Grad/Professional School

[srjjames]

Ok, I'm in the process of applying to grad school. I'm applying for the master's programs in School Counseling and Social Work. I'm currently teaching a SPED Behavior Self-Contained Class. I hate it. I want to continue working in the school system, but I do not want to be confined to a classroom. I graudated from college Sociolgy. I was told that I had to have a certification to work it the school system as a counselor or a social worker so I've been working on getting certified. Now, I found out that I could have just gone to grad school and applied for an anciallary certifcation and been hired by a school district. I'm from Louisiana by the way. So now I'm in the process of applying to grad school. What is a TSS in the school system? I saw that on a couple of post above?

[southernelle25]

Originally Posted by Exquisite5

So I guess my question is do you really feel grad school precluded you marrying, or could it be something else? I understand the difficulty in having children, but I really am curious as to why you felt somehow grad school inhibited you marrying? That is what I took the above quoted section to mean, I apologize if I have misunderstood your intent.

I ask also because I plan to get married during law school, as I know many who have, and am wondering if I am missing something.

Interesting question and there were very informative responses. I am glad I am past the Graduate/Professional School stage in my life. Looking back, it did not preclude me marrying because I could never imagine myself married that young. lol I can't imagine it now, in fact. Maybe a few years from now.

[black_princess]

Hey all,

So currently, I am working on getting my Master's in Child Life. I absolutely love it. The work is fun and educational at the same time. Who ever thought that I would be coloring, drawing, making dolls, and observing babies would be part of my class work. True enough next year I'll have a full hospital internship to complete and currently I have papers to write and reserch to do, but so far it's great.

My advice, similar to the advice others have said, would be to find something that you love. I always wanted to work with children in a hospital setting but hated being in a lab doing chemistry calculus and what not when I was a bio major during undergrad, so changed majors to family studies graduated and found Child Life. It allows me to make a difference in the lives of children. Also, make sure your English skills are up to par. You will be presenting your ideas both in front of the class and on paper

Mainly, dont' be nervous . . it may take a while to get used to, but in time if it's the right place you'll know . . .

[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.

[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

[EyesOnThePrize]

forgive my spelling errors!

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by EyesOnThePrize

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

Your dream job will pay your a certain amount, will you have the opportunity to expand your options?

Going to law school and becoming a lawyer, depending on the kind of law you want to pursue and the state bar you take will afford you a different kind of opportunity. Besides, if you don't pass the bar, what will you do then? And from what I understand you have to do a "residency period" where you won't be making all the $$$ in the world, that takes years to build up.

So, you do your dream job, will you be doing this for another 10 years and what happens when things dry up and you are 60 years old?

Then, if you have a law degree, it takes ~3 years, and you have to work for ~2 years to pass the bar. And then you do the "residency" for some time--say ~2 years. Then you work for 5-10 years to become a partner or a leading attorney... But your skills would never "dry up"...

Then ask yourself do you want to get married and have children? At what age do you want this? All of these thoughts must be processed before dedicating your life to goals...

That's the best I can do. I'm not a lawyer, you'd have to ask my soror, Summerchild.

Also there is LawyerGal and a few others who'd know.