Graduate Degrees

ClassyLady · #1 06-12-2001, 10:50 PM

I'm a business major who has recently started a new internship. And, I'm undecided about grad school, not if but when. I wish to obtain my MBA and also my juris doctor. Hopefully, at the same time but maybe not.

Some of the people that I work with have recommended working after I graduate college and going for my MBA at night while having my company pay for it. My family has said to just go straight through school, because it's just that much easier. Obviously, my family's advice has more weight. But, I just want some other opinions on the matter.

I know this is a forum full of professional, working people. So, I just wanted to know if any of you have graduate degrees? If so, when did you go to grad school? And, would you make the same choice if you could do it all over again?

AKA2D '91 · #2 06-12-2001, 11:00 PM

Actually, when I began working, I had completed my graduate coursework. The only thing I had pending was completing my defense. At the end of my first semester working, I graduated.

However, for two years, I worked full-time AND took like six hours in the evening. Classes were like from 5-8, twice a week. One semester, I worked and had to commute 120 miles round trip to finish.

Looking back, I think I would complete my education, FIRST AGAIN. You know for women, we have so many things that can "hold us back". My thought has always been, to get ALL of the education that I am going to get BEFORE I get married and have children. After that happens, NO MORE SCHOOL. Until then, I will continue to become that PROFESSIONAL STUDENT.

That's just me! Pray about it!

bariki · #3 06-12-2001, 11:06 PM

I went to grad school straight from undergrad. Looking back, I wish I had taken some time off to study abroad or go into the Peace Corps. If there are other life experiences that you think you might want to have, I think it would be easier to pursue them before you go to grad school and get into the work world. Otherwise, I don't regret going straight through.

Six_Three_Sigma · #4 06-12-2001, 11:28 PM

I am currently a graduate student in chemistry, and I came straight in after undergrad. If I had the choice of going to work versus going straight to school again, I would go straight again. The only reason being that I'm in a PhD program which takes five straight years (whether you have a Master's Degree or not). Another reason I did this is the fact that my department pays for everything. I pay nothing. All I am required to do is pass my classes, do my research, and successfully prepare and defend a thesis.

In your case, I'd advise you to work and go to school (if you can handle it). This way you can get your company to pay for it and also pay you.

As for working and then going back to school (which I know a lot of people do), I'd caution you to be very careful with that one. If you choose this route, make sure you keep your eye on going back to school and try not to accrue any big debts or anything that will be a drain on your resources for you'll need all of your cash when you get back into the fold.

Okay, I'm rambling. The point is do what you think you are best suited for. There are pros and cons for either decision you make.

Good luck

[This message has been edited by Six_Three_Sigma (edited June 12, 2001).]

Happydaysf91 · #5 06-13-2001, 12:50 AM

I say just do the four year joint program -- MBA/JD and get it over w/. As a person w/ both degrees -- MBA '97....JD '01 (yeah), I would think you would want to knock them out at once. I chose the other route though...that is, I went to work and let the company pay for it. But in doing so, your choices in schools may be limited. That is, if you get a job in Atlanta, you can rule out Havard, Yale, Vanderbilt, NYU (you get the picture). That's what happened to me in regards to grad school. I had to go to the local university...which isn't ranked very high.

Anyway, I know you will choose what is best for you...Good luck!

Eclipse · #6 06-13-2001, 08:31 AM

Regarding B school, many of the most competative schools will not accept people without some relavant work experience into their MBA programs, so going right after undergrad is not an option. I have had several friends who worked for 2 - 3 years then went to B school full time. Of course it helps that they had the bomb undergrad GPAs and stellar GMAT scores because with their fellowships/stipens/grants, etc. they did not have to worry about tuition and other fees.

nikki25 · #7 06-13-2001, 10:47 AM

ClassyLady, you are to be commended that you're considering continuing your education. I graduated in 1998 from undergrad, worked for a year, and went back to grad school full time (got my M.S.) and am still in grad school (getting my Ed.D.). I didn't feel comfortable working the year that I did, as I genuinely wanted to be in grad school. I have desired to complete my education so that I wouldn't have to think on formal education for the remainder of my years.

I did what I knew that God was laying on my heart to do. You must discern what the Lord is requiring of your life. So, I would encourage you to be in prayer and move where God is leading you. Seek the will of God first before you move a muscle!!!

In sum, here are my recommendations:
1) Pray
2) Read and understand God's Word (the HOLY BIBLE)
3) Know the WILL of God!
4) Research the schools and programs you're interested in and know what is required of you. As Eclipse mentioned, B-Schools typically have work requirements that you must fulfill before applying and enrolling.
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I will bless the Lord at ALL times His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Psalms 34:1, KJV)

[This message has been edited by nikki25 (edited June 13, 2001).]

tammy- · #8 06-13-2001, 06:21 PM

My advice would be to go straight through if you have the drive. I finished my bachelor's degree, got a teaching certificate and am now working on my master's degree. I also have a full time job and a great GPA. I take three classes a semester but it is well worth it. You may have to sacrifice your personal life to an extent but it is well worth it. I guess you will have to ultimately decide what you want to do..... Also- do you want to get locked into working for some company for a number of years just because they paid for your degree.... There are a number of scholarships available for people on the grad level.

ClassyLady · #9 06-13-2001, 10:12 PM

Thanks for all your replies.

I just wanted to state that money is not a problem. (No, I don't have it like that.) I am on a full scholarship right now. And, one of the terms of that is if I maintain my gpa and keep that scholarship, they will also pay for me to go to graduate school. Not just at my school though, there is a list of thirty really good universities that they will pay for me to attend.

I already am working on the experiece issue though. I have a really good internship.

Thanks again. And please keep the replies coming.

Ania · #10 06-14-2001, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ClassyLady:
Thanks for all your replies.

I just wanted to state that money is not a problem. (No, I don't have it like that.) I am on a full scholarship right now. And, one of the terms of that is if I maintain my gpa and keep that scholarship, they will also pay for me to go to graduate school. Not just at my school though, there is a list of thirty really good universities that they will pay for me to attend.

I already am working on the experiece issue though. I have a really good internship.

Thanks again. And please keep the replies coming.

I am glad to read that you are continuing your education and I am even more happy to see all of the responses you recieved! Out of curiousity, what are your plans after you recieve your Masters in Business? I have been tossing around the idea of going to graduate school for International Business.

tammy- · #11 06-14-2001, 06:57 PM

Congratulations and good luck in the future...