Graduate School......

[KM2004]

I haven't posted in almost a year - I hope everyone is doing well.

Has anyone here gone to Graduate School and hated the experience or graduated but didn't find that having your masters helped you? Or, has anyone found graduate school to be well worth the time and effort?

I ask only because i'm debating whether or not to go back to school (the fact that i'm even debating it probably answers my question as to whether I should go back or not). My career could sure use the boost but I'm not sure if I'm willing to put in the time it takes to write those darn papers. It's a 100% online so papers (and a ton of them) and reading are basically what the whole degree consists of. Financial aid will cover the cost.

I don't know whether my hesitation is because i'm so used to NOT having school work (I got my bachelors in 2002) or because i'm too naive in thinking that at 24, I still don't need my masters to succeed in the corporate world. I'm stuck in a cubicle and not sure where my "career" is going.

Any experiences you can share would be greaty appreciated.

Thanks!
-Kevin

 

[nwdisgal]

I went to graduate school and I have used my degree quite a bit, especially in my current job. I would recommend it, especially if you feel like you it will help you to move ahead.

 

[chrissyk]

I went to graduate school at night because my old company paid 100% for the tuition. I went for about 3 years, most of that as a full-time student (carrying at least 3 courses a semester), and I graduated with my MBA. All I paid for was books I didn't actually hate the experience. Grad school is different from undergrad. If people are getting a degree at night, it's because they WANT to get that degree. I don't know how it would be to do an online degree, though.

As for the degree being worthwhile/helpful...that's a tough one. I'd never say that education is wasted. However, that said, I also wouldn't say that my particular masters degree is exactly rocket science. There are a lot of schools that seem like MBA factories. It's a cash cow for them because so many companies will pay for the degrees. At my sis's old work, a local university even brought the MBA classes right to the company so the employees could get the degree more conveniently (and so the school could get the company tuition reimbursement for so many students)

My degree didn't help me in terms of a pay raise at the company that paid for the degree. However, it's nice to have it in my back pocket for possible future use. I'm in the process of switching careers to become a high school math teacher, and having a masters (ANY masters) does put me on a higher payscale. I guess that it has helped me in that roundabout way.

 

[KM2004]

Thanks for your responses. I'm feeling a lot of pressure from family (I have a cousin who's 25 but is halfway through her doctorate studies) to get my masters so it's nice to hear people say it's worth it.

ultimately, it's my decision to make. Thanks for your help.

 

[Bob Slydell]

Depending on your field of study, it might be necessary in order to make your undergrad degree worth something as far as a career. But in order to get something out of it, I would only do it if it's something you truly have a passion for.

I got an MBA degree a few years ago. It wasn't something that I needed to do, but I had always wanted to do it and wanted to wait until I was out of school long enough to make it worth it. It was the right choice for me -- I got so much more out of my MBA (personally) than I got from my bachelor's degree. For me, it wasn't as much about the career opportunities, but rather the educational experience (oh, and it does look good on a resume )

 

[WDWAurora]

I didn't have a choice-For my field, you have to at least have an MA/EdS. I'm in my 2nd year, which is the last year of coursework, which will be followed by a full year of internship. It's stressful and I definitely don't have time to have a "real" job between having fulltime classes, working in the school's clinic, and continuing my thesis. I do work on Friday every week, but it's at a stress-free job. I would seriously try to get an idea of the actual amount of work, especially if there is a thesis involved for your degree. You need to go into it knowing what you're getting yourself into.

 

[Katy Belle]

My DH is an accountant with a Masters Degree, also is a CPA. He feels it has really helped him go up and up in the company he works for. He feels others are passed up due to not having the advanced degrees. He also feels that he and others with advanced degrees are better prepared. Just my two cents, but he really is happy he hung in there and finished it. By the way, he's 40 and been with the same company for 17 years and is doing really well.

Good luck!
Katy

 

[dmslush]

I am starting back to school in the spring to work on a MA in Professional Counseling. It will not help me in my current job, but I hope to later have a counseling practice on my own. I am also going back because I love to be in school. I'd be a career student if they would let me LOL! I am also doing it online.

