Masters stopping prospects

pauldoo

Hi

I was thinking of doing a part time masters in september, the problem is i would like to move job around then and the course has lectures on a friday afternoon.

Would this cause a problem in interviews or would potential employers be fine with it?

3DataModem

Some will some won't. If masters is in area closely related to new role then they are more likely to accept you.

But if someone turned up at an interview looking for every Friday afternoon off they'd need to be pretty special to get hired.

tenchi-fan

I think it would be a huge issue for most employers.

Bandana boy

this would be seen as a postive in a lot of companies
Explain up front you will be doing a masters you will need 24 Friday afternoons of for 2 years [insert actual numbers] And that you willl work up those hours during the week.
Many companies if the masters is in a relevant discipline will offer assistance on fees for the 2nd year
I know I would look at it as proof of drive in the canditate

Mrs OBumble

It totally depends on the type of job you're looking for, and whether the Masters is related.

discus

I would imagine it's a bigger barrier than most are making it out to be.

I'd wait until you're in the company, and then ask.

tenchi-fan

Bandana boy wrote: »

this would be seen as a postive in a lot of companies
snip
I know I would look at it as proof of drive in the canditate

No way.

A request like "can i take a half day every friday" when you are up against other people who already have a masters, or who are willing to do their education in the evening or weekend, risks the recruiter not really considering your application... they'll just be thinking "how will we get cover for Fridays"?

It's too much of a risk. It's hard enough to get an interview these days without blowing it by bringing up something like that at an interview.

egennery

I believe it wld be a problem for 2 reasons:
Most employers will not sponsor further education for employees until they have successfully completed 1 year with them
And
Most employers will expect you to put in extra hours in the first year so as to get a grip on the new job.

So I dont think Friday afternoons off will sell!!

Bandana boy

Of Course it depends on the industry and the company.
Will the role be front line based ? Is it a management role?

I know I work in a large multinational and this would be seen as a positive.The employee would be expected to work up the time required of on Fridays.
I made two hires to senior roles in the last year and both candidates we took on were in the middle of masters programs.It gave them the edge in a tight contest for the position.