Poll for those who have/are getting a graduate degree

uncjules

I feel a constant pull to get a Master's, if not a PhD. With the work I do, it would give me more clout and would make it easier for me to find a job if I ever needed to leave my current company. But, the thought of it just depresses me. Almost 10 years after undergrad, I still have nightmares about finding out I have to pass a final for a class I never went to or I won't graduate!  Also, I'm just not sure what I would get one in. My field is slightly obscure and the only degree program I know of for it is in another state (not happening). I'd probably just have to choose a program that is somewhat applicable to what I do.

So, if you have or are getting a graduate degree:

1. What was your reason for getting it?

2. Do you like what you study, or was it a means to an end?

3. For those of you who already have a graduate degree, do you find that it means more that you have the degree period, rather than it being in a particular field? (I realize all fields are different, but just want to see what your experience is.)

Thanks!

 

ECUGirl2004

I have an MBA.

1. I got the MBA because I was interested in business, I had a BA in a foreign language, and it seemed like it would help me find a job. 

2. Yes, I liked my classes, even though it was very challenging.

3. I'm not completely sure what you mean by this question...  I will say that my degree has probably gotten me both of my jobs that I've had since I graduated.  I work in gov't contracts, and employers really like being able to list all the advanced degrees that their employees have when they are writing proposals.  Also, just having an advanced degree allows for more movement where I work.  Having the degree (well, the education really) has been very useful for me.  I definitely could not do my job had I not taken all those classes.

raceyrae

1. What was your reason for getting it?  I went straight through to grad school to get my PhD in Atmospheric Chemistry.  At the time, it just seemed like the next step to do.  I didn't want to have anything stopping me from not getting the level of job I may want in the future (i.e. by hitting a ceiling because I didn't have the degree). 

2. Do you like what you study, or was it a means to an end?  Yes, I'm an air quality consultant.  I love working with facilities to find ways to meet air quality regulations -- my way of helping Mother Earth.  The degree definitely helped me start at a higher level and pay than had I not had it.  It will also be valuable for going even higher in the company.  However, I no longer do laboratory research (one thing I decided not to pursue after going through grad school).  I don't think it's what I have my PhD in that solely matters (still has to be from the technical side for what I do) but it doesn't hurt.

3. For those of you who already have a graduate degree, do you find that it means more that you have the degree period, rather than it being in a particular field? (I realize all fields are different, but just want to see what your experience is.)  Yes, just that I have the degree, not that it's in atmospheric chemistry.

NatPhoto09

1) I thought I wanted to get into a different field and always wanted to get a master's in applied math (financial mathematics).  I was the first to get a master's in my house so that was a push. 

2) I hated what I studied.  It was too analytical and not relevant to my current position. But I don't regret going back to school.  I wanted to get school out of the way before kids so I knew I only had a few years after I graduated undergrad.

3) I'm not sure.  I have not actively been looking for a job but I think it will help to have a masters.  

starz080

I have a masters in educational counseling.

1. I got it b/c I thought it would advance my career.  I actually ended up going into a field (student affairs on the college level) that preferred a master degree.  I'm actually back in school for a certification and I'm in my last grad class right now....will be finished in Dec!

2.  Love most of the classes...not all, but most

3.  If I work for a school district, I'll get paid for having a masters vs. just a bachelor degree.  I think in education that it does mean more  (JMO)