How to choose electives in your Australian Masters to maximise job outcomes is one of those things that seems simple until you actually have to do it. I remember staring at lists of electives, trying to figure out which ones would actually help me get a job. Most advice was vague or focused on what’s interesting, not what’s useful.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve watched friends choose electives, and I’ve seen how those choices affected their job searches. Some chose strategically and it helped. Some chose based on interest and it didn’t hurt. Some chose poorly and regretted it later.
So here’s everything I know about choosing electives in your Masters to maximise job outcomes, based on what actually works.
Why Electives Matter
Let me start with this, because I didn’t realise how much electives mattered at first.
Electives are your chance to specialise. They let you focus on areas that interest you and that are relevant to your career goals.
Electives show employers what you know. When employers look at your transcript, they see what subjects you chose. This tells them what you’re interested in and what skills you have.
Electives can fill skill gaps. If your core subjects don’t cover something you need for your career goals, electives can fill those gaps.
Electives can differentiate you. If everyone does the same core subjects, your electives are what make you different. They’re your chance to stand out.
But here’s what I’ve learned: not all electives are equal. Some are more valuable than others. Some help you get jobs, some don’t. You need to choose strategically.
What Employers Actually Look For
This is important, because you should choose electives based on what employers want, not just what’s interesting.
Employers look for relevant skills. They want to see that you’ve studied things that are relevant to the job. If you’re applying for data science roles, they want to see data science electives.
Employers look for current knowledge. They want to see that you’ve studied current tools and techniques, not outdated ones. Choose electives that cover current technologies and methods.
Employers look for practical skills. They want to see that you can actually do things, not just understand theory. Choose electives that have practical components.
Employers look for specialisation. They want to see that you’ve gone deep in specific areas, not just done a bit of everything. Choose electives that build on each other and create a coherent specialisation.
But here’s what I’ve learned: employers also value well roundedness. Don’t just do technical electives. Include some that develop communication, teamwork, or business skills. These are valuable too.
How to Research What Employers Want
This is the key to choosing good electives, and most students don’t do it.
Look at job ads. See what skills employers are asking for. What tools do they mention? What knowledge do they want? Choose electives that cover these things.
Talk to people in your field. Ask them what skills are valuable. What should you learn? What do they wish they’d learned? This gives you real insights.
Look at what successful graduates did. Talk to recent graduates who got good jobs. What electives did they do? What helped them?
Check industry trends. What’s growing? What’s in demand? What skills will be valuable in the future? Choose electives that align with trends.
But here’s what to watch for: don’t just follow trends blindly. Some trends are short lived. Choose electives that build lasting skills, not just what’s hot right now.
Building a Coherent Specialisation
This is important, because random electives don’t help as much as a coherent set.
Choose electives that build on each other. Don’t just pick random subjects. Pick subjects that connect and create a coherent specialisation.
Choose electives that complement your core subjects. If your core subjects cover theory, choose electives that cover practical applications. If your core subjects cover basics, choose electives that go deeper.
Choose electives that create a story. When employers look at your transcript, they should see a clear focus. You’re not just doing random subjects, you’re building expertise in specific areas.
But here’s what I’ve learned: don’t be too narrow. Include some breadth. A few electives outside your main focus can show well roundedness and give you additional skills.
Practical vs Theoretical
This is an important choice, and it depends on your goals.
Practical electives focus on doing things. They teach you tools, techniques, and how to apply knowledge. These are valuable if you want to work in industry.
Theoretical electives focus on understanding things. They teach you concepts, frameworks, and how to think about problems. These are valuable if you want to do research or go deeper.
The key is balance. Don’t just do practical electives. Include some theory to understand why things work. Don’t just do theoretical electives. Include some practical to know how to do things.
Most employers value practical skills more, but they also value the ability to think critically and understand concepts. Find the right balance for your goals.
Current vs Foundational
This is another important choice.
Current electives cover the latest tools and techniques. They’re relevant now, but they might become outdated. These are valuable if you want to work with current technologies.
Foundational electives cover fundamental concepts that don’t change. They’re less flashy, but they’re lasting. These are valuable if you want deep understanding.
The key is balance. Include some current electives to show you’re up to date. Include some foundational electives to show you understand fundamentals.
Most employers want both: knowledge of current tools and understanding of fundamentals. Choose a mix.
Skills That Transfer
Some skills are valuable across many fields, and these are worth considering.
Communication skills are valuable everywhere. Electives that develop writing, presentation, or communication skills are valuable regardless of your field.
Business skills are valuable in many fields. Understanding business, finance, or strategy helps in many roles, not just business roles.
Project management skills are valuable. Many roles involve managing projects, and these skills are transferable.
Data skills are increasingly valuable. Even if you’re not in a data role, understanding data analysis is valuable in many fields.
The key is including some transferable skills. They make you more versatile and valuable to employers.
What to Avoid
Here’s what I’ve seen go wrong:
Don’t choose electives just because they’re easy. Easy electives don’t help you get jobs. Choose electives that develop valuable skills, even if they’re harder.
Don’t choose electives just because they’re interesting. Interest matters, but relevance matters more. Choose electives that are both interesting and relevant.
Don’t choose random electives. A coherent specialisation is more valuable than random subjects. Choose electives that build on each other.
Don’t ignore practical skills. Theory is important, but employers value practical skills more. Include electives with practical components.
Don’t ignore current trends completely. You need to show you’re up to date. Include some electives that cover current tools and techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many electives can I choose?
It depends on your program. Most Masters programs have some electives, usually 25% to 50% of your subjects. Check your specific program requirements.
Should I choose electives from other fields?
Sometimes yes, if they’re relevant. If you’re doing an IT Masters and want business skills, a business elective might be valuable. But don’t go too far outside your field.
Can I change my electives later?
Usually yes, but check the rules. Some programs let you change electives up to a certain point. Others are stricter. Check before you commit.
Do employers really look at electives?
Yes, sometimes. When they look at your transcript, they see what subjects you did. This tells them what you know and what you’re interested in. It’s not the only factor, but it matters.
Should I choose electives based on what’s easy or what’s useful?
Choose what’s useful. Easy electives don’t help you get jobs. Choose electives that develop valuable skills, even if they’re harder.
Can electives help me change careers?
Yes, sometimes. If you want to move into a different field, relevant electives can help. They show you have knowledge in that area, even if your core degree is in something else.
Final Thoughts
Choosing electives in your Masters to maximise job outcomes isn’t about following a formula. It’s about understanding what employers want, researching your field, and choosing electives that build valuable skills and create a coherent specialisation.
Don’t choose electives randomly. Don’t choose them just because they’re easy or interesting. Choose them strategically based on what will help you achieve your career goals.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Your electives matter. They’re your chance to specialise, fill skill gaps, and stand out. Choose them wisely.
If you’re still planning your Masters journey, check out my guides on how to choose a Masters in Australia and coursework vs research Masters. And if you’re choosing electives, research what employers want, talk to people in your field, and choose strategically. Your future self will thank you.