Get your career compass right.

By Márcio Kroehn_247 – One of the most important aspects of professional growth is staying up-to-date. Postgraduate courses, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a master's degree, or specialization in a specific area, seem to be the natural path for those who have earned a university degree and want to increase their monthly earnings. But what is the best option and, above all, how to choose this next step? There is no doubt that a fourth-level degree on your resume can improve your credentials for competing for a job in the competitive job market, but you need to have a purpose to pursue. And, above all, define what will make sense for your career.

Many people make the mistake of pursuing any postgraduate degree without considering what it will add to their professional life. In the job market, companies want to utilize the practical lessons from everything on your resume, whether it's foreign languages, undergraduate degrees, or highlighted courses. Therefore, be careful not to waste time and money just to show off a skill you don't even value. “Many people pursue postgraduate studies without a purpose. But it's necessary to consider whether the chosen course will make a difference to your entire career,” says Julio Cardozo, career consultant and president of the consulting firm that bears his name. In these cases, the best thing to do is ask yourself: why do I need to study and obtain a diploma?

Some companies contribute to this movement by offering scholarships to those who take postgraduate courses recommended by them. Since it's a benefit, many employees treat this study period as an obligation. But this mistake can lead to professional stagnation. Without motivation to learn, growth within a company can be delayed. And the goal of seeing a salary increase will be postponed. Therefore, even at this stage, it's essential to be careful and think about your future. It's crucial to approach this step as a life goal. The recommendation is to combine corporate interests with your career goals to make both parties happy. "University cannot be the final frontier, but it's necessary to discover what makes sense for your career in postgraduate studies and not just for the employer," says Cardozo.

Before enrolling in a postgraduate program, know that it's possible to change your career path. No age limit prevents you from rethinking your future. Experts estimate that half of the employed population questions their career choice after age 40, and a third manage to change professions. If your choice doesn't bring happiness, if you chose a job for financial reward, or if you intend to take advantage of Brazil's new economic climate to change the course of your work, your Plan B should be implemented at this time. But isn't it wrong to change course? "Of course not. But it's essential to pursue new opportunities, take advantage of the current market conditions, and be decisive," says Olavo Henrique Furtado, coordinator of postgraduate and MBA programs at Trevisan Business School. The country is experiencing a shortage of qualified labor, creating opportunities in most careers. Be prepared to adjust your compass.