Jobs After MSc: 7 In-demand Positions You Can Get With an MSc

Your decision to earn a master of science (MSc) degree indicates your interest in scientific fields like chemistry, biology, and maths. Whether you're ready to begin the two-year postgraduate programme or have already graduated, you probably have questions about jobs after earning your MSc, including types of careers and how much you can earn.

Fortunately, an MSc degree opens up several full-time and part-time career options in many different fields. The list below highlights some jobs you may qualify for after graduation.

1. Data analyst

Average salary: ₹6,00,000 per year

Jobs outlook: The global market for data analysts should increase by nearly 12 percent through 2030, suggesting several job opportunities for data analysts [1].

As a data analyst, you convert raw data into information organisations can use to design better products, increase sales, optimise production, and more. In this role, you work closely with leadership teams to locate the information they need to make decisions.

This role might be a good fit if: You have strong statistical and mathematical skills. Being able to present complex data sets in an easy-to-understand manner also helps.

MSc degrees to consider: Several MSc degrees apply to the work of data analysts. Consider an MSc in business analytics, communications, data science, or management. 

2. Data scientist

Average salary: ₹14,00,000 per year 

Job outlook: The World Economic Forum expects Big Data to create more technology-related job opportunities worldwide. As companies adopt more and newer technology, the need for data scientists should also increase [2].

As a data scientist, your job is to collect, analyse, and make recommendations to decision-makers based on data. Although your job responsibilities may overlap with those of data analysts, you will likely spend more time designing processes to collect data and less time presenting it. 

This role may be a good fit if: You enjoy making predictions, calculating probability, and developing systems for extracting data analysts will sort through. 

MSc degrees to consider: Data scientists tend to have higher levels of education, and more than half of them have at least a master's degree [3]. An MSc in computer science, data science, mathematics, or statistics can apply to this role.

3. Machine learning engineer

Average salary: ₹10,00,000 per year

Job outlook: The World Economic Forum identified machine learning as one of the fastest-growing fields in the world, and machine learning engineers should be in high demand [4].

As a machine learning engineer, you create programmes that teach themselves how to adapt when presented with new data. The work involves analysing and organising large data sets and creating algorithms computers use to make predictions, automate tasks, and more. Machine learning engineers work in various industries, which lets you tailor your career to your interests.

This role might be a good fit if you are naturally curious, like to solve problems and feel comfortable working with large data sets. A solid understanding of statistics, coding, and the ability to identify patterns (and draw conclusions from them) can also help. 

MSc degrees to consider: Machine learning engineer is one of the jobs you may want to pursue after an MSc computer science. Other options include MSc degrees in data science or machine learning and artificial intelligence.

4. Registered nurse

Average salary: ₹2,60,000 per year

Job outlook: India has a significant need for nursing professionals. The ratio of nurses to people was 1.7 to 1,000 in 2020, compared to 8.9 per 1,000 in the United Kingdom and 11.8 per 1,000 in New Zealand that same year [5].

As a registered nurse, you play an important role in patient care. Your responsibilities typically include monitoring vital signs, giving medications to patients, communicating with doctors, and educating patients about how to care for themselves at home. You may work in hospitals, clinics, outpatient centres, or homes.

This role might be a good fit if: You enjoy working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and want a career that lets you interact with people and improve their quality of life.

MSc degrees to consider: Although you can begin working as a registered nurse without a master's degree, you may choose to earn an MSc in nursing to specialise in an area like obstetrics, paediatrics, or psychiatry.

5. Software engineer

Average salary: ₹7,00,000 per year

Job outlook: The number of software engineering positions should continue to increase, thanks to the Digital India Programme's goal to expand the country's digital infrastructure, improve digital literacy, and increase access to digital resources. McKinsey also lists software engineering on its list of highly in-demand skills.

As a software engineer, you create systems and applications for end users. Your work can include developing and testing programmes, creating user manuals, updating the programme, and training team members. Software engineers work in a variety of industries, including finance, manufacturing, logistics, and energy.

This role might be a good fit if: You want a job that combines coding with creative and flexible thinking. Software engineers are more than creators; they are also problem solvers. A background in one or more coding languages can help.

MSc degrees to consider: Software engineers typically have a background in computer science or a related field. In addition to an MSc degree in computer science, investigate an MSc in engineering or mathematics.

6. Sustainability consultant

Average salary: ₹5,61,873 per year

Job outlook: Sustainability roles rank as one of the fastest-growing jobs in the world, according to the World Economic Forum [6]. In addition, a survey from ClimateWire revealed that 90 per cent of Indians are concerned about climate change and global warming [7]. 

As a sustainability consultant, you can work with organisations to make their processes and practices environmentally and socially responsible. Your work can include anything from analysing the current systems to advising them on topics like the materials they use, sustainable construction practices, and waste management protocols. 

This role might be a good fit if: You are passionate about the environment and enjoy solving complex problems. The work can be challenging and require innovative solutions, but sustainability consultants have the ability to work in a variety of environments.

MSc degrees to consider: A sustainability consultant may benefit from an MSc in biochemistry, chemistry, environmental science, microbiology, and related fields. 

7. UX designer

Average salary: ₹8,00,000 per year

Job outlook: More than 600 million people in India actively use the internet, creating opportunities for UX designers [8]. By 2025, the number of UX jobs available should increase 18 per cent over 2015’s numbers [9].

As a UX designer, you consider the needs and behaviours of people using websites, mobile apps, and online platforms. You use this knowledge to design applications that are easy to navigate and create a pleasing user experience. Compared to UI designers, you spend more time working with user research, scenarios, and wireframes instead of colours and layouts.

This role might be a good fit if: You are a problem solver and a good listener who likes working in a challenging, dynamic environment. Having an aptitude for design and strong research skills also helps.

MSc degrees to consider: An MSc in a design-related field like user experience design is a natural choice for this career, but degrees in psychology and computer science also can relate. 

Options for further education 

A master's of science is an achievement to be proud of, and you can take your education or career goals even further. For example, a sustainability consultant may choose to earn an MBA in Business Analytics to complement an MSc in Microbiology to support their work with companies.