7 answers
Lima
Student
Burlington, Vermont
1
Question
Updated
934 views
Stay in the workforce or go back and get my master's degree?
I have a bachelor in Business Admin. I work full-time for the State Government in the Economic Department. Would it be worth going back to school and getting my Masters or to continue working for the State as I build up my work experience?
7 answers
Aniket Hirebet
Project Manager
4
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Aniket’s Answer
The answer largely relies on evaluating the pros and cons of each choice. I suggest creating a list outlining the advantages and disadvantages of both options.
For example, would obtaining a master's degree in your field considerably increase your earnings? If yes, it might be worthwhile to take a break from work for a few years to pursue the degree. Conversely, if the additional degree wouldn't substantially raise your income, it might be better to focus on growing within your current job and seeking opportunities for advancement. Some fields offer higher salaries for those with a master's degree, while others don't.
Additionally, consider the expenses involved. Would you need to quit working (and lose your salary) or could you continue working while studying? Would your employer cover the cost of your degree, or would it be your responsibility?
In general, if you can obtain your degree with minimal or no financial burden while still earning a salary, then pursuing the degree is an obvious choice. However, if you must stop working and pay for the degree yourself, it's only advisable if you believe it will significantly enhance your earning potential.
For example, would obtaining a master's degree in your field considerably increase your earnings? If yes, it might be worthwhile to take a break from work for a few years to pursue the degree. Conversely, if the additional degree wouldn't substantially raise your income, it might be better to focus on growing within your current job and seeking opportunities for advancement. Some fields offer higher salaries for those with a master's degree, while others don't.
Additionally, consider the expenses involved. Would you need to quit working (and lose your salary) or could you continue working while studying? Would your employer cover the cost of your degree, or would it be your responsibility?
In general, if you can obtain your degree with minimal or no financial burden while still earning a salary, then pursuing the degree is an obvious choice. However, if you must stop working and pay for the degree yourself, it's only advisable if you believe it will significantly enhance your earning potential.
Camtu Vo
Product Development Manager
6
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Camtu’s Answer
Hello Angelus - This is a tough question to answer as it depends on what you're looking for with your career growth and opportunities. However, without knowing much, my recommendation is getting experience in the business field (there's a lot) before getting a second degree. This will allow you to see what you might want to specialize in for that graduate degree.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Lima
Jeff Zellmer
CFO Consultant
3
Answers
Morgan Hill, California
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Getting the Masters Degree can be very beneficial in a competitive job market and also for personal growth. Although it will be a ton of work (and depend on your employer's support, it is possible to do both - continue working full time and pursue your Masters at the same time. Some employers will even pay for some of the costs. It should only take a couple of years of hard work and then you will be well positioned for future career growth.
Thank you, Jeff for the advice.
Lima
T.J. Worthy
Mentor
202
Answers
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Angelus!
Thanks for sharing more about your background! I feel your actions will depend on your goals within business/economics.
You can likely leverage your work experience in Econ for the govt. in different ways to earn a higher salary without applying to graduate school.
You'll likely benefit from working for a few years, because it can help you clarify the type of career growth you want.
Plus, graduate school would add another investment (debt) to your life, and may not be a good idea if you don't have a plan or job in mind [that specifically calls for a MBA].
Find some opening roles, build work experience, and see if working full-time can help you.
Some work areas you can look into are:
》Consulting: May involve travel, but junior positions might be available for recent or fresh graduates.
》Healthcare Management: If your role in Econ/Govt involved administrative or managing a team, you could pursue a supervisory role in the healthcare industry. Especially if your Econ. role involved scheduling/billing, you can leverage it here.
》Data Aggregation: If you're good with Microsoft Office Suite and any form of analysis/statistics (and tools such as SPSS, power BI, Python, R, SQL), you can find a decent job as a business analyst.
》Project Coordination: A path if you want to become a project manager of any sort. Project coordinator roles are often entry-level.
Whatever you go for, leverage the experience you already have. Show that your qualified on your resume/LinkedIn/cover letters.
Also, always seek out opportunities. If you're working in consulting after 2-3 years, you can move on to another place & grow your skills. I noticed that's the best way some people in business find the work they want to do.
You can also get good advice for next steps in your career by networking (building connections with people). Find people who graduated in Business Administration or with an Econ. background, and ask them which industries are good for those with your skills in your area.
Sending you good luck as you find next steps with your degree :)
Examples of Project Coordinator roles in VT: https://www.zippia.com/project-coordinator-burlington-vt-jobs/?leftpanel=true&dlp=d4d16f5d6f212a40a2d6f0b3b138039fb447b114
Examples of Consultant jobs in VT: https://www.indeed.com/q-Consultant-l-Burlington,-VT-jobs.html?vjk=32be78c8a6112f2b&advn=2727431576698889
Examples of Business Analyst roles in VT: https://www.indeed.com/q-Business-Analyst-l-Vermont-jobs.html?vjk=f91ccf8166511bbb
Thanks for sharing more about your background! I feel your actions will depend on your goals within business/economics.
