Doesn't matter where you live - Is it better to get a masters immediately after the first degree or find a job?
This is a topic that always crops up among us young and not so young people. We seem to be caught at a crossroad at almost every stage of our lives. I visited with some family last week in LA and the second issue came up with one of my cousins. She is yet to decide. I've also read blog posts from here where people are taking one path or the other.
I personally know it's difficult to see the road to our goals, one of the most important of which is to be successful in life. At around 18 or so, when we're in University getting our first degree, our parents begin to allow us some independence. They accept that we can make some decisions of our own since we now usually live alone and away from home.
This independence can be exciting and at the same time scary. It means that all the mistakes you make are now on your head. You can't blame anyone for your flops anymore.
Some of the major decisions we're faced with are the ones above. I had the same dilemma on both counts. I graduated in Nigeria, finished my NYSC and began thinking of the way forward. I knew the value of a graduate degree so that was part of the plan but where to get it.
I started searching online for schools abroad with scholarships. I was also checking National dailes for schools in Nigeria. This search took sometime, so I knew I had to get a proper job in the meantime. I applied for schools in Nigeria but there was always something not right. In the end, it was a school abroad that offered me an admission which I took up.
I can say it was worth it, but I have also heard people who are not too happy with their scholarly sojorns abroad. It is either too expensive, too tasking, you get no job afterwards, they don't want to return to Nigeria, you name it. And for working before graduate school. I admit it was a bigger shock going from being an banker to a poor student doing odd jobs to make ends meet.
One thing I can say is this. Degree from Nigeria or abroad, work first or directly back to school, I think it is best to get a graduate degree somewhere along the line.
What do you think?
ps, All the best to those in the middle of making these life-changing decisions. God's grace.
I would say there really isn't any hard or fast rule. It all depends on what is on the table. Sometimes a person might get offered a really good job after their first degree. It all depends on one's options at the time.
ReplyDeleteI know that in Nigeria and the US, having a Masters makes a difference to one's prospects. It is less so in the UK - where in some fields, it would make no difference. The emphasis is more on experience rather than knowledge, though I have to say the tide is fast turning in the current economic climate.
Still, I would say get it all while you can.
I think at least having a degree makes a big difference in the corporate world, but if you're planning to run your own business, for instance, who needs a piece of paper to prove what you know?
ReplyDeleteThis is a really interesting debate. I was at New York University graduate film for about a year, but found that the program was so Hollywood-centric that it just didn't appeal to me. Now I am applying for a Fulbright to study screenwriting at the University of Lagos. I think that it actually does matter where you study in terms of its impact on your perspective, irrespective of your field. It might be good for Nigerians living in Nigeria to have an abroad exp in the US or UK simply to broaden their worldview.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good one oh,well about doin ur masters or getting a job,if ur sponsor(s) are still able to pay ur fees then go get a masters,if they're not able get a job,then you can do your masters while working.
ReplyDeleteThen getting a degree abroad is more advisable 'coz you can graduate in Nigeria with a 1st class and go to find a job with s/one who got a degree overseas,that person is chosen 'coz the employer thinks he has a better option in the foreign guy,not with his experience,exposure and foreign strategies and kisses you and ur upper class goodbye or gives you a sub-standard job 'coz he wants both of you sweating for him.Well in Nigeria of today,connection is the magic,if you want to work in an oil company,have an uncle there.
Ahum I hope with the following few points of mine I've been able to convince you that....... Lolz.
MW,you rock.
I actually belong to that category,Myne.
ReplyDeletebut,fortunately,my goal has always been clear. I want to have an Msc before settling down to pursue my professional career.
But,like you said,its important to get a graduate degree somewhere along the line :)
Good question. I think this depends on a lot of factors.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe the country really matter, and I think African countries tend to favour foreign graduates to home grown ones (don't really know why).
In the UK, there are a lot of professions where having a masters degree does not make a difference. Infact it is considered a waste of money. They would rather you have experience and the industry professional qualifications rather than a piece of paper that says you got a first class. Examples are accountants- ACCA, CIMA, e.t.c.
Saying that there are some work areas where a masters degress still matters - not because they believe you can do the job better than someone who does not have one, but more so because 'that has the way it has always been'.
My suggestion would be to check the industry one is going into and really find out if having a masters degree is suitable for getting ahead (job, career progression,e.t.c)
Finally, with the current climate,embarking on a masters programme without proper research into its benefits within the chosen profession would be quite silly.
wow, i am at this stage of my life, im not sure what my life will look like at all in a couple of months, but i trust that God has everything under control.
ReplyDeleteIn Ghana, after obtaining a certification in tertiary institution, you are required to serve a period of one year at post in an institution that is given by the National Service Secretariat. Sometimes you are retained by the company. Apart from gaining experience in your chosen career, it is a period for discussion making- to work or continue schooling. I decided to work a period of two years after national service and then get a masters degree, but i have friends who continued to obtain a masters after the first degree. Either way is not bad if well thought out and planned.
ReplyDeleteI'd definitely recommend getting a job first before going back to school, for two reasons:
ReplyDeleteGetting out into the wide world helps you understand better what you like/don't like, so that you can pick a post graduate course that is more aligned with what you like;
Working means that you have money which gives you the freedom to make more options.
Having said that, working straight out of university may also make it harder to go back to school, because it's hard to give up the financial independence that you get from working.
