Has anyone gone for their masters later in life?

Not sure if it's pandemic boredom or an upcoming mid-life crisis (just hit 40), but I just applied for the Security and Network Engineering masters program at the University of Amsterdam. I completed my bachelors in 2002 and have been working full-time ever since.

I would like to know how others have juggled marriage, children, and a career while jumping back into higher education.

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E Double U

Looks like I will pass on the masters this year as I just took another step up in my career (second role change this year lol). I will get that masters one day.

balance

I am started a DSc program in August and looking to come home from the Middle East. Going to be fun times ahead

unknown

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balance

carenator said:

Master is a waste of time, money and efforts. I mean if you already earning a lot from your current job, why do you bother educating yourself further? You may as well do something to enjoy life such as traveling around the world. Life is short and we should do something enjoyable in life.

Can we ban this guy yet ?

unknown

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jibtech

carenator said:

Master is a waste of time, money and efforts. I mean if you already earning a lot from your current job, why do you bother educating yourself further? You may as well do something to enjoy life such as traveling around the world. Life is short and we should do something enjoyable in life.

That is certainly a take, though I am not sure it’s a good one.

For some folks, especially those who frequent TE, education IS something we enjoy.

Others are trying to make themselves more competitive in a job market.

Others don’t have recent education experience and their bachelors from 1983 doesn’t hold the same weight that it once did.

Some would like to move into a management track. When a masters isn’t required, it is often highly encouraged.

Some like the more formal education style a degree offers when learning new technology.

Finally, there are some that think stopping is a sign of weakness. We don’t want to throw in the towel. We don’t want to stop. We don’t want to enjoy our sunset years waiting for death to overtake us. We choose to lean forward, and actively live life instead of letting life be something that just happens to us.

Does that clear it up a bit?

JDMurray

balance said:
Can we ban this guy yet ?

Some people who fail at something and give up will then attempt to discourage others from attempting that same thing. I think we should learn from, rather than expunging, examples of this behavior.

E Double U

JDMurray said:

Some people who fail at something and give up will then attempt to discourage others from attempting that same thing.

I joined TE to do exactly that LOL

Mike7

I have seen job openings that list Masters as preferred requirement. These are technical openings, i.e architects, directors, head of technology etc.

Some Masters programs can be more technical than academic in nature. SANS is one example (https://www.sans.edu/academics/masters-programs/msise)

jibtech

JDMurray said:

balance said:
Can we ban this guy yet ?

Some people who fail at something and give up will then attempt to discourage others from attempting that same thing. I think we should learn from, rather than expunging, examples of this behavior.

Its a fair perspective. But, at the same time, many folks come here for the camaraderie and support. Someone **** on people's efforts and goals is also counterproductive to what TechExams has always been about.

Just an alternate opinion. I have always had a great deal of faith in how you handle things here, @JDMurray. I am not about to start doubting now.

TechGromit

Masters? Hell I don't even have an associates degree. While I occasional toy with the idea going back to college to get a degree, there really isn't a return on investment that I can see. I'm already earning a pay range that tops out at 130k + bonus. Having a degree will not increase the pay range and I'm down to my last 15 years or so of working. Other than bragging rights, what's the point?

E Double U

TechGromit said:

Other than bragging rights, what's the point?

Isn’t this always the point

changlinn

TechGromit said:

Masters? Hell I don't even have an associates degree. While I occasional toy with the idea going back to college to get a degree, there really isn't a return on investment that I can see. I'm already earning a pay range that tops out at 130k + bonus. Having a degree will not increase the pay range and I'm down to my last 15 years or so of working. Other than bragging rights, what's the point?

To be fair I was in pretty much the same boat before my masters. I was a Cyber Security manager. Though I have more like 20years left of work. I did it to move more into the exec, I'm thinking of MBA after.

veritas_libertas

I'm in the middle of trying to decide on this and I'm in my late 30s. I have a long time desire to move in to management as well as teach. For me, it's probably going to be needed.

Z0sickx

Ended up starting the WGU in Cybersecurity IA and on track to finish in 3 months (3 classes waived) for a total cost of 2500 ish with employer paying for some it. opens just a few more doors but overall I’ve learned a decent amount of new material/better understanding of it. But for a grand total of 4K overall for the program the ROI will be likely be better. TIER 1 college isn’t going to get me that much better offers in gov contracting to offset 50k+ loan and already top 5% payband for my position. So for my circumstances it’s worth the extra work/upfront cost

Mike7

See https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/financially-hobbled-elite-masters-degrees-that-dont-pay-off

Guess the value of Masters varies

patelgroup

Yes, I did go for a master's after 10 years,, as i did B.Tech and then M.Tech

EV42TMAN

I'm doing it right now. MBA in IT Management to be specific. Essentially I've been a really good engineer for the last 20 years that has never shifted in to management because I was "needed" in the technical roles and have been stuck telling the manager/director what to do on a daily basis.

Now that I'm trying to move into those roles I found my lack of official Management or Leadership experience getting in the way.

So I'm trying to buy it with an MBA. Worse case i can tack MBA on top my e-mail signature and LinkedIn profile.

JDMurray

EV42TMAN said:

So I'm trying to buy it with an MBA. Worse case i can tack MBA on top my e-mail signature and LinkedIn profile.

Every little bit helps. Some hiring managers think there are already too many MBAs out there, but others might consider it a requirement for a management position. I was forced into management because of a re-org. I took the opportunity because I didn't want to leave my team or the company. It turned out to be a great experience, but after a few years I did missing being one of the technical people working hands-on with the kewl stuffz.