid, updated knowledge and oriented towards direct professional application", indicate from the Postgraduate School from the Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV).

The UCJC Guidance Department advises investigating possible academic and work opportunities, since "it may have a more investigative or more professional orientation."

organize your time

Consider the schedules and duration of the degree. "Depending on your time availability and the time you can invest, you must take into account the class schedule and the duration of the master's degree (between 30 and 120 credits, that is, between 1 or 2 years)", point out the counselors of the UCJC. Analyze the different aspects that occupy your day to day (work, family, leisure...) to know the time you are willing to give to your training. "You should consider opting for a face-to-face modality, which you must attend on established days and hours, or an online one, where you must also dedicate hours of study and participation from home," the UFV points out.

Analyze the faculty

The teaching staff is a differential value and it is important to find out about the teachers who will teach the master's degree. «Knowing which companies they work or have worked for will contribute to good networking and this will help to expand your network of contacts, and get to know the trends of the sector you want to target and, above all, will bring you closer to the reality of your profession", emphasize from the Francisco de Vitoria University.

Know the facilities

Visit the facilities and learn about the center's resources and equipment. This way you will be able to assess whether it will be possible to apply what you have learned in the facilities, such as research laboratories, audiovisual production, radio and TV sets, biosimulation rooms, Gesell cameras/classrooms, among others.

Evaluate the relationship with companies

The employability of the master's degree and the job opportunities offered by the institution are key. Find out about the centre's relations with universities, entities and companies. "Some universities have agreements in foreign countries, and therefore, you may have the possibility of doing part of the postgraduate or master's degree in another country," highlights the UCJC. Many master's degrees contain within their program the subject of Internships in Business, which allows you to develop in companies all the theory that you have been acquiring. "Evaluate if the program contains this subject or if the university gives you the possibility of doing internships," advises the UFV.