Master's Degree

cbarn025
cbarn025 Posts: 939 Member
in Chit-Chat
Anyone have one and finding it to be especially useful? I have been considering going to grad school but everyone I know with a Master's isn't really using it. I think the time would be better spent trying to obtain CFA status.
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Replies

  • LishieFruit89
    LishieFruit89 Posts: 1,956 Member
    It depends on what your field is in and what you want to do.

    I'm an electrical engineer in the T&D industry but I work for a consulting firm. Due to that, a masters degree isnt as valuable as having my professional engineering license. My friend on the same team as I am has one and we make the exact same salary. So its not always financially beneficial
  • RunsOnEspresso
    RunsOnEspresso Posts: 3,218 Member
    I have a master's. Haven't used it. In fact the position I am stuck in doesn't even require my bachelors. But I can't seem to get a job in my field above this.
  • jbirkett7
    jbirkett7 Posts: 36 Member
    I have an MPA and needed it to get into my current job. Of course I'm still basically a paper pusher, but I have a few nice perks that probably wouldn't have been available with just the undergrad degree.
  • K_Serz
    K_Serz Posts: 1,299 Member
    I have one and am not using it. Hoooray!

    Friend of mine continued on and is A.B.D. at the moment and is having troubles finding employment as well. Good Luck!

    I think your first instinct maybe correct. Undergrad with certifications appear to be the way to go?
  • SoViLicious
    SoViLicious Posts: 2,633 Member
    I have one and am currently not using it. But Since it is in Higher Ed once go back to work I will be. In this field it is all about degrees.
  • Lili0817
    Lili0817 Posts: 109 Member
    I got my MSW last year and the knowledge I've gained is really priceless. I'm a much better social worker, and therefore my families/clients are benefiting. I don't regret it at all. As far as money, it really didn't make much of a difference at my current job, however, I have the option to apply for a supervisor... which i didnt have before. And I'm much more marketable and will soon start looking into better jobs where you need a masters. I think you just have to look at your future plans and where you want to be. A Master's deffinitly won't hurt I'm sure. Hopefully, you don't apply to those private and super expensive colleges! I think your degree is worth much less. what's a CFA?
  • LuckyLeprechaun
    LuckyLeprechaun Posts: 6,296 Member
    the economy (in the US) isn't all that hot right now. There are a lot of people who are underemployed for ther level of education. However, that won't be the case forever, so now is a good time to invest in your future earning potential.

    Be selective about which program to invest in, and go for it!
  • jackiesaurus
    jackiesaurus Posts: 42 Member
    I think it depends on your field. It sounds like judging by the CFA you're in finance and it may be more influencial to get that and spend more time working and building up your experience.

    I'm a biologist and I did okay finding a decent (consulting) job coming out of undergrad, but there isn't much movement in my field without a master's or higher, so I'd sorta be stuck working the same low level jobs forever without more education.
  • Jayiz
    Jayiz Posts: 39
    It honestly depends what career you have in mind. I'm currently studying Psychology and it's very difficult to get any job if you just have your Bachelors. I've been warned that I need to get my Masters at least.
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  • timbrom
    timbrom Posts: 303 Member
    Depends on the field. I have a bachelors and masters degree in computer science. In that field the Masters tends to get you about 10-20% higher salary than a bachelors degree, but doesn't really open up a lot of new doors. That said, I do find the Masters degree useful since you delve more deeply into computer science, especially theoretical aspects of computer science that are, at least occasionally, useful to know. It also looks good on a resume.

    Compare that to, say, social work, where a masters degree is required in order to be fully licensed (at least in my state). A masters degree there opens up a _lot_ of new opportunities.
  • conleyclan
    conleyclan Posts: 7
    I received my MBA with concentration in Human Resources in 2005. I have not used it yet! I wish I would have spent my time and money pursuing something other than my MBA. As of right now, it has done me no good. I have even taken it off my resume so I wouldn't look over-qualified for jobs! I have only lived in smaller-sized cities (30,000-ish) so my job prospects are limited...
    Good luck on your decision. It's a lot of money to spend on something you may not want or need!!
  • TribeHokie
    TribeHokie Posts: 711 Member
    You should also be careful about where you get your degree from. A lot of the people who complain about having wasted money on a masters got it from Joe Bob's college online and can't understand why no one takes their grad degree seriously.
  • araromi2
    araromi2 Posts: 111 Member
    Id say you're young...get the masters...if you want it later it will be more expensive. Also pick up certifications along the way that will set you apart.
  • Trueray
    Trueray Posts: 1,189 Member
    World currently consists of a degree and experience. Masters are just for bragging rights atm.
  • SpeSHul_SnoflEHk
    SpeSHul_SnoflEHk Posts: 6,256 Member
    Anyone have one and finding it to be especially useful? I have been considering going to grad school but everyone I know with a Master's isn't really using it. I think the time would be better spent trying to obtain CFA status.

