Grad/Professional School

[southernelle25]

Originally Posted by hellocutie

My university as a 5 year master's program, and I have been contemplating applying. However, I would only be getting this master's degree to make a little extra money before I get my MBA. I don't know if getting the master's will be a waste of time , or be beneficial. I am very confused at the moment.

It depends on your individual circumstances and what your objectives are. If it interests you sufficiently and you are prepared to put in the work, then go for it. I don't believe education is ever a waste of time, but I must admit that I don't understand why you would put off getting your MBA. Surely, you could make money while pursuing the degree you really want.

[hellocutie]

Originally Posted by southernelle25

It depends on your individual circumstances and what your objectives are. If it interests you sufficiently and you are prepared to put in the work, then go for it. I don't believe education is ever a waste of time, but I must admit that I don't understand why you would put off getting your MBA. Surely, you could make money while pursuing the degree you really want.

I am actually a ug worker at the business school that I am interested in attending. Only a small percent of each of their incoming class includes recent graduates. A major factor for their admission's process is work experience (2 years min.) They like for their students to have real world experience that they could apply to their studies. Therefore, I was thinking of getting the master's degree just for short term salary purposes (2 years) while I gain work experience. I won't make much money on a bachelor's degree, and (Lord willing) I won't work while I pursue my MBA.

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by southernelle25

It depends on your individual circumstances and what your objectives are. If it interests you sufficiently and you are prepared to put in the work, then go for it. I don't believe education is ever a waste of time, but I must admit that I don't understand why you would put off getting your MBA. Surely, you could make money while pursuing the degree you really want.

Well, most of the good business schools don't take people unless they've had at least two years out in the working world, or had some excellent entrepreneurship experience in college. Executive MBA programs are an option, but you don't get as in-depth an education (or the networking opportunities) as traditional MBAs. Even then, your salary would only increase by 20% or so (or so says the Mr., who's getting his eMBA from a top 10 school).

Sometimes just having a Master's for the sake of having it doesn't increase your salary.

[mccoyred]

I would LOVE to attend grad school full-time. However, I am not sure whether taking an educational leave of absence and attending full-time OR continue working and attending part-time; either way, the employer will pick up the tab

What are some pros and cons of either option that folks have experienced? I need to decide by the end of the year.

[Drolefille]

My program lets you take up to three classes a semsester. For most of this first semester I've been working 40 hours a week and let me tell you it is exhausting. If you have the option, I'd say don't work full-time while doing school, even just part-time classes.

[PhDiva]

Originally Posted by mccoyred

What are some pros and cons of either option that folks have experienced? I need to decide by the end of the year.

I worked a full time job while I was writing my dissertation. It was definitely a challenge to say the least but at least my employer (the university where I got my degree) was picking up the tab. What motivated me to finish was the fact that I only had 2 years left on my candidacy before it expired and I would have to repeat the qualifying exams again. Also, my fiance moved to California and I wasn't trying to stay in cold Ohio by myself I wrote the bulk of my dissertation in 3 months (I did my degree in history of education so my dissertation was quite lengthy) working 2-3 hours per night after work. It was no fun but the idea of teaching jr. high school again made me nauseous

Prior to getting candidacy, I took a full-time class load and worked on-campus as a graduate assistant which paid my tuition and a stipend. The problem with that option was that the stipend was next to nothing and I ended up taking on additional hours so I can pay bills. So essentially I worked 30 hours a week and took a full load (3 classes per quarter). To me, managing this sort of workload was fine because classes are usually more structured. It's when you get to the dissertation, thesis or final project and you aren't actually attending classes that poses the challenge. Alot of people have a hard time motivating themselves without a deadline to push them. I know I bs'ed my two years after candidacy. I wasn't until I got a reminder letter about my candidacy clock that lit a fire under my @ss.

If you can swing the full time school option without taking a significant hit to your quality of life, I'd said go for it. I have had plenty of friends that had their school districts (they were seeking PhD's in Educational Administration) pay for their degrees and only give them 3 years of paid leave. Two people in my cohort finished their Ph.D. in those given time frames. Myself and others in my cohort didn't have that option and full-time work and school is a juggling act but if you want something bad enough, you'll make your top priority.