I'm actually anti- a grad degree sha. In my field, the certification counts but even if, I don't like school and feel too lazy to go back for an MsC...sucky excuse abi? Most Nigerians think it's odd...as per our people are the extra motivated sort but I say hey! allow me to be the regular girl next door o jare.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1: My principle is that get a graduate degree in a school that is better than where you got your undergraduate degree. And since the standard of education abroad is better than that of Nigeria, then it is better to get that graduate degree abroad cos its better for one to be world class than a local campion.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: It all depends on your career field. For instance where I work (a global audit and consulting firm), no one cares about masters degree, its the certifications they want to see but I know that in some other fields, getting a Masters is the main thing. All in all, whether to get the Masters immediately after undergrad depends on your career, financial capabilty, time, future plans, etc.
Question 1: My principle is that get a graduate degree in a school that is better than where you got your undergraduate degree. And since the standard of education abroad is better than that of Nigeria, then it is better to get that graduate degree abroad cos its better for one to be world class than a local campion.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: It all depends on your career field. For instance where I work (a global audit and consulting firm), no one cares about masters degree, its the certifications they want to see but I know that in some other fields, getting a Masters is the main thing. All in all, whether to get the Masters immediately after undergrad depends on your career, financial capabilty, time, future plans, etc.
I want to study abroad. Looking at next semester as an undergrad. Personally I think obtaining a masters just depends on the person and what their career path is. I know for certain in America it increases chances in the job market but some people don't have corporate standards, which is cool. A person just has to sit down, and take time to decide what is best for them.
ReplyDeleteSeveral knowledgeable people have spoken on this issue and would just like to add a piece of my own...
ReplyDeleteSince African organisations tend to favour people with foreign degrees, I'd say its good to bag a foreign postgrad degree. Also, even when applying for a job overseas, should you come with a degree from African universities, you may have to prove yourself a million times before you are offered a job or admission.
My take :)
- LDP
I just happen to be right at this stage.
ReplyDeleteMy ultimate decision is to work for a year to get enough money to pay all (or at least most of) the tuition and associated costs for my Masters.
Ordinarily, the source of degree should not matter, but the Nigerian system (now) place so much value on foreign degrees. In all, I strongly believe that anyone with a drive for quality education/degree, should pursue his/her dreams.
ReplyDeleteMasters immediately after graduation depends on the course studied and finance!
Methink, the educational system in Nigeria needs improving for one. The incessant strike actions need to be a think of the past but it is still the case and this in effect slows down people's progress.
ReplyDeleteMy fellowship in UK allowed me to see the difference in our educational system, even when it appears tasking, it is good to know that there are various intellectual avenues to develop as students.
Also, many students in Nigeria can stand any where in the world and claim their own space, that shows how brainy many of us are depsite the inadequate systems
Thanks for all the comments, I love the time you guys took. As if you knew some people are taking notes. Happy new month everyone!
ReplyDeleteI think the question really is where you are heading in life and if you need the degree to get you there. Most times we do things because of external pressures.
ReplyDeleteWhatever the case as long as it is in line with your goals then go for it!
lovely topic
i dont think it matters either way.my uncle who got a bs in chemical engineering and also a masters from the university of benin now works in chevron and earns the same thing people earn here that is 103,000dollars.its whatever you want.plus foreign companies get tax write offs in nigeria when they hirer someone who studied there so you might want to take that into consideration too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Wasparty, I don't think you've commented before. Welcome.
ReplyDelete@Leggy, thanks for sharing that. I didn't know of the tax breaks.
Ideally I would say finish your undergraduate degree, work for 2 years and then get a Masters. But we do not live in an ideal world and people follow different paths after their undergrad. Many people dont go on to work in their field of study etc.
ReplyDeleteAs for schooling abroad, well it helps sometimes if you intend to go back to Nigeria. But as Naijalines pointed out, Masters degree in the UK is not really relevant unless you are already in a Managerial role but in the US it makes a lot of difference.
There's no one size fits all to be honest. Some people get a Masters degree in order to get their first step into employment which makes a mockery of the whole idea of a Masters. But then like I said we do not live in an ideal world and one must do whatever it takes to get to where they wish in life.
God help us.
Don't think there's any hard and fast rule to this, really.
ReplyDeleteI have friends that have only a first degree from Nigerian universities who have much better paying and fulfilling jobs than people who have an Msc from foreign universities. In terms of job seeking, the ability to Sell yourself to your potential employee is key above any graduate degree.(Professional degrees are exempted from this category)
In my case I went for an Msc. in England immediately after my NYSC and it helped in securing a job real fast. The exposure it gave me supercedes the degree, i tell you. It was my enlightenment and not the degree, that gave me the ability to sell myself to my employers and there's been no going back.
Hmmmm. Seeing as i am in that point in my life, the comments above have been quite enlightening. I think it's important to ask urself first of all, why do i want a masters degree? To be on the safe side? For career advancement? or is it just the next thing on the list? Finance is also a huge factor determining where u get the degree. If u can afford to go abroad, best bet! If not for anything else, for exposure. All in all, a masters degree can only make things better (i hope) the fact that u av gone the extra mile should count for something. Abi?
ReplyDeleteHmmmm. Seeing as i am in that point in my life, the comments above have been quite enlightening. I think it's important to ask urself first of all, why do i want a masters degree? To be on the safe side? For career advancement? or is it just the next thing on the list? Finance is also a huge factor determining where u get the degree. If u can afford to go abroad, best bet! If not for anything else, for exposure. All in all, a masters degree can only make things better (i hope) the fact that u av gone the extra mile should count for something. Abi?
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