    I have one,and it has come in handy for me. It also put me on a higher payscale.
  • taunto
    taunto Posts: 6,420 Member
    Anyone have one and finding it to be especially useful? I have been considering going to grad school but everyone I know with a Master's isn't really using it. I think the time would be better spent trying to obtain CFA status.

    It was good for me to get my Masters for my PhD, even though I didn't really planned for my Doctorate at first. I think its a huge opportunity to enhance your skills specially if you're working in the field alongside.

    My time spent with my Masters helped me understand my field much better. Bachelors just taught me HOW to work it, Masters taught me WHY it works this way and what others methods are and why they aren't used. Its just more indepth and more eye opening imo.

    I would highly suggest that you at least look into it if you're interested and not worry about others using it or not. I promise you that you will in some shape or form make good use of it.
  • cbarn025
    cbarn025 Posts: 939 Member
    I got my MSW last year and the knowledge I've gained is really priceless. I'm a much better social worker, and therefore my families/clients are benefiting. I don't regret it at all. As far as money, it really didn't make much of a difference at my current job, however, I have the option to apply for a supervisor... which i didnt have before. And I'm much more marketable and will soon start looking into better jobs where you need a masters. I think you just have to look at your future plans and where you want to be. A Master's deffinitly won't hurt I'm sure. Hopefully, you don't apply to those private and super expensive colleges! I think your degree is worth much less. what's a CFA?


    Chartered Financial Analyst. There is a three stage test you have to take to get it. To take the test you have to meet certain standards. I know four people who have it. They all have black cards.
  • UsedToBeHusky
    UsedToBeHusky Posts: 15,228 Member
    I'm working on mine now. I think it might depend on the concentration.
  • SquidandWhale
    SquidandWhale Posts: 259
    I knew going to into college that my goal was to be a nurse practitioner, which would require a BSN and MSN. So yeah, I use my masters.
  • supahstar71
    supahstar71 Posts: 926 Member
    I use mine. ????
  • Bekahmardis
    Bekahmardis Posts: 602 Member
    My boss is the CFO of the company (big global company) and she doesn't have one. I'm her Admin/Project Coordinator and I have one. The only thing I felt it has helped me with is understanding what the company does and being more aware and intelligent in the meetings. I was an English major with my BA, so I was hopelessly outclassed when I joined the financial group here....

    Yeah, CFA. Much better use!
  • chrislynn_marie
    chrislynn_marie Posts: 77 Member
    I'm in the process of getting my master's and it's the only way I'll be able to get the job I want. Haven't used my bachelor's though.
  • Dead_Darling
    Dead_Darling Posts: 478 Member
    I was thinking of pursuing a Master's too, but in the field of work I want to be in, a professional qualification alongside a relevant degree is just as good enough.

    And besides, Master's are pretty expensive here and you may/may not get a sponsorship sponsorship from the company you work for, whereas with a professional qualification there is a better chance.

    Don't know if it's the same in the USA as it is here, but studying for a CFA, could you be sponsored to study by your employers? I could be getting this confused with accounting - sorry!
  • ironmonkeystyle
    ironmonkeystyle Posts: 834 Member
    here's what you do: find people doing what you want to do. Then, see what degrees they earned. Then, get that degree.
  • norrisski
    norrisski Posts: 1,217 Member
    I have a master's in nursing that was required for me to be a nurse practitioner. Mine has been used daily for the last 18 years.
  • icimani
    icimani Posts: 1,454 Member
    I have a Master's and I'm using it in my field.

    I think it all depends on what your Master's is in, and what field you're in.
  • supahstar71
    supahstar71 Posts: 926 Member
    here's what you do: find people doing what you want to do. Then, see what degrees they earned. Then, get that degree.

    You're so smart. I'll bet you have a Ph.D. :wink:
  • almc170
    almc170 Posts: 1,093 Member
    Mine has made me more readily employable and increased the range of opportunities in my field (IT), but I think it really depends on your field and, to some extent, the market in your area.
  • yo_andi
    yo_andi Posts: 2,178 Member
    My Masters allowed me to change fields. I have a legal background but did a masters in Instructional Design and now I get to indulge my creative side by marrying the two in my current position. If I were in your shoes, I'd go for the CFA first, then reevaluate in 5 years if you need the Masters.

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