Just graduated so should I work first or do a Masters?
I just finished my BSc (Hons) in Global Supply Chain Management and I’m currently looking for jobs, but lately I’ve also been thinking about doing a Masters and honestly I’m quite confused about which direction I should take right now.
I’m 23F from Malaysia. I managed to graduate with First Class, and I’ve also been working on the side for around 5 years while studying. So I’m not completely new to working, but I obviously don’t have years of full-time corporate experience yet.
I’m mainly looking at procurement/supply chain jobs at the moment. I’ve had some opportunities come up, so it’s not necessarily that I can’t find a job. It’s more that I’m genuinely unsure whether I should start building my career now or continue studying while I’m still young.
Part of me thinks working first makes more sense. I can get proper industry experience, figure out which part of supply chain I actually enjoy (procurement, sourcing, logistics, planning, etc.) and then maybe do a Masters later if it actually helps me.
But then I also keep thinking, if I’m going to do a Masters eventually, why not just do it now while I’m still in study mode? Especially with the current job market, I’m wondering whether having a Masters would actually give me an advantage or whether employers would still value a few years of experience much more.
I also don't want to spend another 1–2 years doing a Masters just for the sake of having another qualification and then realise it didn't really make much difference.
So for those working in supply chain/procurement, especially in Malaysia, what would you do if you were around my age again?Would you do a Masters now or work for a few years and then do one?
And if you did a Masters, did it actually make a noticeable difference to your career, salary or opportunities?
I’d genuinely appreciate honest opinions. Even if you think I’m overthinking this, tell me 😂