So i just got out of college, and went for my masters.. im 23. Today was the first day of class, when i got there, everybody was at least over 30, and on the prime of their careers. Here I am inexperienced, i feel like a little stupid kid. What should I do?
2007-01-09 13:44:24 · 8 answers · asked by theWorldisFlat 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
You are not stupid, nor a child. You are inexperienced compared to your peers. Use this opportunity to LISTEN to them. They do have a world of real experience that you can tap into. Ask questions, learn, its what graduate school is about.
2007-01-09 13:51:31 · answer #1 · answered by fancyname 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was there. Everybody else had all these "life experiences" and some of the stuff they were talking about I just didn't understand. The really bad part was that some of the stuff I didn't understand actually had a bearing on what we were studying.
Looking back, I'm not sure what else I could have done. I did graduate, became a professional, and I'm fairly successful today. My recommendation is to work hard, make contacts, and try getting into a study group with some of those more experienced students. Also, be confident that if you do your best, you will get good results and eventually you will become one of those experienced veterans.
You should also realize that a lot of those 30 somethings would give anything to trade places with you. I would love to be 23 again.
2007-01-09 22:00:38 · answer #2 · answered by eddygordo19 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whatever your age, the first days of a graduate program are pretty hard on self-confidence. In some ways this is not such an awful thing; to move from undergrad where you were quite likely at the top of the pile (thus your motivation to pursue a masters in the field) to a place where you are surrounded by other people who were at the tops of their own piles, it leaves you open to understandable questioning of background, experience, direction, etc. Try to recognize it for what it is, a necessary time of adjustment. Your age may make you feel self-conscious, but as someone who began my own program at 30, I can tell you that, in that first week, the prevailing feeling among those of us who were "older" was self-consciousness, a feeling that the younger students (23-27) were there at the "right" time and we were late to the party. Trust me. Everyone is freaking out for their own reasons. Everyone is looking around, trying to determine where they fit in the pecking order (even if there isn't one). Do your best to relax. Listen to people's stories. Go out for drinks if you get a chance. Don't drink too much (the last thing you need are regrets in the early days -- leave debauchery for later in the program). I wish you all the best.
2007-01-09 22:05:34 · answer #3 · answered by zowieshel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't think too much about it- I am 22, going for my MA and I'm in classes with the majority of students being close in age, but still many who are much older. Think about it this way, you are fresh from being an undergrad and are fully used to being in the classroom and may even be much more up to date with technology, etc. You are probably in a better situtation to have an easier time learning in class than some of your older classmates. Plus you have a great opportunity to network with individuals who are already out in the community working and with experience, and you never know when/ how that can benefit you later on! Good luck!
2007-01-09 22:32:01 · answer #4 · answered by Heather P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well your defintely not stupid, if you are the one going for a masters at the age of 23. It's great to start off early, I'm sure it will be a fast adjustment after 1-2 days. Don't worry about it, good job!
2007-01-09 21:49:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Even though you are younger you still have the advantage because they are older which means a lot of the stuff that is still fresh in your head has been forgotten by them. Keep in mind they are adults and professionals I'm sure that they will treat you with respect. Just be yourself and things will go smooth.
2007-01-09 21:55:20 · answer #6 · answered by Billy FZ1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
forget the others, they had to get to work before going to grad school or they didn't know what they wanted to do until grad school was a necessity to get into higher mangaement positions. it happens all the time. just follow your dream, and go for a doctorate if you want to.
2007-01-09 21:51:54 · answer #7 · answered by de bossy one 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should read alot of books especially cases if your in business, observe also and ask question especially from your classmates... feel free to discuss with your teacher in the class. she/he will understand you
2007-01-10 02:57:22 · answer #8 · answered by nej24 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