Good luck,
PhDiva

[EyesOnThePrize]

I'm wondering if anyone has advice as far as going to a part time program for the J.D. and working at the same time. They always say that you shouldn't work and attend law school at the same time, but that usually applies to going full time. For some reason people never consider going part time as a viable option. My dilemna is this: I was already in the process of completing my law school applications for entrance in the Fall 2007 class. Then, I was offered a DREAM job! Not dreamy in the sense of wonderful pay and would make me totally rule out the law. But dreamy in the sense of I plan on practicing entertainment law and this is a position working for an entertainment attorney with a KICK ASS REPUTATION. I would be a fool to pass it up. I could learn so much from him. But at the same time, I'm feeling that age clock and want to get my law school studies going even if I go part time for two years and transfer into a full time program to complete the final two years. WHEW! LOL

Sorry it's so long. Any takers? What do you all think? Even if you haven't had personal experience with law school, maybe someoe you know...

ThX!

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by EyesOnThePrize

I'm wondering if anyone has advice as far as going to a part time program for the J.D. and working at the same time. They always say that you shouldn't work and attend law school at the same time, but that usually applies to going full time. For some reason people never consider going part time as a viable option. My dilemna is this: I was already in the process of completing my law school applications for entrance in the Fall 2007 class. Then, I was offered a DREAM job! Not dreamy in the sense of wonderful pay and would make me totally rule out the law. But dreamy in the sense of I plan on practicing entertainment law and this is a position working for an entertainment attorney with a KICK ASS REPUTATION. I would be a fool to pass it up. I could learn so much from him. But at the same time, I'm feeling that age clock and want to get my law school studies going even if I go part time for two years and transfer into a full time program to complete the final two years. WHEW! LOL

Sorry it's so long. Any takers? What do you all think? Even if you haven't had personal experience with law school, maybe someoe you know...

ThX!

Flip the script for me and the interest of actual Medical School after a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics.

I am closing in on 40 years old... Why would I want to be around a bunch of bright kids?

But my field is changing rapidly and I think I can serve more people in a physician capacity with clinical trials.

And that kind of thing you are writing is EXACTLY what your include in your law school application. Because really, they need to justify to you that the education that you are getting will outweigh the "dream job" you'd like to receive. And have you asked your boss about "expanding your education"?

[EyesOnThePrize]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

Flip the script for me and the interest of actual Medical School after a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics.

I am closing in on 40 years old... Why would I want to be around a bunch of bright kids?

But my field is changing rapidly and I think I can serve more people in a physician capacity with clinical trials.

And that kind of thing you are writing is EXACTLY what your include in your law school application. Because really, they need to justify to you that the education that you are getting will outweigh the "dream job" you'd like to receive. And have you asked your boss about "expanding your education"?

OMG! It's so funny b/c they both (recruiters for law schools and attorne's) are discouraging of you doing one or the other. They either want to you dedicate all of your time to school or to the job (especially in the entertainment industry)! So I wanted to get a more realistic unbiased opinion.

Thanks

Originally Posted by EyesOnThePrize

I'm wondering if anyone has advice as far as going to a part time program for the J.D. and working at the same time. They always say that you shouldn't work and attend law school at the same time, but that usually applies to going full time. For some reason people never consider going part time as a viable option. My dilemna is this: I was already in the process of completing my law school applications for entrance in the Fall 2007 class. Then, I was offered a DREAM job! Not dreamy in the sense of wonderful pay and would make me totally rule out the law. But dreamy in the sense of I plan on practicing entertainment law and this is a position working for an entertainment attorney with a KICK ASS REPUTATION. I would be a fool to pass it up. I could learn so much from him. But at the same time, I'm feeling that age clock and want to get my law school studies going even if I go part time for two years and transfer into a full time program to complete the final two years. WHEW! LOL

Sorry it's so long. Any takers? What do you all think? Even if you haven't had personal experience with law school, maybe someoe you know...

