this post was submitted on 20 Sep 2023
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What was your experience with graduate school? (beehaw.org)
submitted 1 year ago by CleoTheWizard@beehaw.org to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml
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I’m considering a graduate degree in engineering but I’m not sure what to expect out of grad school compared to undergrad studies. Share whatever you’d like about your degree, experience earning it, if you’d do it over again, and how it’s affected your life.

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[–] Bldck@beehaw.org 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

  1. I went to grad school during the ‘08 housing crisis because there were not many jobs available for early career folks. The program was a combination of technical networking (Cisco) and business acumen.

  2. Classes were longer seminars, much harder than undergrad with an intense focus on the subject matter rather than superficial discussions. Projects were also longer/harder including a thesis (~100 pages, 6 months of work)

  3. I learned A LOT. I networked with industry folks and continue to engage with the alumni community. I’ve helped 5-6 grads land their first job.

  4. After a few years working, I did an MBA part time (nights and weekends). That was similarly challenging and I also learned a lot.

  5. I would recommend working professionally before a grad degree unless you’re in a specific industry like bio/chem research, math, psychology etc. basically industries where you require a Ph.D to do anything.

  6. Do your best to get a graduate assistantship to offset the expense of the program OR work with an employer for continuing education.

[–] CleoTheWizard@beehaw.org 2 points 1 year ago

Wow this is good feedback. I’ll just give some short thoughts on what you said, but thank you for all of that. I’ll also use your comment to give more info about what I’m doing.

  1. My program is on the civil side of engineering and is most applicable in space exploration and crossover with other engineering fields. I expect industry would find most of the skills I’d use valuable.
  2. I’ve heard this and I’m prepared, but luckily I’m not doing a thesis if I go for this. I’d be writing papers instead.
  3. One of my goals is to establish good contacts, so this is good to hear
  4. I’m trying to avoid this actually, I’d rather not work and do school at the same time
  5. Very much heard and I’m not considering a PhD unless I find myself either enjoying research or I have a career application for it.
  6. I do actually have a research assistantship lined up so paying for a masters shouldn’t be a problem.