In the article Higher Learning, Low Pay published in the Gleaner on January 5, 2014, the writer sought to highlight that an increasing number of Jamaicans have achieved Masters and Doctorate degrees unfortunately this has not resulted in increased salary. A social and economic survey conducted by the Planning Institute of Jamaica shows that 15,460 Jamaicans earned graduate degrees in 2012 approximately 3% than it was the year (2011)before (Planning Institute of Jamaica, 2012).
Why do people pursue higher degrees?
It is the perception of many that in addition to increased salary there should be opportunities for advancement in career. “The most measured benefit of higher education is of course graduate salaries and improved employ-ability” (Benefits of Higher Education, 2015).
Views of employees after pursuing higher education
According to the article some employees were frustrated since despite acquiring higher education, salaries remains the same in most cases and the possibility of advancing in the organization that they work appears slim.
Simone Carter has a Master of Science in public health from the University of Technology (UTech) and believes her study was a waste of time as her employer has not recognised her achievement.
“It seems like a waste to sit in my current job that I was already overqualified for in the first place. Promotion is highly unlikely … it’s a first come, first serve thing in my organisation,” she vented.
Some graduates believe that although the salaries have not increased nor do they readily received new or more advanced post within the organization they work, they consider the education received as valuable.
Matthew Williams has a Master of Arts in communication studies from the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication at the University of the West Indies, but he, too, has been left wanting. “Upon achieving my master’s, I went to work for another institution. I work in education, and despite having a master’s, I receive the pay of a pre-trained, graduate teacher. Unlike Carter, Williams said he is in no rush to resign from his current job as the promise of an increase looms. According to Williams, he pursued graduate studies for a number of reasons. “For an increase in salary and stability as being a male, I’m expected to be the main bread winner. I wanted that satisfaction knowing that I would be able to take care of my family to the best of my ability when the time comes around”. He added, “Education, empowerment and upward social mobility can never be regarded as a waste of time or something inefficient, hence, a graduate degree is worthy of making an individual feel self- sufficient and accomplished”.
Some believe that employees are unreasonable to expect increase salaries and instant promotions. In the article Dr. Trevor Hamilton states that “Employees should be paid on the basis of the value of the job on the market and they should get pay adjustment based on their contribution/demonstrated performance,” he asserted. “Better pay is driven by demand, supply, the strategic relevance of the degree, experience and special attributes.”
On the other hand others believe that graduates of higher education bring new and valuable skills and knowledge and as such should be compensated by employers. Dr Paul Ivey had this to say “What I will say is that persons with graduate degrees would have increased competencies that should redound to the benefit of their employers. It is from persons with graduate degrees who have acquired specialised training that innovative thinking and the ability to solve problems in a systematic way will most likely come”.
The Down Side
I enrolled in the Masters in Education at the University of the West Indies with hope of attaining a better salary, increased benefits and definitely promotion to principal or Education officer. Like Mathew Williams I want to be in a position to better take care of my family and to chant a more prosperous future. While I know that a Master in Education will not be adequate to promote me to senior teacher in my present institution, the qualification makes me employable anywhere in the Caribbean. I will definitely be seeking better jobs at the end of my studies. Working at an all-girls school affords me a very slim chance of being promoted to principal simply because I am a male and I am not affiliated with a certain church group.
The Bright Side
While I may not necessarily get a promotion or even a higher salary, earning a Master in Education equips me with the competence to be a principal or administrator. It also offers me the hope of attaining the job of a principal. Without the qualification I would not be even considered since I do not possess the requirements. Moreover it widens the scope of employability. In addition one acquires the attitude, skills and knowledge required to create and encourage change within the education sector. I will be able to make valid contribution to my school as we aim at creating world class citizens. Finally it promotes self-actualization. For me I never thought the little country boy who was grew up in the small community of Mendez Town, Trelawny would ever ascertain a first degree more over months away from completing a second degree. This idea in its self is a major dream come through. However the most valuable reward I achieved in pursuing a Master is the fact that I am an inspiration to my community, church, school and work place.
My recommendation to new and prospective candidates of higher degrees (Master and Doctorate)
It is therefore important that persons continue to pursue higher degrees as the answer to a transform economy and country in general is education. Let us play our part as we strive to make Jamaica the place to live, work, raise families and do business (Planning Institute in Jamaica, 2012). It is of optimal importance you prove to yourself and all others your ability to reach the highest level of qualification. It is often said “the sky is the limit”. In addition, it is vital that one makes him or herself employable by possessing the requisite qualification to make valuable contribution to the development of self, organization and country. Finally be an inspiration to those you lead or work with by paving the pathway for them to follow.
Reference
Elcrema Magazine, (2016). 7 types of employees everybody hates. Are you one?[Online Image]
Retrieved July 4, 2016 from http://www.elcrema.com/2016/02/24/7-types-of-employees-every-employer-hates-are-you-one/
(2015). Benefits of Higher Education. Retrieved July 4, 2016, from
Planning Institute of Jamaica. (2012). In Vision 2030 Jamaica National Development Plan.
Retrieved from http://www.vision2030.gov.jm/
[Untitled Illustration of a frustrated man holding his diploma in his hand]. Retrieved July 4, 2016
from https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-frustrated-male-student-seated-bench-holding-bottle-beer-image37578553
Williams, S. (2014, January 5). Higher Learning, Low Pay. Gleaner Jamaica. Retrieved July 4,
2016, from http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20140105/lead/lead77.html
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