Should You Go For your Master's?

We are all looking for our path to success. We all have a different vision of what our success looks like but many of us do not have a clue how to get there. I recently received an inquiry of why I chose to pursue my master’s degree. I am not typically one to write about my personal struggles but for the sake of all others with a similar struggle considering this path, here are a few things to consider when considering an additional piece of paper to add to our career portfolio. 

1. Work Experience – a master’s program is really built around experience. Do you have any experience in the field? Whether you go for a masters in a specific area or for an MBA, do you have any real-world experience that warrants you to be a master at anything? Many degree programs will teach you the theory behind the work. In theory, “this” will work, “this” will solve the problem, “this” will save the company money, “this” will bring in profit, etc. What happens when “this” doesn’t work, what will you do then? The application of the theory is more important than the theory itself. Do not get a bachelor’s degree and roll straight in to your master’s without real-world applicable experience. Apply the knowledge, change the rules, understand concepts as it applies to real life events. This does not apply to all professions but most. 
2. Financial Burden – master's programs are expensive. Most likely, I would have never pursued my master’s without my company paying for it. It is a lot of money with a risky return. My company paid 100% of tuition and fees and 50% of required books. I have paid them back and will continue to pay them back with the knowledge I gained from the studies. Also, with working full time within the profession, I was able to apply real-world experience to my weekly assignments for school and apply “new-to-me" theory to my everyday work. It was a benefit for both me as a professional as well as my company. Remember, if your company pays for it, give back. A company does not give it just as an incentive or a perk but also for a return. Your knowledge makes a difference. 
3. Expectations – if you expect a 6-figure salary after graduation, it is highly unlikely. Miracles do happen but not usually immediately after receiving your educational accomplishment. If you have experience prior to starting your master’s, continue working while in your masters, and contribute at a level warranting that level as it pertains to the business, it is highly possible. If you received your bachelors, immediately started your masters, and then never actually applied your knowledge anywhere, you are unlikely to be worth a 6-figure income just yet. You have major potential but not yet qualified. A company is in business to make money. If it is a good company and you make them money or save them money, they should recognize you in return. Employment is a relationship but also be aware of their budgeting terms. 
4. Support – an overwhelming amount or lack thereof should not make your decision for you. It is important to know how much support you truly have and what you would do if all that support disappeared when times get tough. Most people are busy with everyday life. Regardless of the reason, you cannot expect people to drop everything for you when things are not going as planned. Pursuing a degree is your plan. If you have a family, pursuing a degree with a family is your plan. Your family members may be available sometimes but not all times. What then? You have a paper due on Sunday. It is currently Monday, you have soccer practice two days of the week, all day plans on Saturday, dinner every day, no downtime available, will you come through on your commitment to school? What if someone gets sick? What if you get sick? The next assignment will be due the following week, same time. What is your contingency plan? What will you do during group projects where everyone could be from different time zones (online programs)? Can you operate in a level of uncertainty? Do not be “that” group member who can’t contribute at the level required and expect complete strangers to cover for you. (Note: I did not have a contingency plan but I know I can’t let people down, including myself. I can work under uncertainty; I thrive in it.) 
5. Bad habits – watch out for stress reactions. You may not realize what path you are setting yourself on until it is too late. It is a lot to work full time, raise a family, manage life, and pursue education. Most professors are understanding (at least they were at Penn State World Campus) but you still have requirements to meet. You still have additional demands. Alcohol or drugs may be calming initially but the aftermath is brutal. Make sure you are mentally able to handle the additional stress and demands. If you already struggle with a mental health condition, you may be ok to continue with your education. Please make sure you have coping mechanisms available. If you do not currently have a diagnosed mental condition, you could be still at risk if you are not properly prepared for the stress or pressures of additional responsibility. Also, know your limits. If you need a break, take a break. You may have goals, like me, to finish at a certain time but if you need to be flexible for your own well-being, be open to it. Remember, if you are not here, that additional education means nothing. 
6. Classes that don’t Interest you – I had a whole semester of classes specific to diversity. I believe that all people should be respected, accepted, and understood at some level. Two courses on diversity level topics, are in theory, right up my alley except they were rudimentary in comparison to my perspective. People are people and we all believe and experience differently. We should all take time to understand what others are going through in life to understand their anger, fears, happiness, struggles, etc. Although great professors, the classes were less than thrilling but I participated as expected. It is difficult to remain focused during a semester that may not challenge us the way we expect. Learn something anyway. I did still learn throughout this semester and it opened my eyes to things that I never thought of. We are not exposed to every potential setting in the world and none of us have a full perspective of what others go through in the world. I was truly humbled by the end of the semester by being open. 
7. Classes that Challenge You – my employment law class was difficult at first. My first few submissions were not impressive according to the professor. He gave me lots of valuable feedback and I kept trying. The intention is to learn, so do that! Learn! I took his feedback to heart, used it in future work for him and ended the class with an A. I learned the format necessary which was less fluff (which I love to write fluff) and more fact and direct evidence. I also try to use his advice in writing for you! Less fluff, more content! 
8. Do not doubt yourself – strength comes from within not from other people, not even me! What I say or anyone else says is not gospel. We do not make the rules; we just speak from our experience or lack thereof. Do what you feel is right for your life, your career, and your family. If now makes sense to you to pursue a degree or travel the world or even to just do nothing, please feel free to do what you feel is right for yourself. No two experiences are alike. Be you and be ok with it. Judgement is the only constant and it is not warranted nor appreciated. 

This article is specifically written by me and not speaking on behalf of anyone else. If you have a different opinion of the topic, please feel free to comment or even write your own article on the subject!