I finished university last year and started working right away. I keep thinking I should go back to school for masters while I'm still young, but at the same time I like working and making money (as oppose to paying for tuition!) and I don't know if it's worth it. What do you guys think?
2006-07-22 09:08:21 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
As someone who stuggled with this myself when I got my Bachelors, let me offer this piece of advice. Get it sooner rather than later. Why? Because you'll be able to say to employers that you're ready right now and have all the training you need in advance.
When you wait, you may begin to like working, spend more time at work or with friends, begin to rise up that ladder. All of which would make you say "Gee, I don't need it now and can wait." Believe me, the day when you go back to get the Masters will be pushed back time and time again.
Many people never go back and pay the price when they can only rise so far without it.
My advice is to get the education out of the way while you're young. Yes, you'll delay how high you rise in your career, but in the end, you'll make up that time with the advanced degree.
2006-07-22 13:41:42 · answer #1 · answered by msoexpert 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I had concerns about doing a Master's a little later in my career, but I did enjoy making $. So this helped me figure it out....
1. How long do I see myself staying in this field?
2. Will my Masters be in the same field or a different one?
3. How much will it cost if I do it online, nearby, another state?
4. How will I pay for it?
5. Will employers value the degree or am I doing it just for personal satisfaction?
6. What if my personal life changes, how will I fulfill my commitments?
7. Does the school reputation matter and how good of a school can I afford?
8. Any other questions pertinent to your situation.
Those were my major issues, in the end I decided to switch careers (so an Engineering Masters was discarded in favor of an MBA). I figured that the "brand" of the MBA mattered, so I went for the best I could get (Northwestern) without leaving home and since I had commitments, I did it part-time in the evenings with employer funding (normally golden-handcuffs are involved, we'll reimburse a certain amount, but you have to stay X years or repay the reimbursed funds). Very happy with my decision, BTW, however it's not for everyone and only you know what's best for you.
Hope that helps.
2006-07-22 09:18:47 · answer #2 · answered by xamayca.com 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have a chance to get a graduate degree, then do it. There is an advantage to getting some real world work experience before grad school, so you can apply your real-world experience to your papers and classes. However, if you have the money and freedom to go now, you might take advantage and do it. The potential problem with waiting is that you may get financially-dependent upon a job and not go back, or fall in love and get married, then have kids and not go back. Either way, you should take advantage of getting your advanced degree. And the longer you wait, the less likely you'll ever do it.
2006-07-22 09:12:23 · answer #3 · answered by Regularguy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Getting a Masters is a personal choice. I got my BA in 1981 in Speech Communication. That and the fact that I could type got me my first jobs. I have always been able to be employed. However, in 1986 I got my teaching credential, as post-grad work. Now, not only could I type, but I could teach. I just finished my MA in Educational Admin - on line - in December 2005 (when I was 45 - so you don't have to be "young" or worry about it right now). You can get your MA in an online program, or at night school, so you don't have to give up working in order to do it. Waiting a while to get your MA might be worthwhile, also, since you might change your mind as to what you want to be later on, and could tailor your MA in that new direction.
2006-07-22 10:03:50 · answer #4 · answered by loriahaven 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on a lot of things. I graduated and went straight to work, and I'm now working on getting into law school to go at night. However, you have to be motivated to do it. If you can afford it and are willing to go back to living like a student, and you really want the Masters' degree, do it!
2006-07-22 09:25:35 · answer #5 · answered by Cols 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go for your Masters Degree. I wish I would have. I'm in my 30's now and still want to get it someday, but I know the longer I put it off the harder it will be. So go for it while you are young and still used to studying, researching and writing.
2006-07-22 09:12:52 · answer #6 · answered by nimo22 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, I considered it! Then I came to my senses!
You get to a point in your life when you're just sick of going to school. First it's your masters, then you're under pressure to get a doctorate. It gets to a point where you become a professional student.
Overall, I would say only go if it fits into your lifeplan and goals AND if you've got the money to go.
2006-07-22 09:23:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If grad school will be a boost to your career, then so so. Try taking classes online so that you can coninue working.I definately think it is worth it.
2006-07-22 10:53:18 · answer #8 · answered by mrsawatkins 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
figure it out yourself
2006-07-22 09:11:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