 

[chrissyk]

Thanks for your responses. I'm feeling a lot of pressure from family (I have a cousin who's 25 but is halfway through her doctorate studies) to get my masters so it's nice to hear people say it's worth it.

ultimately, it's my decision to make. Thanks for your help.

Pressure from family is not a good reason to get any degree. You need to evaluate the situation to decide if getting the degree is going to be beneficial for you in the long run. While I certainly do not regret getting my masters, I'm the first to say it's not a path that everybody needs to take.

My DH works in a field where having a masters is not only unnecessary but could actually be a detriment (yes, there ARE fields like this). His mother could never understand why he wouldn't get a masters. He doesn't NEED one in this field, and it could hurt his career because it would pidgeonhole him in a way that he would find far too restrictive. I'm all for advanced education, but even I understood my DH's situation. Getting a masters for the sake of having a masters is not always the best idea. You need to do what is right for you within the confines of your chosen field.

 

[RUDisney]

I'm stuck in a cubicle and not sure where my "career" is going.

There is your answer.

I'm not saying this to offend anyone, but more as a pep talk...

When my parents graduated from HS, that was what was required to get a "good" job. My Dad started to suffer from only having this and an associate's degree in the '80s, when he was in his 40s. That's when it was assumed that everyone should have a bachelor's degree. I saw what my Dad went through with his career choices and knew that if I wanted to succeed throughout my life, I should get my MBA and not pigeon-hole myself by just having a BS. I got the MBA. I hated all of the work involved but now I have a piece of paper on my wall that shows that I persevered. No one can take that away from me. It also gives me an edge over many of my coworkers when promotions are due.

I see the shift changing in my company that people with bachelor's degrees are getting the clerical positions. Very few make it to that next level and break into management. Of those that do, it is either because they have made the commitment to continue to pursue their education or because they already have their master's degree or some other level of advanced certification like a CPA.

So, suck it up... put in your time while you have time to do it. At 24, I'm assuming that you aren't married and don't have children, but I could be wrong. I started my MBA when I was single and completed it after I was married. It was much easier to complete the work assignments when I didn't have marital responsibilities instead of just being responsible to myself. I honestly don't know how people with kids go to school. I respect those people so much in their sacrifice.

Especially if you can get your degree through a scholarship... there is no decision to make. Take advantage of this opportunity now. Otherwise, in 10-years, you'll be 34 and thinking, "should I get my masters now?"

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

I don't use my degree at all, but that's by choice.

After graduating with my BA and a double major in print journalism and criminal justice, I decided to get my MS pretty much because I didn't know what else to do and I missed school. The university here only had a masters program in criminal justice, so I got my MS in that –– but I met DH there. So I call him my $27,000 diploma bonus. I actually manage a national trade magazine now, but I could use my MS, or teach, if I wanted to. DH teaches at a local university part-time with his degree, and is planning to get his doctorate.

I'd definitely get it if my company offered tuition reimbursement, for sure.

 

[KM2004]

Thanks for the advice everyone. To answer some questions, yes, I am married (11 days ago in fact) but no children. And I realize that going back to school as a result of family pressure is no reason to go back. I read somewhere a while back that if you truly don't want to go back, you shouldn't (as I think one poster already mentioned).

My company does not offer tuition reimbursement and frankly, even if they did, I probably wouldn't take it because i'd then have to stay with said company for X number of years. No thanks.

Regardless, I do see everyone's point and I thank you all for them. I realize that I need to sacrafice now to be successful in the future...this I know. But man, I went through an online demo of the program and the questions I'd be asked and papers I'd have to write and it brought me back to college where I'd pull all nighters and work hour after hour trying to meet deadlines. This was back then when I didn't have a job. Now that I work full time too, I can't imagine what my life will be like.

But, those who are successful today didn't get there without hard work, right?

For those of you who have your masters, how did you manage to juggle work, school, and a social life? Did you have no time to yourself?

 

[Bob Slydell]

For those of you who have your masters, how did you manage to juggle work, school, and a social life? Did you have no time to yourself?

Social life?

Actually, I was able to still squeeze in some free time in between work and home (when I started school, my son was 1). It helped that my work situation at the time wasn't overly hectic, so I got some homework done during free time at work, but otherwise, you just learn to be more efficient with your time.

 

[chrissyk]

For those of you who have your masters, how did you manage to juggle work, school, and a social life? Did you have no time to yourself?

I have very little memory of those 3 years, honestly. I blame the pace I was keeping up and the sleep deprivation I probably didn't have time for myself. In the long run, it didn't matter. I was determined to get the degree while I worked for a company that was paying full tuition. I can say for sure that I didn't have much of a social life during that timeframe. I had my boyfriend (now DH), but that was about it I think. For some reason, I don't remember being really stressed out until the last semester. At that point, it was no big deal because the end was in sight.

 

[WDWAurora]

I seriously have no idea how I do it. I do know it's easier now that we're married and we live together than it was last year before we were married. I'm not always trying to spend time with him, do things with him, etc. because everything we do is together. I can say "I need to work now" and he'll go play computer games or watch tv and I can work. This semester started out being SO slack compared to last, but the last week or so and the coming 2-3 are NUTS! I'm going insane, slowly but surely. But it all somehow works out and I'm still traveling 5hrs for my nephew's birthday this weekend!

 

[KM2004]

I can't wait to go back to school...

 

[Jen_in_NH]

I finished my master's 2 years ago this month. I didn't need it for the field I was working in (paramedic), but needed it to change to what I really wanted to do (Physician Assistant). I worked full time while I was in school, but I have a great boss who was really flexible with my schedule, let me study while I was working at the fire station, etc. I wasn't married while I was in school, but my husband and I started dating while I was still finishing up. He was excellent about understanding that there would be times I couldn't see him, hang out, etc.

Getting the degree was worth it, and definitely gives me more career options. Now I'm working full time as a paramedic and part time as a PA

I don't know if I'd do it all again. Now that we're talking about having kids, I want a job where I don't work too many hours, close to home, etc. The fire department provides all that.

Just my story. Hope it helps.

 

[caitycaity]

at 25 i got to a point in my career where i needed my master's. i'm finally graduating in may!

i work full time and go to school and it's not fun, but it's doable. i basically have no social life. i'm lucky if i get out once/week.

i agree with bob, though - you learn to time manage really well. i always get annoyed by the students in my program who only take one more class than me but don't have jobs. it seems like they are always whining about the lack of time they have...and then they go out every night and stay in bed til 11 am!

 

[KarenAylwood]

I'm in graduate school right now and I should be finishing my Masters in Chemistry February. I'm going full time and my first year was classes/research and this year (well, semester+) is just research/working on my thesis. I'm very lucky in the field that I picked because the school pays all of your tuition and gives a stipend to live on ($15-25 or even $30 grand/year depending on the school and where it's located). I have also worked part time retail on the weekends and some nights last year, this year only nights during the week (10-15 hrs).

I went right from undergrad to grad, which took a lot of adjusting for me (I imagine it might take more after being out of school for a few years). In return for free tuition and my stipend, my responsibilities include TAing 2 labs, 3 hours a piece twice a week, grading their work and doing research in a lab (approx 20 hrs a week) on top of classes and thesis work. Last year I worked more at the retail job, and I was also living over an hour from my boyfriend. Things were QUITE stressful.

This year is different. I work nights but I also live with my boyfriend 60 miles from school and commute. The stress from grad school for me was more balancing things than the actual work. It took me a few months, but I began to actually enjoy it (shock) and am happy that I made this decision.

I have a friend in the Masters of Education program here and she is incredibly stressed partly due to the fact that she has to take out loans for all of it. I also have a friend at a MBA program who enjoys it, but the work stresses her out.

I would imagine that an online program wouldn't be incredibly hard since it's on your own time. You just have to make sure that you stick with it and make the time. My DBF's brother in law is getting his online degree while working for the Department of Defense.

No matter what, it's not going to be all fun & games but this day & age it seems like it is becoming more and more important to get a Masters (at least) to be competitive in the job market.

Goodluck!

 

[ziggystardust]

I'm in the same boat as you, down to the age.

I question daily if and when I should go back. My career field doesn't require a masters, but it would be nice to have, not so nice to have $50k+ in student loans.

I'm starting slowly - I'm going to take a cont.ed course in the spring. To get back in the swing of things, if that works out, I might be a student again in the Fall (for what though I don't know)

Good Luck with your choice!