Rethinking Postgraduate Studies: A Critical Analysis of Career Advancement in South Africa’s Corporate Sector

Authors

  • Winiswa Mavutha Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa, MANCOSA, Durban, South Africa
  • Farai Nyika Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa, MANCOSA, Durban, South Africa
  • Hatikanganwi Mapudzi London College of Communication, University of the Arts, London, United Kingdom

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23918/ijsses.v11i2p14

Keywords:

Johannesburg Stock Exchange, PhD, Higher Education, Labour Market Outcomes JEL Classification: I23, I26

Abstract

Pursuing full-time postgraduate studies implies delaying gaining work experience. This study examines the extent to which postgraduate studies correlate with career advancement in South Africa. We use a quantitative methodology to understand the correlation between postgraduate qualifications and senior management and executive positions at 27 of the Top 40 companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). We also identify qualifications required by recruiters for jobs advertised in January and May 2023 and find that less than 1% of advertised jobs required master’s and PhD qualifications. We also find that most senior managers and executives do not hold advanced education qualifications. We concluded that these JSE firms and the labour market in general place a greater value on value work experience and expertise acquired through practice, rather than study. The study casts doubt on the importance of advanced education qualifications to acquire jobs or career advancement in South Africa.

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Published

25.05.2024

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

Mavutha, W., Nyika, F., & Mapudzi, H. (2024). Rethinking Postgraduate Studies: A Critical Analysis of Career Advancement in South Africa’s Corporate Sector. International Journal of Social Sciences & Educational Studies, 11(2), 14-24. https://doi.org/10.23918/ijsses.v11i2p14

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