›
To take part in discussions on talkSFU, please apply for membership (SFU email id required).

A tough decision I'm in..Grad school?

tere_lai
edited February 2008 in General
The situation is like this:

1) I just interviewed for a job with the provincial government and i'm waiting to hear back from them (mid-March). I reeeally want this job, it's sort of a job that someone could stay at forever. Dont ask why, just know that it's an awesome job considering pay, type of work, etc etc. It's a good job.

2) A prof has asked me to be part of her research group and do a Masters with her. I've always wanted to do a Masters and I thought even beforehand that if i wanted to do one, I'd try her first. This obviously is a opportunity of a lifetime for me.

The problem:

The waiting time for the job overlaps when i need to give my committment to the prof. I guess, the question is should i fully committ to the prof saying i wanna do the Masters? Or kinda say "maybe" cuz i'm waiting on a job, and risk her finding some insurance in another student?

Comments

  • randomuser
    edited February 2008
    Weigh the pros and cons out, is getting a 'MA'? Going to get you any further, or is this a science class youre talking about? What about cost of grad school? Or is that being set off by some stipend youll get?

    If its an MA I wouldnt do it, if its a MSC and you can afford it, I would probably do it
  • Jimmy
    edited February 2008
    is grad school going to be at night or day? if night, you can probably kill 2 birds with 1 stone. But i wouldnt justify this if you are not well organized with time and multitasking since i heard grad school is a mouthful itself let alone throwing in full time work in there
  • tere_lai
    edited February 2008
    It's a MSc. Well, it'll be at SFU...full time of course...fully paid for (plus earnings from TA-ing and fellowships). The problem i have is not financial, but more about the job thing that I'm waiting on...and I know I can definitely do the work required for the Masters..

    I was gonna graduate this semester, but I guess it wont be happening now.
  • baby e
    edited February 2008
    Is staying in school any longer really gonna benefit you in the end?

    I would wait for the job offer.
  • imelting
    edited February 2008
    if the problem is not financial, doin the school work can open up more opportunities imo

    just have to ask yourself truly what the job really means, and also, is it really a sure thing about the job anyways

    it sounds like the offer from the prof is a slam dunk so id lean towards that if i were in your shoes (given the job is not 100% certain)
  • tere_lai
    edited February 2008
    Well, right now i'm playing it as things happen...i'm leaning towards doing the MSc...and yes, it would definitely benefit me in the future. I'll be hearing back from the job next week or the one after...so hopefully it'll make my decision easier. If i get the job, i'm gonna be reeeeeeeally tempted to take it. The reason is because this organization has a very low turnover rate and people love working there...good pay...good benefits, etc etc....basically it's a job most ppl will work for the rest of their lives...haha...if taht sounds attractive to you.

    That said, i only have a hard decision IF i get that job. lol
  • siuying
    edited February 2008
    wait until you hear back from the job first.. let us know.. then we'll give you feedback because from what i'm reading.. i think you're are going to pursue the MSc "if" the job offer doesn't work out right? but since the job offer isn't certain for now.. i wouldn't worry until you hear back from them.. =)

    however.. i would suggest you like randomuser said.. weigh the pros and cons.. is this job going to something that you're going to be content with if you're going to make this your career? keep in mind there are a variety of options.. and given the experience we have from getting out of a university.. we're probably just seeing the tip of an iceberg.. is this a job that you can see yourself grow old with...

    second.. would getting the MSc further your endeavors in finding a job that could potentially be better off than the job you're being offered now? if that Masters is going to increase your chances of being exposed to more job opportunities or your qualifications in getting a job that pays better and have more benefits.. it's not a bad idea go for the MSc..

Leave a Comment