MSc question?

altin_2

Hi all.

I'm asking for some advice as to follow a MSc or not.

A bit of history...BSc in 2010(2:1), worked up to last month(as a software tester....not what I was looking for), when become redundant.

Feel that MSc is the answer to employability and road to success.
BUT as I'm looking for a full time job (as well as being dad of 2), not sure how easy/hard will be doing all in the same time.

I have been offer a MSc to start next week, but with job interviews laid for next week and/or a job in horizon, not sure how can plan it.

Also will my next will be employer be happy that I'm enrolled in a MSc?

Any advice will be appreciated.
Thanks a lot

Hope my questions make sense...in a bit of Xroads

agrinnall

If it's a full time MSc there is no chance of being able to work full time at the same time, the work load on a MSc is very heavy and part time work is the most you will be able to manage. If it is a part time MSc then what work you can do really depends on the timing of lectures etc. and what hours you can work. I met people doing the same MSc as me, but as part time distance learners rather than full time, who were working full time as well, but they did find it a struggle. I would imagine that if you turn up to an interview and tell them that you have just started a MSc they might well be concerned about both your ability to cope with a new job and studying, and with your commitment to them for the long term. Of course, they might be keen to get someone who is making the effort to improve their qualifications and will help you out with time off but I wouldn't count on it.

Annisele

What is it that you want to do, and what is the MSc in?

In general I'd say that an MSc is highly unlikely to be the route to employability or success. However, in some specific industries it is. Are you finding that the jobs you want actually require an MSc?

dizzyrascal

I think an MSc can improve your employability if it is in an area that employers are looking for. Many computer science subjects that show you're specialising or getting professional qualifications can be useful but if you are planning to work full time I would be looking at the DL option, especially as you have children. If you are planning to do say a history MA then I think that would not enhance your employability.
However, most graduate engineering jobs tend to employ MSc students rather than BEng students these days so it depends what job you are looking to get eventually. Further qualifications do show you are committed to your career development and you already have some good work experience behind you. If the study looks tailored to your career with your new job then can't see it doing any harm but perhaps it would be better to start in Sept/Oct. Then, if you do get a related job you might get some sponsorship or if not money, then perhaps some time off for study. (won't be a lot but could be 1/2 a day a month if the course was a benefit to the company)

jfh7gwa

Ok... harsh post incoming:

altin wrote: »

Feel that MSc is the answer to employability and road to success.

Well, have you identified where you want to be / exactly what job role you want to be in?

Once you have, you need to figure out how many of your peers (competitors) have that qualification / level of education, and whether it's the norm (e.g. in engineering, technical settings) or an exception.

You should also look at live job listings - if they're listing the MSc as part of the "required" elements in your ideal job, it's a no brainer, go off and do it. It might even make long term financial sense / career-wise if your ideal job only lists the MSc as "desirable" in the job ads. I know that's the case for certain technical roles, my DH is in an IT job where having a masters in a somewhat related subject would make you stand out if you ticked all the other "must have" criteria.

But nothing about the OP makes me think that's the case... far, far too many people seem to think that "not sure what to do / can't get a job = more education is the answer" without really thinking things through, or even doing a BASIC job search to find out if that's true in their career path / sector.

Seriously, the amount of people I've seen attempt to go back to uni and do a further degree, only to find out 1+ yrs later that it counts for NOTHING in terms of career progression / salary... it's depressing. Of course there is intellectual satisfaction, and other elements besides enhancing your career - but make sure it will actually enhance your career path.. don't fall back on it as a Plan B. Because otherwise you'll be here in one or two years in the same boat, but with 1 or 2 years less experience than your graduation peers.

dseventy

Check out

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3751309

For qualifications vs experience views.

D70

[Deleted User]

I finished an MSc in December 2011 and if you're planning to work full time and do an MSc, forget it. I had a measely part time job and found THAT a struggle so had to give it up towards the end. An MSc is a LOT of work. Mine consisted of half teaching (assessed via nine exams and eleven essays) and a 25,000 word dissertation. It's not easy going and shouldn't be treated like an undergrad degree. I am really glad I did the course (in clinical psychology) but I don't feel it has improved my employability as I've been searching for a job to no avail and it hasn't given me the edge that I thought it would. I am eventually going to do a PhD or doctorate but have to pay my way for the time being and it'll be a few years before that happens. Some professions, like the field of psychology, require qualifications beyond a BSc. Others will not benefit from it at all and it'd be more worth your while gaining valuable work experience. In saying that, I think a part-time MSc might be a good idea although there were PT students in my class who worked full time and they really struggled.

altin_2

First Thanks for your replies.

What is it that you want to do, and what is the MSc in?

Yeh sorry missed that information.
BSc Computer Science -- MSc(wish) Informatics with Business studies.
From jobs I applied the ones who stands out(salary, prospectus etc) are in Financial sector(Data Analyst, etc). This is where I want to go into.

Are you finding that the jobs you want actually require an MSc?

Not all, but some yes. What is more, because is a combined Computer/Business MSc, there are modules focusing on Business and especially in data analysis for financial markets.....the exact place I want to work.
And is hard out there...a MSc will make you stand out(I think).

Judith_W

1. I would suggest if you are looking at getting a new job that you maybe do that for a year or so before bringing up the possibility of doing a part-time MSc. That would ensure your employer sees you as an asset and is more likely to listen when you ask about flexible working near deadlines/ their training policy (e.g. free study days etc). Also, I presume the MSc would be related to what you are working on in your new job otherwise work may not be happy.

2. It is really hard work but doable, my OH is just completing his, but has been given a half day study each week and been allowed to use holiday when deadlines are due so work has been really behind him. He has done nothing but work or study for two years (laptops and books coming on hols with us etc) so will be tough with a child, and your OH may struggle without your support.

3. Make sure you can afford the MSc, as they don't come cheap and you also have to take into account books, study contact days etc.

4. Only go for it if you really want to do the MSc and you are interested in the content, it is a long course and esp the dissertation is a slog if you are not really interested in topic.

altin_2

I would suggest if you are looking at getting a new job that you maybe do that for a year or so before bringing up the possibility of doing a part-time MSc.

I have a few good interviews(they being impress with my skills, attitude, passion etc), but until a confirmation is received.... is only a hope.

Also, I presume the MSc would be related to what you are working on in your new job

I still haven't got a job....but yes, MSc is partially related to the job(s) I'm applying.

Thanks for advice.

Voyager2002

I think that the MSc plan makes a lot of sense. Be prepared to explain it at job interviews: you would need to make clear that you have a career goal; that you have identified specific skills and knowledge that you will need in order to achieve your goal; you have established that this course will provide the skills and knowledge that you need. You would also need to explain to the employer how their vacancy fits into that overall plan, and you would need to assure them that your commitment to your work would come ahead of your commitment to your course (eg if there was a rush on at work, you would be willing to miss lectures in order to complete an urgent project).

Handle all this well, and it will give you an edge over other candidates. However, you do need to tell a clear 'story', and understand the time commitment that the MSc involves and how you would fit it in around a new job. The way you asked your question suggests that you need to organise your thoughts so that when you are asked you can come out and give a clear story. If you introduced your study plans in a job interview the way you asked your original question, you would probably give a negative impression.