I'm currently a third year undergraduate student pursuing Development Studies. I'm planning to apply abroad right after I graduate next year. However, I'm confused as to whether I should work for a certain time before going abroad or should I start applying right from this year so that I'm all set to fly next year. I also fear whether I'd qualify for a scholarship. Could you help me figure out, what could be the requirements of foreign universities for getting good scholarships? If I work for year or two, would I have greater chance of acquiring a scholarship?
--JasminaDear Jasmina,
Considering that you'll complete your undergraduate levels next year, it's a good idea to gain some work experience and add some achievements in your profile before applying to a good university abroad for your postgraduate studies. If you do this, you'll have two specific benefits:
1) Once you have few years of work experience, you can relate better to theories taught in class, and you can create better impact in your group of Master's students. This way, you'll also be able to enjoy your classes more.
2) Foreign universities give utmost value to work experience. Therefore, your chances of getting winning scholarships are always higher if your academic qualification is backed by relevant working experience.
On the other side, you need to evaluate personal factors, in terms of family obligations, financial issues, age, etc before making the decision. Most students in Nepal don't consider taking a gap year after completing their Bachelor's degree a good idea, and hence immediately join Master's. With the question you have raised, I assume that you are a high achiever. So, I'd suggest you to work for a few years before applying to a good university abroad. Many scholarships are offered to deserving international students in the postgraduate level, and if you play your cards right, nothing can stop you from getting one.
All the best!
Roshan Rathi is the Chief Operating Officer at LCCI Nepal, an International Training and Certification Company. He can be reached at
roshan@lccinepal.com. If you're an entry-level or mid-level employee, or someone who is looking for answers to the career of your choice, send in your queries to gennext@myrepublica.com with 'My Career' in the subject line. Or post it on our Facebook page at facebook.com/gennextnepal.
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