6 answers
6 answers
Updated
Roberto’s Answer
That is a very good question. The answer is: It depends. However I want to mention that after your degree you must continue learning, either by studying or by doing, but always learning.
For some careers, such a medicine or law, a "degree" is not enough and you have to keep studying for some more years. In those careers, there is a lot of academic training required. In Computer Science or Marketing and Business related fields, maybe getting a job is the best way to keep learning even though you may want to go back to school at a later time for a Masters or a coveted certification.
The important thing is that you remember that even on a stable job, you need to keep learning. If you find yourself on a job where continuous learning is not a requirement, it soon will not be a stable job.
Good Luck !!!
For some careers, such a medicine or law, a "degree" is not enough and you have to keep studying for some more years. In those careers, there is a lot of academic training required. In Computer Science or Marketing and Business related fields, maybe getting a job is the best way to keep learning even though you may want to go back to school at a later time for a Masters or a coveted certification.
The important thing is that you remember that even on a stable job, you need to keep learning. If you find yourself on a job where continuous learning is not a requirement, it soon will not be a stable job.
Good Luck !!!
Updated
Vamshee’s Answer
Good Question and in addition to the great advice from others.... find the following for your reading pleasure.
Pursue a Master’s degree...
...if you are passionate about the subject and excited at the perspective of attaining more expert knowledge.
...if you are aware of the effort it takes to successfully finish a Masters, and willing to take it on.
...if you can afford the tuition fees and cost of living while earning no salary, or earning less, depending on the study mode you choose.
...if you are certain that the degree will positively impact your career.
...if you can find suitable study options that match what you’re looking for.
Do not pursue a Master’s degree (yet)...
...if you are not certain what you want to do with your career.
...if you struggled too much with coursework during your Bachelors - because a Masters will be more difficult.
...if you cannot afford it even with scholarships, financial help from your family, wages from part-time work, or a small loan.
Reasons to work and postpone your Master’s degree:
Work experience can help figure out what to study
You can save money, and rely on your savings when you do a Masters late
Initial work experience in a relevant field adds value to your learning experience during a Masters
Relevant work experience will help you get into a good university later
Pursue a Master’s degree...
...if you are passionate about the subject and excited at the perspective of attaining more expert knowledge.
...if you are aware of the effort it takes to successfully finish a Masters, and willing to take it on.
...if you can afford the tuition fees and cost of living while earning no salary, or earning less, depending on the study mode you choose.
...if you are certain that the degree will positively impact your career.
...if you can find suitable study options that match what you’re looking for.
Do not pursue a Master’s degree (yet)...
...if you are not certain what you want to do with your career.
...if you struggled too much with coursework during your Bachelors - because a Masters will be more difficult.
...if you cannot afford it even with scholarships, financial help from your family, wages from part-time work, or a small loan.
Reasons to work and postpone your Master’s degree:
Work experience can help figure out what to study
You can save money, and rely on your savings when you do a Masters late
Initial work experience in a relevant field adds value to your learning experience during a Masters
Relevant work experience will help you get into a good university later
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Jacqueline,
While going to college, I worked two jobs. During the week and weekend nights, I was working at restaurants either bartending or waiting tables. During Saturday and Sunday mornings, I was working in the Radiology department at a hospital as a Patient Escort. This entailed transporting patients to and from their hospital rooms for their various x-rays or specialized procedures like a CT Scan, Ultrasound, MRI, etc. I also helped to develop the patient's x-ray films.
Classes were attended during the weekdays. Studying was done between classes or after getting off of work late at night. Time management is crucial as well as prioritizing tasks. It was not always work and studying. Balance came into play by taking needed time off - working out, martial arts, exercising and running, hanging out with friends (going to the movies, having dinner, travelling, etc.). It was very challenging and not easy working and going to college at the same time, but it was doable. After all of the challenges, a Bachelor of Science Degree (Criminal Justice) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management were earned and achieved.
My situation is not unique. There are students working while putting themselves through school. The key is to not stop your education, keep the momentum going and keep learning. There are companies that will pay its employees to go to college to obtain their degrees via tuition reimbursement. This will help one with financing a college degree.
For one to obtain and finish a college degree, there are other financial avenues to look into for assistance like family, relatives, friends, scholarships, loans, etc. An educational path and a career journey are never straight forward. There will be internal and external influences that will affect both. Again, the key is to keep moving forward, learning, developing, advancing, growing, pushing and challenging yourself, etc., but, at the same time, enjoy, have fun and reflect. Is it worth it in the end? The answer is "Yes!".
Best wishes for your education and future career!
While going to college, I worked two jobs. During the week and weekend nights, I was working at restaurants either bartending or waiting tables. During Saturday and Sunday mornings, I was working in the Radiology department at a hospital as a Patient Escort. This entailed transporting patients to and from their hospital rooms for their various x-rays or specialized procedures like a CT Scan, Ultrasound, MRI, etc. I also helped to develop the patient's x-ray films.
Classes were attended during the weekdays. Studying was done between classes or after getting off of work late at night. Time management is crucial as well as prioritizing tasks. It was not always work and studying. Balance came into play by taking needed time off - working out, martial arts, exercising and running, hanging out with friends (going to the movies, having dinner, travelling, etc.). It was very challenging and not easy working and going to college at the same time, but it was doable. After all of the challenges, a Bachelor of Science Degree (Criminal Justice) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management were earned and achieved.
My situation is not unique. There are students working while putting themselves through school. The key is to not stop your education, keep the momentum going and keep learning. There are companies that will pay its employees to go to college to obtain their degrees via tuition reimbursement. This will help one with financing a college degree.
For one to obtain and finish a college degree, there are other financial avenues to look into for assistance like family, relatives, friends, scholarships, loans, etc. An educational path and a career journey are never straight forward. There will be internal and external influences that will affect both. Again, the key is to keep moving forward, learning, developing, advancing, growing, pushing and challenging yourself, etc., but, at the same time, enjoy, have fun and reflect. Is it worth it in the end? The answer is "Yes!".
Best wishes for your education and future career!
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Unless advanced credentials are required for your profession, find a position in your chosen career. Why?
1. Some companies/agencies offer tuition assistance. That's part of your benefit package. Go to school part time, with help from your employer, and you may not have to take on any debt to do so (3-6 hrs per semester).
2. Having real life experience increases what you "take away" from your additional education. You are able to relate to the subject matter, not just think about it in a hypothetical sort of way.
Hope this helps!
Kim
1. Some companies/agencies offer tuition assistance. That's part of your benefit package. Go to school part time, with help from your employer, and you may not have to take on any debt to do so (3-6 hrs per semester).
2. Having real life experience increases what you "take away" from your additional education. You are able to relate to the subject matter, not just think about it in a hypothetical sort of way.
Hope this helps!
Kim
Updated
Richard J (Rich)’s Answer
Roberto's answer is spot on. There are a lot of "it depends" in that question. Yes, it depends on profession, and yes no matter what you do you continue to learn. There is also military or government service options. The bottom line, due what's best for you and for what you can afford. But, if you don't get an advanced degree right away - never take it out of your plan for the future. Wishing you the best.
Updated
Tracy’s Answer
There is really no perfect answer. I think it is important that you really reflect on what you truly want because so many careers require so many different things. After graduation, it might be a great idea to take a short break and take the time to just enjoy life before making a decision on what you want to do. Just remember, getting your degree is such an accomplishment and don't feel the pressure to have it all figured out right after graduation.