WHILE others couldn't wait to graduate and move on with their career lives or get married, there are those who are different kinds of brave. These people, though had been through the misery of undergraduate study requirements, decided to pursue further study. Whether it be to study law, medicine, or master's study of a particular field, the goal really is to broaden their horizon and become experts in the field they chose.
There are those in their 20s who decided to pursue further study for various reasons. Are you having difficulty deciding whether or not you should pursue further study? Read on and hopefully the insights of those who have finished and are continually pursuing will be helpful to you:
Winston Ajero is a Communication Arts graduate and had been eyeing to be a lawyer since college graduation. His family had also been encouraging him to pursue it. One of the reasons he wanted to be a lawyer is to help pave the way for positive changes in the workplace and in the community. In his early 20s, he already decided to be a law student in line with his dream of becoming a full-fledged practicing lawyer by the time he is 30. He specifically wanted to work for the Public Attorney's Office (PA) one day.
"One of the major challenges I face as a law student is having to juggle my full-time job and my legal education...But law school will help you develop a sense of responsibility. It will demand from you so much of your time, effort, and energy which in turn will teach you to identify your priorities and manage your time well. This I find very helpful. I think it helped me mature especially in terms of staying true to my commitments."
Winston Ajero
Juris Doctor student
University of Southeastern Philippines
Anthropology is not exactly a very common pre-medical course. However, for Chiara Respecia, her previous encounter with women in a
community through an organization's activity made her be more determined to pursue medicine. Many may argue that being a doctor is a very lucrative career and may be enough reason for someone to be motivated to pursue medicine. But the case is different for her. She said she would still put more importance in the good impact that she will contribute to society as a future doctor, just second to the money she will be getting. Despite her failures in school, years of trying, and financial and family relationship sacrifices, she remains true to her dream of being a doctor.
"Some people seemed to be 'established' in their 20s. It's as if they have already figured it out. Smooth-sailing sila. Some are feeling lost or feeling scared. Maraming apprehensions or maybe something is expected out of them by their families that is contrary to what they really wanted for themselves. All I can say is listen to your parents, but also, listen to your heart. If you want to do something, maybe, take a leap of faith. Baka pala maganda ang outcome. If not, at least you won't have regrets for not trying. If may regrets, own up to your 'mistakes' and take full-responsibility."
Chiara Respecia
Medical Student
Brokenshire College
Kirbie Mae Pacinabao was already working in the Department of Trade and Industry 12 when she decided to pursue further study abroad. Part of her goal was to upgrade her career in the government but more than that, she always felt like she could do better and can face bigger challenges. DTI then invited them to avail of a scholarship program for public servants offered by the Korean government. The experience wasn't very easy for her as she needed to adjust to their culture but eventually she was able to while balancing her social and student life in Seoul University studying Masters in Public Administration. As a bonus, she was also able to find a Korean boyfriend!
"Do not base your decision on just wanting to gain material things or for the sake of promotion. I am not saying those are bad reasons. But as I have seen from some of my classmates in Korea, they had a really hard time continuing the study and living abroad because those are their only reasons. Some even didn't remember why they're there...Your main purpose of going there is to learn. If you enjoy doing that, you will be able to find meaning and solution to all the challenges and hardships you will experience in a foreign country."
Kirbie Mae Pacinabao
Master in Public Administration
Seoul University, South Korea
Rob Gumba had a different perspective when he decided to enroll for a master's degree. He wanted to explore and learn more about communication specifically those that might be helpful in his career in journalism, public relations, corporate communications, and company operations among others. Like all the other forms of further study after college, finances is still something to be considered especially if you're someone in your 20s who pays for your own tuition. Jumping from a good-paying job to a less-paying one became a challenge for Rob but he was glad he powered through.
"You may need to check your finances and your workload and weigh your situation but don't lose your desire to study. If people tell you that it is a waste of time because your time should be spent on working and earning money, finishing a further study may allow you to earn more with doing a bit less. It is delayed gratification. Also, you may or may not be promoted after you graduate but you may no longer be offered entry level salaries."
Rob Gumba
MA Communication student
University of Mindanao
Before deciding to pursue further study, Nino Palma's resume was already colorful enough with the many experiences he had from the academe to the local government to the ICT sector. His various experiences led him to be interested to learn more through getting himself a scholarship abroad. Through the Erasmus Mundus scholarship that he started in 2019, he has been to universities in Belgium, Germany, and Estonia. He is now writing his thesis and preparing for an internship. In the future, he plans to work with public sector organizations in developing technology-based solutions to address government challenges.
"If you want to study abroad and apply for a scholarship, do not cram your preparation. The whole application process is demanding and will test your determination and patience. With the volume of applications, high competition, and limited slots offered to international students, intensive preparation and undivided focus are keys to successful application. Think deeply how you will stand out among the rest and make your application consistent, focused, and well documented."
Nino Palma
Master of Science in Public Sector and E-Governance student
University of Leuven, Belgium
University of Münster, Germany
Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia