Master’s degree
Discussion
I have an MSc in IT. My undergraduate degree is in Civil Engineering and I spent 2 years as a site engineer before realising that outside work in Scottish winters wasn’t for me. I did my MSc so I was more qualified to apply for office based engineering jobs. It worked, and I have been designing all sorts of transportation projects from a warm office ever since.
CCCS said:
If you have one, why did you choose to do one and has there been a benefit to you?
I did an MBA mainly for fun. It was fully sponsored by my Employer, I wanted to go back to studying after about 20 years. It was great fun, met lots of people, made lots of contacts, had a great 2 years. However I dont think it really benefitted me in terms of career progression as I'm fairly high up already. I did my masters in Automotive Design a good few years ago now. I really enjoyed the course coming from a general mechanical engineering degree. My thesis was sponsored by Ford so that was a good introduction into working in the Automotive industry. Once I graduated I had quite a few job offers, including from Ford, and the money being offered was a small step up from the standard graduate scheme offers. So in hindsight it was a good choice and I don’t regret it at all.
I did an integrated masters, Meng. I originally applied to do the masters, and didn't really consider swapping to the bachelors only.
Extra year at uni.
My employer from university only accepted masters degrees (unless you were an experienced hire). So it was required for that specific job.
Extra year at uni.
My employer from university only accepted masters degrees (unless you were an experienced hire). So it was required for that specific job.
Wife has two. LLM and an MSc. Both were sponsored by her employer at the time and she originally did them out of professional & personal interest.
I think they've opened some doors where she's done some interesting work she might not otherwise have access to.
They also contributed to a stronger CV for subsequent jobs.
I have always seen academia as a means to my career, and would get very diminished returns now!
I think they've opened some doors where she's done some interesting work she might not otherwise have access to.
They also contributed to a stronger CV for subsequent jobs.
I have always seen academia as a means to my career, and would get very diminished returns now!
Countdown said:
CCCS said:
If you have one, why did you choose to do one and has there been a benefit to you?
I did an MBA mainly for fun. It was fully sponsored by my Employer, I wanted to go back to studying after about 20 years. It was great fun, met lots of people, made lots of contacts, had a great 2 years. However I dont think it really benefitted me in terms of career progression as I'm fairly high up already. Had a bit of a life scare ten years ago and felt unfulfilled with previous studies so did did Open Uni to get honours then did my MSc in Sports Science on a part-time basis.
It got me working as a performance analyst in various sports and it's still only really a side gig for me but it's been worth it. I've made OK cash here and there but had some awesome experiences and been able to work with elite level athletes and, hopefully, made a difference.
Work/Life balance with the kids being so young is all that stops me going full-time with it but currently involved with World Rugby researching tackle height rule changes and concussion.
I flirt with the idea of a PhD sometimes...
It got me working as a performance analyst in various sports and it's still only really a side gig for me but it's been worth it. I've made OK cash here and there but had some awesome experiences and been able to work with elite level athletes and, hopefully, made a difference.
Work/Life balance with the kids being so young is all that stops me going full-time with it but currently involved with World Rugby researching tackle height rule changes and concussion.
I flirt with the idea of a PhD sometimes...
cml24 said:
I did an integrated masters, Meng. I originally applied to do the masters, and didn't really consider swapping to the bachelors only.
Extra year at uni.
My employer from university only accepted masters degrees (unless you were an experienced hire). So it was required for that specific job.
I did a BEng and was offered both the MEng and PHd. I turned both down. Extra year at uni.
My employer from university only accepted masters degrees (unless you were an experienced hire). So it was required for that specific job.
Incidentally, the year after me were not offered a BEng and had to do a 4 year MEng course. We found out, the new MEng course material was the same BEng material just spread over 4 years. Coincidentally, they were the first year of tuition fees. Pay for 4 years and get 3 years of content. Everyone is happy as they got an “easy” Masters.
beambeam1 said:
I flirt with the idea of a PhD sometimes...
I've got a PhD, a MsC, two Diplomas, a Post Grad Certificate and currently 80% of the way through a level 7 Senior Leaders Apprenticeship which I may upgrade to a full MsC.I love learning new stuff, and undoubtedly the exposure to different ways of thinking has 100% helped my career progression.
I know for a fact the extra points I got for having additional academic qualifications was the different between me given my first 'promotion' over a colleague as we both got the identical score at interview.
Everything but the PhD was done along side a full time job, the PhD was the hardest but very worthwhile doing. It forces you to learn scientific rigour. Once you have done a PhD everything else is pretty untaxing in comparison, I can knock out a fully referenced/formatted 2000 word essay in a half day now, which makes the day job of writing board papers pretty easy
. 90% of the qualifications were/are sponsored, but I did self fund the Post Graduate certificate.
Edited by gangzoom on Tuesday 15th October 04:12
I have a MSc (IT leadership) - done in my mid 40’s
Chosen over a MBA for a few reasons, it was a subject I’d worked in for 20 years at the time, therefore I thought it would be relatively easier (it was but still challenging).
I figured by the time I was 50, if I was looking for a job, it would differentiate me, especially as in my field I would have nothing more to offer than a 40 year old (other than be older).
I’d seen a couple of friends who previously had successful careers, be out of work for “years” once in their 40’s.
Only real benefit has been, I think it got me straight to the top1/3 of the pile when it comes to job applications.
As my motivation was all about accreditation rather than learning, it was done at a traditional red brick university,.
Chosen over a MBA for a few reasons, it was a subject I’d worked in for 20 years at the time, therefore I thought it would be relatively easier (it was but still challenging).
I figured by the time I was 50, if I was looking for a job, it would differentiate me, especially as in my field I would have nothing more to offer than a 40 year old (other than be older).
I’d seen a couple of friends who previously had successful careers, be out of work for “years” once in their 40’s.
Only real benefit has been, I think it got me straight to the top1/3 of the pile when it comes to job applications.
As my motivation was all about accreditation rather than learning, it was done at a traditional red brick university,.
Got4wheels said:
I'm hoping to do a History MA next year. For my sins, I'd like to teach History (sixth form/degree, maybe some research if poss) and I've been told by multiple people an MA would benefit me no end.
Michael
Yes, it will benefit you.Michael
I did an MLitt in History as I wanted to be an academic. At the time, unless you were very bright, you had to do a Masters before then converting to a PhD. The MLitt was viewed as training for the PhD. In the end, I chose not to carry on after completing the Masters and so went and got a job (in Financial Services!) instead. I’m glad I did it and, with the benefit of hindsight, it has given me a bit of a leg up in terms of career.
Good luck with it!
Thanks
Rob
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