Grad school as an option

frankj1247frankj1247 Member Posts: 111
in IT Jobs / Degrees
I have been out of school for two years and the only IT related position I found was a 5 month internship as a Jr. Network Admin. No full time job came out of the internship, but I was happy to get the experience.

As a result, I applied to two Graduate programs in CS for the Spring semester and I'm just waiting to hear back and working in the mean time. At this point I am seriously considering going back to school because I have given up applying, into thin air, for IT jobs, but I'm not 100% sure that it is the right path.

I guess I want to know if going back to school would be a good idea, I know it couldnt' hurt in the knowledge department, but will it benefit me in the job arena. I know that furthering my eduation in CS can prepare me for a teaching job which I wouldn't mind, but what can a graduate degree offer me that certifications can't in today competitive marketplace?
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Comments

  • webkido13webkido13 Member Posts: 3 ■□□□□□□□□□
    I think a Master's degree will definetly benefit you. But the thing with it is that paying for it out of your own pocket can be extremely costly. I went the route of working full-time for a university in Philadelphia (and getting paid doing it) doing IT stuff and going to grad-school at night. Since the university paid me a pretty decent salary and I got to school for free, I came def. out ahead a Master's degree and now owing a dime. Now I just got a job in Switzerland (that's were I'm originally from) and the Master's degree significantly helped me in getting a position here.

    So you may want to consider looking for university jobs in the IT field. Also I have quite a few friends which work for companies that are paying for them to get their Master's degree. I think the only condition with it is is that they have to stay at least two years after the graduate. The good thing with most university jobs is that the day you start you are elbible for free tuition and there is no comittment after you graduate. Expect your Master's degree to take about 2 1/4 years if you go this route depending on the university.

    Hope that helps.
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  • MunckMunck Member Posts: 150
    A Master degree will benefit you more than most certs IMO. It's a huge personal achievement. I would study certs. along with the degree if I were you. When I'll go back for my Masters, I'll continue to work fulltime to boost my experience. Good luck :)
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