ThX!

I'm a little late seeing this post, but I had to respond because I was facing the same dilemma at one point. I've always worked a job while attending school. In undergrad, I worked two part time jobs, and in grad school, I worked a full-time job. I was also able to complete a published thesis while attending grad school and working full-time. Now, I am attempting to get into law school. I've already taken the LSAT and submitted my application. Trust me, I have heard many people tell me not to work full-time and go to law school. But, many of my current and former co-workers attended law school while they were working full-time. Of course, they were in law school part-time, but it wasn't a problem for them. A lot of dedication and discipline... yes, but a major problem, no. If I am accepted into law school, I will continue to work full-time. I have bills to pay.

Also, I was concerned about my age, because I am not fresh out of undergrad like many people who apply for law school. But after talking to friends/family, I realized if I don't attempt to fulfill my dream of becoming an attorney, it will be the biggest regret of my life. Also, when I took the LSAT, there were people taking the test who were in their 40's and 50's. That made me feel like a spring chicken.

I also know you can take the bar immediately after completing law school, and there is no residency (that only applies to the medical field). I know two good friends, who went to law school, took the bar and passed it right after school, and got jobs in a corporate law firm making six figures. They had to relocate, but they didn't mind. A few of my former co-workers also did the same thing, and they are now working as prosectors, staff attorneys, or public defendants for the court.

I hope this helps. I just wanted you to know that there is someone else who is in your same position. Follow your heart and there will be no regrets.
(Sorry for the long post)

[EyesOnThePrize]

Originally Posted by kissy324

I'm a little late seeing this post, but I had to respond because I was facing the same dilemma at one point. I've always worked a job while attending school. In undergrad, I worked two part time jobs, and in grad school, I worked a full-time job. I was also able to complete a published thesis while attending grad school and working full-time. Now, I am attempting to get into law school. I've already taken the LSAT and submitted my application. Trust me, I have heard many people tell me not to work full-time and go to law school. But, many of my current and former co-workers attended law school while they were working full-time. Of course, they were in law school part-time, but it wasn't a problem for them. A lot of dedication and discipline... yes, but a major problem, no. If I am accepted into law school, I will continue to work full-time. I have bills to pay.

Also, I was concerned about my age, because I am not fresh out of undergrad like many people who apply for law school. But after talking to friends/family, I realized if I don't attempt to fulfill my dream of becoming an attorney, it will be the biggest regret of my life. Also, when I took the LSAT, there were people taking the test who were in their 40's and 50's. That made me feel like a spring chicken.

I also know you can take the bar immediately after completing law school, and there is no residency (that only applies to the medical field). I know two good friends, who went to law school, took the bar and passed it right after school, and got jobs in a corporate law firm making six figures. They had to relocate, but they didn't mind. A few of my former co-workers also did the same thing, and they are now working as prosectors, staff attorneys, or public defendants for the court.

I hope this helps. I just wanted you to know that there is someone else who is in your same position. Follow your heart and there will be no regrets.
(Sorry for the long post)

Better late than never! You gave me exactly what I was looking for. See I currently work for the number one firm for litigation in the U.S. The big problem: I don't want to be a litigator! LOL. So the experience here isn't really helping me. But the opportunity to work for an entertainment attorney that is renowned in the industry is phenomenal. And the way the opportunity came to me was a blessing. Long story short I was interviewing for a position at another film company and his wife (the interviewer) gave HIM my info. b/c she felt I would learn more from him. When I got that call I was like "wow", mouth just open. Anyway, he told me that in order for him to really mentor me, even allow me to be apart of the deals he makes with BIG people in Hollywood that some celebs don't even get one on one contact with, he would ask that I make a two year commitment. He also told me that he usually hires his mentees (is that a word) after they come out of law school! And these are the people that come at, first year counsel level making six figures, which is where I'm trying to be!

But I really wanted to hear from someone's real life experience and yours was so appropos! I can do all things....

So I'm going to go ahead apply to those part time programs as well as full time and see what happens!

Thanks SO MUCH to EVERYONE that replied. It was all food for thought