I am a research analyst with two years’ experience, and three in another industry with a large company. However, before I joined my current company I went back to university for a second masters degree and was hired as a fresh graduate. My struggle is that even after proving myself at work, I am being passed over for senior/mid-level jobs. How do I progress quickly to gain the knowledge of a senior? Anon, 30s

Jonathan’s answer

Even with your two masters degrees, you feel you are struggling to progress as fast as you would like. The educational qualifications you have do not on their own enable you to join an organisation at a high level, or advance on a fast track. The skills you have learnt through those degrees might in the current tough job market help you secure a role over those with only a first degree.