9 ] September 13-14, 2014 The Weekend Australian

CRYSTAL BALL GAZING

The future is in higher degrees

Australians are becoming more outward looking with many more seeking an international component to their careers.

THE rise of Asia and credentialism are two factors among many that are driving increased enthusiasm for postgraduate study, according to social researcher, Mark McCrindle.

“The next generation is more aware of the global environment and there are more Australians looking to develop a global career,” says McCrindle.

“With an emerging Asia and the enthusiasm for education in Asian nations, we are realising we need to be more proactive and perhaps boost our tertiary qualifications in order to compete.” A generation ago, many Australians felt confident competing for work internationally based on reputation, but McCrindle says we now recognise the competition from highly educated populations in our region.

“Other nations have a strong cultural focus on education and we are very aware of that now. We study alongside those from other cultures and see their enthusiasm for learning, for after hours tutoring and extra classes. It highlights the international playing field in terms of educational attainment and the flow on to career prospects,” says McCrindle.

“We’re now seeing Chinese universities in the world’s top 100 for the first time. This really highlights that Asia is emerging educationally as well as economically and geographically.”

McCrindle Research forecasts one in two members of generation Z will complete an undergraduate degree, driving demand for postgraduate qualifications as graduates look to stand out in the jobs market.

FAST FACTS

• The first Australian PhDwas awarded in1947.
• People with postgraduate degrees earn almost double, or $3.2 million, over their working lives, than those with Year 11 or lower.

don’t rest till you’ve designed a better future

From blueprints to reality, Matthias Hollenstein is reframing the way we live.

Matt’s innovative style has already won his frm a $40m project in Green Square, beating 167 international competitors with their design for an underground library and plaza. With a Master of Architecture under his belt, Matt continues to fuse logic and creativity, redesigning the way we live.
If you’ve got designs on building a better future, get to UNSW Postgraduate Week. Matthias Hollenstein, Director Stewart Hollenstein P/L. Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture.

Postgraduate Week
15-18 September
Register now:unsw.edu.au/pg