From Master’s to Leadership: Career Growth Paths for RKC Graduates

28 June, 2025 ∙ By Vidhi Kapoor ∙ No Comments

Earning a master’s degree is a powerful step forward in any professional’s career. For graduates of the Robert Kennedy College (RKC), this achievement is more than just academic—it’s a launchpad to leadership. With world-class, flexible programs offered in partnership with prestigious UK universities like the University of Cumbria, the University of Salford and the University of Gloucestershire, RKC equips students with not just credentials, but also the global mindset and strategic thinking required in today’s competitive workplace.

But what comes next after graduation? How do you translate your master’s degree into meaningful career advancement? Let’s explore the potential career growth paths for RKC graduates, from post-degree roles to C-suite leadership.

1. Specialist to Strategic Leader: Climbing the Ladder

Many RKC students enter their master’s programs as experienced professionals—mid-level managers, team leads, or technical experts. The knowledge and global exposure gained through their studies often act as a catalyst for:

Promotions within their current company: Employers value advanced education, particularly when combined with real-world experience. Graduates often move from middle management to senior or executive positions.
Cross-functional transitions: A manager in operations might move into strategic planning, or an IT specialist might pivot into digital transformation leadership.
Increased leadership responsibilities: Many alumni are given the opportunity to lead larger teams, manage high-stakes projects, or take on international roles.

2. Entrepreneurial Growth: From Graduate to Founder

Several RKC alumni go on to start their own ventures. With modules focused on strategy, finance, innovation, and sustainability, graduates are well-prepared to:

Launch startups or consultancies in areas of expertise
Innovate within their current organization (intrapreneurship)
Use their academic projects and dissertations as prototypes or market research for business plans

The flexibility of RKC’s online learning platform allows students to work on real-time business challenges during their studies, making the transition to entrepreneurship more seamless and grounded.

3. Sector Switching: Breaking Into New Industries

The interdisciplinary approach of RKC’s programs—covering law, business, marketing, AI, and international relations—opens doors to career changes. Graduates can shift to new sectors such as:

Tech and Digital: Transitioning into roles like Product Manager, Tech Strategist, or Digital Transformation Lead.

Sustainability and CSR: With increasing global focus on ESG, graduates with knowledge in sustainable business practices are sought after.
Education and Non-Profit Leadership: RKC alumni often take leadership roles in academic administration or NGO management, leveraging their global perspective.

4. International Careers: Becoming a Global Leader

Because RKC has a truly international student body, many alumni build or enhance global careers post-graduation. Benefits include:

Cross-border job opportunities: With UK-recognized degrees, graduates are eligible for jobs across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
Cultural fluency: Working with peers from around the world during the program enhances intercultural communication—essential for global leadership roles.
Remote leadership capabilities: The online learning model prepares graduates for leading distributed or remote teams, a growing reality in the modern workforce.

5. Academic and Research Paths: Contributing to Knowledge

For some graduates, the master’s degree is a stepping stone to further academic pursuit. Many RKC alumni go on to:

Pursue Doctoral (DBA or PhD) programs in their areas of interest
Publish research in journals and present at conferences

Take up adjunct faculty or lecturing roles in universities worldwide

These roles not only offer personal fulfillment but also establish credibility and visibility in the academic and professional community.

Alumni Success Stories: Inspiration for the Next Step

Many RKC graduates have shared their success stories on the college’s alumni platform and LinkedIn. From leading change at Fortune 500 companies to transforming public-sector organizations, the RKC community is filled with professionals who used their education to create impact.

Whether you’re a current student, recent graduate, or considering applying, take inspiration from these leaders. The path from master’s to leadership isn’t a straight line—but with dedication, strategy, and the right education, it’s achievable.

Your Degree is Just the Beginning

Graduating from RKC with a master’s degree is a significant accomplishment. But it’s also the start of a new journey—a journey toward leadership, innovation, and lifelong learning. Whether you’re looking to accelerate your rise in your current company, switch industries, or become an entrepreneur, your time at RKC has laid a strong foundation.

