Singaporeans have more choices for degrees than ever. So why take up a management degree? Here are 6 reasons a management degree is still relevant.

1. Leaders are generalists, not specialists

Specialised degrees are great if you want to focus a niche area of work, but it kinda affects your versatility. As you move upwards in the corporate structure, you will need to oversee larger range of tasks, so a broad degree like management offers a nice mix of everything, and can allow you to be the leader you want to be.

Think about it: Who calls the shots in the SAF? The specialists who are experts with their weapons, or their officers?

2. Good leadership is valued everywhere

Good management skills are valued, whether in the civil service, private sector, military, sports teams or in other countries.  And it's no surprise. Wherever there's people, you'll need a manager to keep them in line.

Graduates with a good business, economics and people management background find opportunities with the wide range of trainee positions across various sectors.

3. Soft skills are often more important than hard skills

It doesn't matter how smart you are. If your emotional intelligence is horrendous, you’re more likely to be kicked down the corporate ladder faster than you think. When working life these days is all about teamwork, a management degree can offer you ways on how to deal with the challenges of dealing with other people.

4. You can apply management skills outside work

Can you apply your chemical engineering skills outside the office? Well, maybe. But what we do know is the skills you learn in management will be useful almost everywhere in life.

Want to solve conflict between two close friends? Need to motivate your sports team? Want to make sure your in-laws understand your wants and needs? Need to teach your children about teamwork?

Some management skills can help.

5. If you don't know how to market yourself, no one will do it for you

Singaporeans are a shy lot, but with the right degree and exposure during tertiary classes, a shy person can develop into a confident and marketable businessman. Because nobody will be your personal HR and freedom fighter, except yourself.

6. Easier for you to run your own business in the future

Do you have a dream to be your own boss and lead your own company? Managers have a headstart because they’ve had experience in leading a team. If you’re good enough at being a leader, you might even be able to get your former team members to join you. (only if they’re good at what they do, that is)

That said, it’s best you don’t solely rely on people-skills to run your own business. Along with a discipline such as accounting, marketing or business, you’ll be well equipped to tackle the problems of a fledging business. 

Bonus Reason: Have you heard of the Royal Holloway, University of London? The school offers various management degrees via Kaplan in Singapore, and is also ranked 1st in the UK & 5th in the World for International Outlook.

Sounds good to have a degree with word 'royal' and 'London' in it, right?

*This is a sponsored article.