You can likely leverage your work experience in Econ for the govt. in different ways to earn a higher salary without applying to graduate school.
You'll likely benefit from working for a few years, because it can help you clarify the type of career growth you want.
Plus, graduate school would add another investment (debt) to your life, and may not be a good idea if you don't have a plan or job in mind [that specifically calls for a MBA].
Find some opening roles, build work experience, and see if working full-time can help you.
Some work areas you can look into are:
》Consulting: May involve travel, but junior positions might be available for recent or fresh graduates.
》Healthcare Management: If your role in Econ/Govt involved administrative or managing a team, you could pursue a supervisory role in the healthcare industry. Especially if your Econ. role involved scheduling/billing, you can leverage it here.
》Data Aggregation: If you're good with Microsoft Office Suite and any form of analysis/statistics (and tools such as SPSS, power BI, Python, R, SQL), you can find a decent job as a business analyst.
》Project Coordination: A path if you want to become a project manager of any sort. Project coordinator roles are often entry-level.
Whatever you go for, leverage the experience you already have. Show that your qualified on your resume/LinkedIn/cover letters.
Also, always seek out opportunities. If you're working in consulting after 2-3 years, you can move on to another place & grow your skills. I noticed that's the best way some people in business find the work they want to do.
You can also get good advice for next steps in your career by networking (building connections with people). Find people who graduated in Business Administration or with an Econ. background, and ask them which industries are good for those with your skills in your area.
Sending you good luck as you find next steps with your degree :)
T.J. recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for giving me this advice, I appreciate it.
Lima
You're welcome! [Lima ~ I like the name :)]
T.J. Worthy
Korin Harrison
Consultant
1
Answer
Jerome, Idaho
Updated
Korin’s Answer
Hi Lima,
Depending on your work schedule and other life obligations, you may be able to do both. I also went back to complete a MBA program while already having a professional career. Some employers also offer financial assistance for continuing education if you plan on growing with the company and can explain how the MBA degree will benefit not only you, but them as well. Your employer also might be willing to work with you (different schedule, reduced hours, etc.) to promote your path on becoming an MBA. If you do not have any luck going the path of working with your employer, you might also consider contacting the MBA program coordinator at the school you plan on attending and ask about professional paid internships that would coincide nicely with the career path you plan on taking once attaining your MBA. Best of luck!
Depending on your work schedule and other life obligations, you may be able to do both. I also went back to complete a MBA program while already having a professional career. Some employers also offer financial assistance for continuing education if you plan on growing with the company and can explain how the MBA degree will benefit not only you, but them as well. Your employer also might be willing to work with you (different schedule, reduced hours, etc.) to promote your path on becoming an MBA. If you do not have any luck going the path of working with your employer, you might also consider contacting the MBA program coordinator at the school you plan on attending and ask about professional paid internships that would coincide nicely with the career path you plan on taking once attaining your MBA. Best of luck!
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Lima
Matthew Whelan
Project Manager
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Hi Lima,
Definitely a good question. Obtaining an MBA is something to pursue to further your education and gain more experience in Business. I would say it's something to think about, although there are also variables in play such as cost, time, effort, etc... Sometimes companies also will work with you and your schedule so you can focus on your studies. Maybe speak to your manager and see what your company may offer regarding paying / less workload to focus on the degree. For them, it would be beneficial to have an employee going for an advanced degree. Overall, I'd say there's more positives than negatives to go back to school and get the degree to build your future.
Definitely a good question. Obtaining an MBA is something to pursue to further your education and gain more experience in Business. I would say it's something to think about, although there are also variables in play such as cost, time, effort, etc... Sometimes companies also will work with you and your schedule so you can focus on your studies. Maybe speak to your manager and see what your company may offer regarding paying / less workload to focus on the degree. For them, it would be beneficial to have an employee going for an advanced degree. Overall, I'd say there's more positives than negatives to go back to school and get the degree to build your future.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Lima
Patrick Neeb
Director of Technology Consulting
3
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Lima, it's highly recommended to start working on your Masters Degree as soon as possible. As you progress in your career, you'll become increasingly busy, making it difficult to find time for further education. This valuable advice was given to me after completing my Bachelors Degree. I managed to balance a full-time job with an evening MBA program. Although it required significant effort, I'm truly grateful for pursuing it early in my career.
Best regards,
Patrick
Best regards,
Patrick
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Lima
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