Take the next step. Define your goals. Leverage your network. And most importantly, believe in your ability to lead.

How do you cope when your academic degree does not align with your career path?

10 May, 2024 ∙ By Sahil Devasia ∙ No Comments

When I was choosing my specialisation for my master’s degree, I didn’t put much thought into it. I just picked one that seemed exciting and had promising career prospects. However, as I delved deeper into the subject, I realised that I had developed a genuine passion for it and could see myself building a career in the field. Unfortunately, after I graduated, my first job had nothing to do with my degree.

I know of several cases of friends and colleagues whose careers may have started related to the degree earned but, over time, either evolved or changed into something unrelated to their degree.

*_{Photo by Honey Yanibel Minaya Cruz on Unsplash}*

Entering a professional field that doesn’t match your educational qualifications can be daunting. After investing time and resources to attain a degree, learning that the associated career path doesn’t match your true aspirations or abilities can be discouraging. Nevertheless, this realisation is not merely a cause for worry—it presents an opportunity for personal growth and exploration.

The following suggestions may help you shift your career trajectory by capitalising on your current abilities and pursuing a new career path that satisfies you.

(1) Self-Realisation

First, it’s essential to grasp the reasons behind the misalignment of your degree and job fulfilment. Consider which elements of your present position clash with your passions or principles. Could it be the sector, the nature of the tasks, or the company culture? Pinpointing the fundamental issues will assist you in navigating towards a profession that resonates with your ambitions.

(2) Assessing your Skills and Interests

Take some time to assess your competencies, including your technical and interpersonal skills, and consider how they could be applied to different positions or fields. Your academic journey may have equipped you with various skills that could be useful in multiple settings. Additionally, try to identify what genuinely excites you. What activities do you find invigorating? What subjects capture your interest outside of work? These clues can help you discover a career that inspires and energises you.

(3) Explore New Opportunities

Consider the idea of exploring new areas that you have not previously considered. Attend industry-specific events, connect with professionals from various fields, and engage in informative conversations to better understand alternative career paths. These explorations may reveal opportunities that you hadn’t previously considered.

(4) Upskilling and Reskilling

*_{Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash}*

In today’s constantly changing job market, it is crucial to prioritise ongoing education. This can involve taking advantage of opportunities to upgrade or learn new skills, such as attending online courses and workshops or obtaining additional qualifications if necessary. Developing a skill set that aligns with the career you hope to pursue is essential.

(5) Branding

Creating a personal brand can have a significant impact on your career transition. Take advantage of online platforms to showcase your expertise and interests. Write about topics that inspire you, share your thoughts on social media, and engage with content related to your desired career. This level of visibility can open up new possibilities and connections.

(6) Leveraging your Network

*_{Photo by Cytonn Photography on Unsplash}*

Your existing network can prove to be a priceless asset. Reach out to old classmates, mentors, and coworkers. Inform them of your career goals and seek their guidance or recommendations. Often, the most unexpected sources can lead to new prospects, and your network can be instrumental in your career shift.

(7) Embracing the Journey

It is essential to embrace the career discovery process as a valuable experience. Every action you take, whether starting a new job, taking a course or attending a networking event, adds to the foundation of your ideal career. Be patient and understand that career paths often take a winding route. With each step, you refine your focus and move closer to a profession that genuinely represents your authentic self.

If your degree doesn’t align with your career goals, don’t worry. It begins a journey towards discovering your true calling and achieving professional success. You can create a fulfilling and rewarding career path by recognising your talents and passions, exploring new opportunities, and committing to ongoing learning. Remember, your degree doesn’t determine your job – your choices, efforts, and enthusiasm are what shape your professional future.

If you are ready to learn something new, certify what you know, network with professionals globally, or take on a new challenge, consider getting a globally recognised master’s degree. Take a look at our list of online programmes and see if we have anything that aligns with your new career path.

You can also chat LIVE on WhatsApp with one of our Education Advisors for more information on all the programmes we offer, the application process, and the discounts we might offer.