5 answers
2
Questions
Updated
907 views
Should I pursue higher education without industrial experience?
I am in USA. I do not have work authorization. I
graduated in software development in 2016. But, I don't have industrial experience since getting job is impossible due my immigration status.
I will hopefully get work authorization in about 5 years. I was thinking of doing masters in Business, computer science or something related to business , finance and technology. The reason I took this decision is to at least prepare myself with higher academic aqualifications since i can not apply for jobs, and therefore after five years I would hopefully in a better position to apply for better job.
So, my questions are :
Should I pursue in academic qualifications without much work experience?
Will this open more job opportunities after 5 years evm though I have limited work experience.
If i am wrong in my decision to pursue higer education, what should I do instead to be in better position to get a job in 5 years?
5 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
5667
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Daminda Dinesh!
Should I pursue higher education without industrial experience?
It is a common dilemma for individuals like you who lack industrial experience due to various reasons, such as immigration status. Pursuing higher education without significant work experience can have both advantages and disadvantages. Here are some points to consider:
Advantages:
Academic Qualifications: Pursuing a master’s degree in Business, Computer Science, or a related field can enhance your academic qualifications and knowledge in your chosen field. This can make you more competitive in the job market once you gain work authorization.
Networking Opportunities: Higher education provides opportunities to network with professors, industry professionals, and fellow students. Networking can be crucial in landing job opportunities in the future.
Skill Development: Furthering your education can help you develop new skills and stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in your industry.
Career Change: If you are considering a career change or transitioning into a different field, pursuing higher education can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills for that transition.
Disadvantages:
Lack of Practical Experience: Employers often value practical experience over academic qualifications. Without industrial experience, you may face challenges when competing for jobs against candidates with both education and experience.
Financial Investment: Pursuing higher education is a significant financial investment. It is essential to consider the return on investment in terms of career advancement and earning potential.
Delayed Entry into Workforce: Spending more time on academic pursuits may delay your entry into the workforce, potentially impacting your overall career progression.
Will this open more job opportunities after 5 years?
While pursuing higher education can certainly open up more job opportunities after five years, it is essential to complement your academic qualifications with relevant internships, projects, certifications, or any other practical experiences that you can undertake during this period without work authorization. Building a strong portfolio of practical experiences alongside your academic credentials will significantly enhance your employability once you are eligible to work.
In conclusion, pursuing higher education without industrial experience can be beneficial if approached strategically by supplementing it with relevant practical experiences and networking opportunities during the waiting period for work authorization. It is crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review
U.S. News & World Report
Forbes
These sources were consulted to gather insights on the impact of higher education on career prospects and the importance of balancing academic qualifications with practical experiences in today’s job market.
God Bless!
JC.
Should I pursue higher education without industrial experience?
It is a common dilemma for individuals like you who lack industrial experience due to various reasons, such as immigration status. Pursuing higher education without significant work experience can have both advantages and disadvantages. Here are some points to consider:
Advantages:
Academic Qualifications: Pursuing a master’s degree in Business, Computer Science, or a related field can enhance your academic qualifications and knowledge in your chosen field. This can make you more competitive in the job market once you gain work authorization.
Networking Opportunities: Higher education provides opportunities to network with professors, industry professionals, and fellow students. Networking can be crucial in landing job opportunities in the future.
Skill Development: Furthering your education can help you develop new skills and stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in your industry.
Career Change: If you are considering a career change or transitioning into a different field, pursuing higher education can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills for that transition.
Disadvantages:
Lack of Practical Experience: Employers often value practical experience over academic qualifications. Without industrial experience, you may face challenges when competing for jobs against candidates with both education and experience.
Financial Investment: Pursuing higher education is a significant financial investment. It is essential to consider the return on investment in terms of career advancement and earning potential.
Delayed Entry into Workforce: Spending more time on academic pursuits may delay your entry into the workforce, potentially impacting your overall career progression.
Will this open more job opportunities after 5 years?
While pursuing higher education can certainly open up more job opportunities after five years, it is essential to complement your academic qualifications with relevant internships, projects, certifications, or any other practical experiences that you can undertake during this period without work authorization. Building a strong portfolio of practical experiences alongside your academic credentials will significantly enhance your employability once you are eligible to work.
In conclusion, pursuing higher education without industrial experience can be beneficial if approached strategically by supplementing it with relevant practical experiences and networking opportunities during the waiting period for work authorization. It is crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review
U.S. News & World Report
Forbes
These sources were consulted to gather insights on the impact of higher education on career prospects and the importance of balancing academic qualifications with practical experiences in today’s job market.
God Bless!
JC.
Thank you very much for your comprehensive and thoughtful advice. I am doing some of the things that you suggested. I have been volunteering for non-projects and open-source projects as a web developer. I am, currently, completing some lower-division courses that I need in the community college. I am also looking for internships. Many people here advise me to pursue higher education while getting experience through internships and volunteerism. One of the main reasons I want to continue my education is networking. So, with all your encouragement I made a firm decision to continue my higher education while contributing to non-profits, and open-source projects and seeking any opportunity through internships.
