OK time for another highly opinionated debate on whether or not going to grad school is the answer in today's struggling economy. I was just thinking about how finding a job worthwhile is next to impossible especially here in San Jose. I'm speaking from personal experience since I've been looking since last May when I graduated. And as some of you know I've ranted about this a few times already with many of you sharing my pain. So I've put alot of thought into this topic (since this morning) and I may be considering going back to school to get a Masters to increase my chances of finding a rewarding career in a field that won't die out in a few years. What do you guys THINK?

 

i would rather find a job... get a few yrs work experience and hopefully the employer will pay for part/all of the grad school expenses....

 

More education is always good. It'll help you in the long run. Lots of people I know are going/went back to school because they couldn't find jobs. Afterwards, you won't be sorry that you went when you're getting paid good money. Just opinion, not fact.




:banana:

 

Good Point "Soundwave"

What fields do the majority seem to be going back to school for " My2003wrx?" Supposedly the medical field is the fastest growing now.

 

I think it depends on what field you want to get into. As for myself I plan on going back to grad school do get my Ph.D. in either microbiology or virology. In the science field, at least as far as I know, they either want people with a B.S. or a Ph.D. As for me Ph.D. is the way to go since I wanna do research, thinking of staying in academia, but industry does hold the promise of bigger money.

If you are talking about going back to grad school and you are in the engineering field or relatied fields I would say go back and get a masters, especially if you are in the Bay area. right now it sucks to be an engineer in the bay area, there are not a lot of jobs and everone applies for just one postion. If one wants to be competitive in the market right now one needs to have at least the same qualifactions as the others who are applying for the same job.

Short answer: yes

Jason

 

I'm not in the engineering field, I actually wanted to become a Psychologist and got a B.A. However, with that alone I really didn't expect any opportuniities in that area before graduating.

I still think yes could be the answer though because I wouldn't necessarily have to get into that field. At this point I just want to make money and I would get a Masters in whatever field (whatever that may be) to help my financial goals.

 

Financial Aid and loan defferals on existing loans could be the key to further educational funding. And withan MBA at least we know business will always be around.

 

Good points......keep em coming. If I did this I need to weigh everything out.

 

If your in psychology then get a PHD in it. PHD's are great because you don't have to pay for school... the only challenge is getting in. I'm goin to graduate this comming fall and am planing to go on with my education and get a PHD. Plus if you're good enough u can actually make a good amount of money in a PHD program... well not like a whole lot but some income, which is crazy considering your going to school.

-JOe

 

From what I know, not only is it extremely tough getting into a PhD program but it could be years before you start making $. This is what strayed me from pursuing a career in Psych. However, when you do make $ you really make $.

 

"Vapo"
Do you think a lucrative career could be had as a licensed therapist? I'm almost sure all you need is a masters for that. I believe the PhD is needed to prescribe medicine if I'm not mistaken.

 

Taking this comment into account, it would sound as though it's better to get some more schooling. Provided that you're going to have a job after you go to grad school, you'll be making more money in 5 years after grad school then you would just working right now and having an ok job. Ten years down the line, you'd thank yourself. Of course this is provided that you do make it through grad school and have a high paying job. All depends on what you want and how hard you are willing to work for it.

Most people I know who are going to grad school are in business and statistics, they want to get their MBA and I have a few friends that want to become Actuaries. I have a few engineering buddies who are in grad school only because they couldn't get jobs.

If you're not going to go to grad school, I would suggest some kind of certification/license, it will only help you.



:banana:

 

the more school and real world experience you can get the better off you will be. Just make sure not to be one sided (having to much of one is just as bad as not having enough of the other)

 

Depends on what field you really want to go. I had a finance degree in college and after 6+ years of working at a bank, I decided to get an MBA part-time while still working full-time. In the finance/business arena, people with undergraduate degree doesn't make too much, but a good MBA degree would boost your income significantly. Plus, all the seniors and a lot of my colleagues at my level all have MBAs, it's like a must in this field.

I have a lot of classmates who are not business background but would like to transit to the business field. There are many options within the MBA area such as: finance, accounting, marketing, opertions, planning, management, etc. After MBA, you can work for investment banking, commercial banking, consulting companies, big four accounting firm, private companies, etc.

My short answer is 'YES' but the key is to have a plan and follow through and evaluate the progress constantly. Hope it helps.

Howard