Should you care about getting a Graduate Degree?

Monday, October 13 2008 - IThinkableby ryan keeter

You might have thought about going to get your Law degree or your Medical degree, but instead you went the techy route and let your imagination and your creative/technical side take hold. But where do you go from here? You have your bachelor's degree from XYZ University and you have been looking at going to ABC University for your graduate degree, but should you care about getting it or should you just back off and keep building your portfolio?

Joel Spoelsky, the author of "Joel on Software," the founder of the "Business of Software Conference," the president of Fog Creek Software, and the international author who published many books on software and management including, "Smart and Gets Things Done: The Concise Guide to Finding the Best Technical Talent," says:

We [Fog Creek Software] generally have a policy of paying people with a Masters degree one dollar less than people with a Bachelors degree alone.

...As a symbolic way of indicating to them that we don't feel that masters degrees are necessarily that valuable.It really, it depends a lot on the person.  It depends a lot on what you've already learned.  It depends a lot on whether the classes you are going to be taking are things that you've learned before, that you haven't learned before.

This type of "feeling" towards a masters in some type of technical degree is actually one that is prevalent in many circles. The question is whether there is still  value in getting a graduate degree when we are in a tech field, and if the new adage is true, "The Masters in the new Bachelors."  In fact, this feeling as made its way into mainstream publication:

So the question remains, and I really want to hear from some of the people here, have you thought about getting a graduate degree, do you have one, what is holding you back, or why did you get it and as it helped?

2 Comments

  1. Ryan Anderson on 10.14.2008 at 4:05 PM

    An interesting perception Joel has, IMO, and I agree to an extent.

    When you have a interview with Microsoft, they strongly stress the importance to come in casual attire, no suits or ties, which they state reflects badly on you if you choose to dress up. They stated to me that, the prospective employee just doesn't get the culture of Microsoft if they ignore that advice. They are interested in your brain, not your fashion sense. No I didn't show up in a suit, I took the advice seriously.

    I wish promotions and positions were this straight forward as well. The problem is that in many companies, HR plays a little more active role in hiring and promoting. Many companies have strict requirements for certain positions. Example, in order to be VP, a BS or BA is required with some companies. In some other similar instances, in order to be an Officer, a Masters is required. Just a simple fact. If you have two identical candidates for a position, exact personalities, professional experience, and skill set, yet one with a Masters and one with a BS, I would be interested to see which one is selected. To me, I would take education almost every time. Tie goes to the more educated.

    One thing that I have been told by people in Human Resources is the fact that many positions which require a degree isn't because the education gained by that degree is sought, it's the fact that the candidate has demonstrated they can complete a goal. Set out on a mission and accomplished it successfully! Demonstrates discipline, focus, and responsibility over those who have not attained a degree. Granted, and I firmly believe, this can be demonstrated via other vehicles; certifications, experience, and track records. Nonetheless, a degree speaks on many levels.

    If your aspirations are to 'Code till Death' then, I see no real benefit other than personal enrichment to pursuing higher education. It may be a deal breaker in a tie competing with another candidate who does have that degree if you do not, but not always.

    I am a late bloomer, if you will. I didn't go for my degree until after having 6 years of professional experience in IT. To be honest, since I completed a degree in Information Technology, it hasn't opened any doors or had any impact on my professional career yet.

    I am at a similar crossroads in deciding whether or not to proceed to the next level and drive after a Masters degree. I think it all comes down to your professional goals. If you are looking to manage, it may be in your best interest. Additionally, I would never say, stop your institutional education, never stop learning...

    RA

  2. ryan keeter on 10.15.2008 at 8:47 AM

    Great opinions Ryan and I completely agree with you in that one should never stop learning. I for one am certain that I shall never stop going to school and continuing the institutional education route, but there comes a point where your aspirations, which used to be held highly among employers, are not worth as much as you have originally had hoped. There just comes a point when one must step back and review what they have accomplished and where they are going.

    This is the idea of zero based thinking, "knowing what you now know, would you do what you are currently doing again? If not, quit it has fast as possible." This applies to horrible jobs, relationships, and even continued education that costs money that one would be paying off for years down the road.