How Much Difference Will Masters Degree Make in My Job Search?
You are AWESOME for offering this - thank you!! I can think of a couple things I’d really like to know right off the bat.
Backstory: I’m 45 but look like I’m in my early 30’s (thank you, genetics!), and live in Southern California. I worked as an Operations Specialist at a small-to-medium-sized firm for approx. 6 years, where I had autonomy and was very good at my job. My manager from that position also supported me in saying that I did have a supervisory role, although it was minimal. Unfortunately, I was laid off during the last recession, and decided to go back to school since I’ve been working all my life but missing the scholastic component.
I’ve received a magna cum laude (3.98 GPA at CSUF - associates brought me down a bit) Bachelors in Business concentrated on Operations and Supply Chain Management, and wanted to continue on to a Masters in Data Analytics. About half the programs wanted a working knowledge in Python and I knew nothing about coding, so I went back and will be finishing the end of this year with an Associates in Computer Science (straight A’s). I will then be looking at Masters programs.
I want to start working while I pursue the Masters degree, but am worried with this new environment that I may not be an attractive candidate. I’d prefer either a job in operations or potentially something in the data analytics field, although I’m willing to start at a lower position and work my way up if necessary.
My questions are:
How much of a difference will a Masters make in my job search?
Will it make much difference which college I go to?
Most importantly: How can I best highlight my recent scholastic accomplishments while also showing my working abilities, as I’ve been out of the workforce for a few years?
Any need for clarification, please let me know. Thank you so much, it’s great to have someone to ask these questions!
You have awesome experience and your drive to improve should be attractive to every company you apply to.
"My questions are:" How much of a difference will a Masters make in my job search? I think it makes a difference. It's deeper knowledge and a deeper commitment to your trade. Emphasize that you pursued additional education because of your love of the industry, and because you knew it would help you contribute more to your next employer. You could say that you think your industry needs more ____ experts, and you stepped up to the plate.
Will it make much difference which college I go to? Well, the ivy leagues do carry some weight at certain companies. As long as you aren't at a school that has a reputation for being subpar or scammy, I don't read much into schools personally. Find a great school that you like and take it from there.
Most importantly: How can I best highlight my recent scholastic accomplishments while also showing my working abilities, as I've been out of the workforce for a few years? I think being out of the workforce to grow professionally will make you stand out in a good way. To use video-game terms (I'm no gamer but we'll give this a try) you took the opportunity to "level-up". The more you learn and gain, the more you have to offer and stand out from other candidates. Also, in my opinion, dedication to education shows a high level of commitment and discipline. "This candidate is all in on his _______ experience"
As far as highlighting, you can put a small note on your resume stating why you went back to school. Put it in small italics in something like that 5-10 words. Prepare for your interview and don’t forget how interview training can make or break your job search. Create talking points for your phone/in person interviews where you can drive this home and express how your deep experience will help the company.
One quick note, make sure that you don't solely rely on the education factor. When you talk about it, drive the point home. But I'd say keep that to 20-30% of your overall "brand". You want to make sure to emphasize your accomplishments in the real world. Someone that only has education is missing a lot of real world experience - so balance the two. Does that make sense?
“Thank you - these are wonderful insights, and I truly appreciate them. I will definitely be looking into the masters with a reputable school, and am glad to hear that it probably won’t hurt me too much if I don’t go to an Ivy League - the costs make it quite prohibitive!
I’m even more relieved to have your suggestions regarding the approach for both my prior experience and schooling. Hee hee, the video game reference was spot-on, and I will apply these suggestions most faithfully!
Thank you so much for making yourself available to those of us who need such help in these times! <3
The Ivy Leagues carry more weight in politics, high-end finance, industries like that.
A benefit of Ivy Leagues is networking. If you are already established in your career I don't believe it would be necessary. A lot of kids that went to the same prep schools...
If you have any other questions I'm happy to give more feedback.
