The Purpose of Different Degrees (Or What Is the Purpose of a Master’s Degree?)

Saul Carliner

How does a bachelor’s degree in our field differ from a master’s degree? PhD from a master’s?  Each type of degree has a particular purpose, but the understanding of these differences is rarely articulated, much less well understood. More »

Extracurricular Activity 7: Recommend Students Learn by Doing—Volunteering That Is

Saul Carliner

One of the reasons that so many training and development professionals advocate for informal learning is because it provides such powerful developmental experiences. Although attending and speaking at conferences, and reading and writing for publications promotes info... More »

Extracurricular Activity 6: Recommend Students Write Articles for Publication

Saul Carliner

In addition to regularly sharing their knowledge through presentations, one of the leadership expectations of people with master’s and doctoral degrees is that they also share their expertise with their organizations and their colleagues through formal publication... More »

Extracurricular Activity 5: Recommend Students Deliver Presentations

Saul Carliner

Graduate degrees—both master’s and doctoral—prepare students for leadership roles in the professional community. Leadership can take many forms: although management positions in workplaces and chairmanships in academe represent one form, other types of... More »

Extracurricular Activity 4: Recommend Students Attend Conferences

Saul Carliner

In addition to encouraging students to pick up a regular reading habit, also encourage them to attend conferences in the field. Like publications, two general categories of conferences exist: professional and academic. This posting explores both. But because the expense... More »