Masters Degree: Is It Worth It?

[dezinerite]

Before my undergraduate degree, I planned to study until I got a Masters degree.

One year into my undergraduate course I thought about how overrated it all was (getting a degree).

Here I am, almost done with the undergraduate course and I don't know if I should continue on to Masters.

I still think it's a little unnecessary but what do I know? Anyone here with a Masters Degree...is it worth getting or do you feel like you just wasted a few years of your life?

 

[DomainLobe]

I would suggest only pursuing a Masters if you have a clear idea of the benefits you would derive from the letters or knowledge acquired.
If you are not sure, it is certainly worth spending the time and energy creating a honest Pro/Con list.

There is never a right answer or right time.

I spent many, many years with a university student card in my wallet and only after 7 years of working did I realize the time and sacrifice was worth it.

Good Luck

 

[Alan Glennon]

An MBA from a top tier university (within the top 200 schools worldwide) will prove very useful. Building a successful business is impressive regardless of background. Professionally though, the guy with the Master's will generally climb higher, faster (particularly when they have to deal with other professionals). Scraping you way to the top without help, without solid business training, and/or by trial and error is highly overrated.

If you do not want to get a Master's though, and enter a program anyway, there is a much higher chance you will fail.

Nick, tbh I think it's more impressive to achieve your goals in life WITHOUT a degree...it just proves how much you can do without much help.

 

[dgridley]

I'd agree with the others that it depends on your field of study. I can't think that getting a Master's ever "hurt" anyone tho.

 

[johname]

I got my masters right after the undergraduate degree, looking back i think i should have put some years between them

 

[dezinerite]

I got my masters right after the undergraduate degree, looking back i think i should have put some years between them

Interesting...how come though?

I'm thinking of doing just that, like work a few years and then if I feel like something's missing I'll pursue my Masters.

 

[johname]

Several reasons besides the taking a break from school, first its better to quickly get your foot in the door at a job in your field. After a few years then get the masters while your working (it sounds hard but a lot of people do that). Especially in teaching, it pay to get to work first, then spring on your employer "i now have a masters degree you need to pay me more" They generally don't want to hire a person with a masters because they don't want to pay the higher salary. But they have to pay you more once you prove to them you just earned a masters (this is in teaching but also hold for other fields). Another reason to wait is if you go directly into a masters program you will notice that the professors will "be in love" with the little bit older students that have some "in the field" experience. Say your 22 interring a master program, there will be some students that are 28 and have 6 years real in the field work experience over you, professors drool over these type of students. You will think you have an advantage over the older students because you have all this undergrad info fresh in your mind, but the reality is that the older students are more prepared for masters work because they been through what you have been through plus the real world experiences. The best reason to continue and get the masters right after the undergrad is if your the type that cant get back into the swing of the school lifestyle once you stop. And also don't ever let anyone tell you an online degree is better or equal to an in the classroom degree from a known university! I do not want to debate anything i typed in this post with anyone here as these are my direct experiences.

 

[dezinerite]

How weird would it be starting the Masters course at 30? :D Would that be too old (in fact, would they still accept me?). It makes a lot of sense now, for me to work for a few years and then I can decide later if I need a masters degree or not.

 

[johname]

There are people of all ages in master programs (people later in life decide its a good way to get a promotion at work) and yes they do take 30 year olds lol