Dinesh
Updated
Timothy’s Answer
Hey Daminda,
Great work on graduating back in 2016! The technology field is never a bad field to get involved in. Chances are good that there's always going to be a demand for guys like you in that field. So far, I think you're off to a good start as far as education goes. It's a tough situation to be in given that you can't work at this time. But if further educating yourself is something you really want to pursue, then I would definitely say "go for it." It's not a bad thing to master your craft, right? Higher education is super beneficial in the look run. If paying for it becomes a problem, of course look into finical aid programs, scholarships, and grants. I'm sure you know all about that. Plus, meeting with a academic advisor/counselor at your college is very important. Higher education always opens up more opportunities. Plus, networking yourself is very valuable. The more people you know, the better you'll be when it comes time to landing the career job.
In the mean time, as far as looking for work goes. See if there's any job or volunteer opportunities at your college just to give yourself something. Even if it's something small, it's better than nothing. If not at the college, maybe some volunteer opportunities in your community.
Overall, if it were me and I couldn't work for the next 5 years, I would just keep going to school, further educate myself, network myself with all different kinds of people, and keep my eyes open for any volunteer work.
I certainly wish you the best my friend. Nothing happens over night. But keep going strong and you'll get there.
Great work on graduating back in 2016! The technology field is never a bad field to get involved in. Chances are good that there's always going to be a demand for guys like you in that field. So far, I think you're off to a good start as far as education goes. It's a tough situation to be in given that you can't work at this time. But if further educating yourself is something you really want to pursue, then I would definitely say "go for it." It's not a bad thing to master your craft, right? Higher education is super beneficial in the look run. If paying for it becomes a problem, of course look into finical aid programs, scholarships, and grants. I'm sure you know all about that. Plus, meeting with a academic advisor/counselor at your college is very important. Higher education always opens up more opportunities. Plus, networking yourself is very valuable. The more people you know, the better you'll be when it comes time to landing the career job.
In the mean time, as far as looking for work goes. See if there's any job or volunteer opportunities at your college just to give yourself something. Even if it's something small, it's better than nothing. If not at the college, maybe some volunteer opportunities in your community.
Overall, if it were me and I couldn't work for the next 5 years, I would just keep going to school, further educate myself, network myself with all different kinds of people, and keep my eyes open for any volunteer work.
I certainly wish you the best my friend. Nothing happens over night. But keep going strong and you'll get there.
Thank you very much for your comprehensive advice. I am doing some of the things that you suggested. I have volunteered for non-projects and open-source projects, and I continue to volunteer as a web developer. At present, I am completing some lower-division courses that I need in the community college. I am also looking for internships.
But, I had a doubt and confusion in my path. I was wondering if I was doing the right thing. Many people here advise me to pursue higher education while getting experience through internships and volunteerism. One of the main reasons I want to continue my education is networking. So, with all your encouragement I made a firm decision to continue may higher education.
Dinesh
Updated
Sanchita’s Answer
I am a firm believer in the power of education and I will always motivate you to pursue more of it. As an immigrant myself, I comprehend the significance of securing work authorization.
Enrolling in college can open doors for you to participate in unique projects under the guidance of professors. I am confident that if you discuss your circumstances with the faculty, they will provide you with plenty of opportunities to gain practical experience before stepping into the real world. This hands-on experience will be invaluable in preparing you for what's to come.
Enrolling in college can open doors for you to participate in unique projects under the guidance of professors. I am confident that if you discuss your circumstances with the faculty, they will provide you with plenty of opportunities to gain practical experience before stepping into the real world. This hands-on experience will be invaluable in preparing you for what's to come.
Thanks for the advice.
Dinesh
Updated
Steven’s Answer
If you think that you'd like to try out a profession before studying for it, I think it's a great idea. Remember, tho, that eventually you'll be competing with candidates who have bachelor's and even master's degrees, or phDs, so a college education is very important.
Thank you for the advice.
Dinesh
Updated
Terrell’s Answer
Hello Daminda, I'm thrilled to assist you with your query today! It appears you're in the exciting phase of exploring various fields such as software development, industrial design, and business, even though you might not have any hands-on experience yet. The ideal course of action in this scenario is to further your education by pursuing an MBA Degree. This will equip you with a robust business foundation that is applicable across virtually any industry you aspire to be part of. That's the beauty and value of an MBA degree.
I, too, had dreams of breaking into the music industry, but found it challenging to secure a foothold while also ensuring a stable career path. So, I decided to pursue an MBA in Music Business. This provided me with a solid grounding in business and also paved the way for opportunities in other sectors in case my initial plans didn't pan out.
As you progress in your studies, you'll have the chance to gain practical work experience through internships facilitated by your school. You could even work on campus while studying! Plus, student visas allow you to work for most employers until you secure citizenship. I trust this information will be beneficial to you.
I, too, had dreams of breaking into the music industry, but found it challenging to secure a foothold while also ensuring a stable career path. So, I decided to pursue an MBA in Music Business. This provided me with a solid grounding in business and also paved the way for opportunities in other sectors in case my initial plans didn't pan out.
As you progress in your studies, you'll have the chance to gain practical work experience through internships facilitated by your school. You could even work on campus while studying! Plus, student visas allow you to work for most employers until you secure citizenship. I trust this information will be beneficial to you.
Thank you very much for your advice. I am currently completing some lower-division courses that I need in the community college. I took classes needed for a business degree. I will do a business degree related to the technology side.
But, I had a doubt and confusion in my path. I was wondering if I was doing the right thing. Many people here advise me to pursue higher education while getting experience through internships and volunteerism. One of the main reasons I want to continue my education is networking. So, with all your encouragement I made a firm decision to continue my higher education.
Dinesh
Delete Comment
Flag Comment