The aim of this article is to investigate the academic and labor transition process of stu-dents in master’s degree programs in education at two Brazilian universities: Universidade do Desenvolvimento de Santa Catarina and Universidade do Vale do Itajaí. To this end, student profiles, the factors that motivate them to choose the program, and their expecta-tions regarding training and labor opportunities are explored. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire with open and closed questions. In both groups, labor market requirements, pursuing an academic career, and improving and reorienting career paths were identified as motivating factors for entering the master’s programs. Based on the survey data, it is concluded that relationships with colleagues and professional growth were the main benefits of completing the degree. However, the majority of students considered dropping out at some point due to the demanding requirements of the courses. Even so, the respondents indicated that the master’s degree is an essential stage of their training and a means to achieving professional fulfillment.