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To postgrad or not to postgrad?

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  • 04-03-2013 2:36pm
    #1
    barry181091
    Registered Users Posts: 1,617 ✭✭✭


    Hey guys,

    Posted this in IT certification but received no replies so thought this forum better.

    I am currently in my third tear of my Computer Science degree and NUIG and its about time I start thinking about what to do after college.

    I didn't know whether to put this thread in IT certs or postgrads, but I figured you guys would know more about the industry, move if need be!

    Anyway, I am contemplating doing a masters after college VS getting a job. As the IT sector is doing very well currently, I would be expecting to get a job once I get out of college (Most people currently are offered positions before they finish). I would have 8 months work experience by then, 3 in IBM, 5 in Intel.

    The big question is though, would a masters be worth doing?

    Also, it could be possible to get a job with a company and then have them sponsor a masters for me (I *think*, I dont know how common this is anymore).

    Any feedback is much appreciated

    Barry.


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    #2
    Sarky
    Closed Accounts Posts: 31,967 ✭✭✭✭Sarky


    Don't know about the specifics of IT postgrad territory, but in my masters there were at least 4 of the class of 14 there as a sponsored thing from Teagasc, so it definitely still happens.

    Personally I think you're better off heading into a masters if you're more interested in learning than earning. A masters is a lot of work, and it's a year or more where you won't be making any money, or possibly even taking out a loan or two to cover yourself.

    But if you really love a particular aspect of IT and genuinely want to specialise, then you'll probably find a postgrad a lot of fun and very rewarding. And there's a good chance your lecturers or supervisors will take note of your dedication and they're good people to know when it comes to further study, or employment within their department, or getting in touch with people in the industry. Postgrad land in university has been a great place for me when it came to making useful contacts...


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    #3
    djpbarry
    Registered Users Posts: 13,104 ✭✭✭✭djpbarry


    Sarky wrote: »
    Personally I think you're better off heading into a masters if you're more interested in learning than earning.
    That would be my general advice for anyone considering a masters in any field. It rarely makes sense to pursue a masters in order to increase earning potential.


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    #4
    Sarky
    Closed Accounts Posts: 31,967 ✭✭✭✭Sarky


    Well it certainly made me more employable, I've been working in research for pretty much the last year as a direct result of my masters, but that was maybe more luck that the department needed someone with a masters and hey look, I'd just graduated... :pac:


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