Benefits of a masters after gaining experience?

VonLuck

I am lucky enough to have been able to get a couple of years experience in an engineering firm as a civil engineer, but unfortunately work is drying out and I believe there won't be a position for me in the new year.

I have been debating whether to stay in the country and try to get another job, at what I expect would be quite low paying or alternatively to do a masters.

The reason I am leaning towards doing a masters is that I believe I would greatly benefit by gaining a deeper understanding of engineering. However, I feel that even though I know I would be more qualified, it may be more beneficial from a job opportunites perspective to have an extra year of experience instead of the masters.

Given the present state of affairs in the construction sector, do you think it is the right time to do a masters or is it more important to continue to gain experience for career progression?

Thanks.

godtabh

ìf you want a deep understanding of the subject do a research masters. A taught masters may only a small step up from your undergraduate days

Worriedmind

There's no real benefit in terms of job offers as such. However I understand that nowadays you need a masters degree to become chartered with EI, which in my view is ridiculous...but thats beside the point!

Although I have no desire to do a masters myself, and I agree that a years experience is more beneficial than a year studying, I would suggest doing the masters now if possible purely so you can become chartered in the future.

Turbulent Bill

In my experience employers are more interested in the depth and breadth of your work history than qualifications. In other words, have you previously demonstrated that you could do the job. However, if work is drying up then you're unlikely to improve on the experience you already have.

I'd go for the masters, but only if it's in a subject you're genuinely interested in. I know for a fact that I wouldn't be doing my current role without a postgrad.

Alkers

Worriedmind wrote: »

There's no real benefit in terms of job offers as such. However I understand that nowadays you need a masters degree to become chartered with EI, which in my view is ridiculous...but thats beside the point!

Although I have no desire to do a masters myself, and I agree that a years experience is more beneficial than a year studying, I would suggest doing the masters now if possible purely so you can become chartered in the future.

You can still get chartered with a level 8 and further experience/education without having to do a full masters.

Worriedmind

Yes, but isn't that 'relevant experience' around 15 years without the masters?

Just my understanding from talking to others, thankfully i've obtained all my charterships prior to this strange requirement.

VonLuck

Worriedmind wrote: »

Yes, but isn't that 'relevant experience' around 15 years without the masters?

Just my understanding from talking to others, thankfully i've obtained all my charterships prior to this strange requirement.

That requirement is for students graduating post 2012 I believe. Anyone that graduated before then does not require a masters to gain chartership.

However, seeing as most graduates will now have a masters, will this leave me at a disadvantage without one? I know I do not need it to gain chartership, but might employers expect potential employees to have a masters as a standard?