A double degree or postgraduate study?

A vexing issue currently being contemplated is what is worth more to employers; a double degree in a complimentary area or post graduate studies like a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree?

A masters degree is, as the Americans say, a no brainer. However, the costs involved are quite significant, a second or double degree may require less units and receive commonwealth funding support - a significant advantage.

An advantage of a graduate certificate is that four units in a vastly different area allowing skills and knowledge to be built; a further four units and a graduate diploma is awarded. This is an excellent choice for someone who wishes to change their career direction after a number of years in the workforce.

A person with an engineering qualification undertakes a graduate certificate in management to further improve career opportunities. As was once explained to me, a graduate certificate is a certificate and a graduate diploma is a diploma - you still don't have a degree.

I recently researched prices for a graduate certificate at Curtin University at $14,600 for the first year of study; a graduate diploma at $29,200 with the master also at $29,200; a grad cert is six months full-time so I would guess the course fee is half of this. Needless to say; that's some pretty serious fees, the return on investment must be accurately calculated before a career decision is made.

For recent graduates; an example I have seen is a person holding degree in English literature; a further six months of full-time study attaining a graduate diploma in teaching allows the person to teach English in high schools.

In the government sector, a graduate diploma will allow progression up the pay scales whilst a graduate certificate offers the same progression as a standard (non-graduate) diploma - hardly worth getting into debt for. However, this person usually hasn't been in the workforce as a full time student and is the key to landing a full time job.

Australia has traditionally placed more emphasis on actual work performance than qualifications, that is of course relative to industry requirements as doctors, lawyers, teachers and engineers are professions requiring certification - normally administered by professional bodies.

Countries like the United States prefer university qualifications as does developed South East Asian nations like Singapore and Hong Kong. However, to become a manager in Australia, successful candidates need no such qualifications with many managers preferring to hold extensive work experience and strong networks. Why would a person spend money to achieve a qualification that is not required?

Even key industry establishments like the Australian Institute of Management have internal grading so you don't need formal qualifications, the Australian Human Resources Institute offers affiliate membership not requiring formal qualifications.

The Australian Institute of Project Management requires a Certificate IV (minimum) or two years experience for an associate member whilst a full member requires 5 years experience or a Certificate IV (minimum) or a qualification recognised by them.

Why would any organisation turn potential members away when they could gain a formal qualification through their organisation whilst managers, HR managers or project managers don't require formal qualifications to gain their two or five years experience.

A person may be already employed by an organisation, burdened by a career ceiling undertake development to display their motivation to management allowing them to consolidate their position as management material.

Should they be overlooked in their current role, this places them in a position to apply at other organisations whilst maintaining employment and maintaining currency in the workplace. Being commonwealth supported, I am beginning to believe a double degree may be the better investment in the short term.