Now or Later? – China (Part 41)

Transposing emblem by Lian Pang

Not long after graduating from college, I was offered a good position as an overseas in-house translator for a decent company. Many of my peers back then were preparing for exams and interviews to enter master’s programs. Tired of school and unwilling to turn down the position, I jumped right in and started my career. However, after working here and there for five years, I found myself wanting to pick up where I left off and pursue a master’s degree.

Chuxiong, China – Neutral

It was a tough choice. Joining a full-time master’s program would mean halting my career and spending all my savings for something that may or may not benefit me. I was well into my twenties. Would going back to school for two years be worth the time? I needed a little while to really think and evaluate. I quit my day job, came back from abroad and started a small business to earn a living. At the same time I sat down and did some solid thinking.

One whole year was spent making the decision and preparations. Then I sold my business, said goodbye to my colleagues and left my homeland yet again – this time to become a full-time graduate student.

Chong Quing, China – Waiting

Many fresh undergraduates face the same question that I did: Should I get a master’s degree while I’m still familiar with the work from my bachelor’s degree or should I get a job first? Honestly, although a master’s degree may get you a fatter paycheck and give you (arguably) higher status, undergraduates sometimes have an easier time actually finding a job. Many of my friends with a master’s started with the same salary as I did when I graduated. But some of them later climbed quickly up the career ladder and ended up earning a lot more than an employee with a bachelor’s.

Studying for a master’s degree is a commitment of time, effort and energy. And the outcome is always uncertain. Before you make such an important decision, there are a few questions to ponder first.

China – Reading

What am I looking for?

You may want to continue and get a master’s degree immediately if you wish to become an academic or know exactly what your field is. But if you are not sure and may consider changing your career later, it might be best to postpone graduate school. Entering a master’s program is the easiest way to change your field later on. One of my friends switched from linguistics to law and became a lawyer after graduate school. It is very important that you know exactly what your goal is before anything else.

Kunming, China – Passengers

Do I have the financial means?

Let’s be realistic here. Graduate schools are expensive. Except for the tuition, you need to pay for room and board, books and office supplies, etc. In principle, there are four ways you can get funded: scholarships, self-funding, student loans or parental support. One of the advantages to getting a master’s later is that you can fund yourself with the money saved from work and be an independent student. But by the time you graduate, you may have gone overboard and used up all your savings and have to start with nothing all over again. If you have abundant financial support from your parents, or the school is willing to grant you a scholarship, heading straight into a master’s program might not be a bad idea. Personally, I think it’s risky to take out loans for a master’s degree which probably won’t yield benefits quickly. Before you know it, you may get caught knee-deep in a swamp of debts over the next couple of years!

Shanghai, China – East Nanjing Road

How is the job market?

Today’s job market is highly competitive and changes constantly. As I mentioned earlier, sometimes a person with a bachelor’s degree has it easier than one with a master’s when it comes to landing a job. Some employers, based on my experience, prefer undergraduates because they are like “a piece of blank paper” and easier to train, while graduates are equally without experience but are “more arrogant” and “demand more.” Companies value experience more than a diploma. If there is a good offer right after college, it is wiser to go for the job first. Later when you pursue your master’s degree, you will be able to combine practice with theory and gain deeper insights than your classmates. With several years of work experience plus a higher diploma under your belt, your competitiveness will be greatly enhanced and you may finally find your dream job. There are even instances where employers are willing to pay for your master’s program or offer some benefits.

Shanghai, China – Nanjing Road

Do I have the motivation?

Whether you are looking for a master’s program right after college or prepared to pursue a higher degree after prior work, you need the motivation to go through with it. Even more so if you are entering a part-time degree program. It can be exhausting to juggle work responsibilities and a master’s thesis. Not only is it a time commitment, you also need to dedicate considerable effort to finish what has been started.

Guangzhou, China – On the banks

After countless hours of writing my thesis and studying for exams, I will finally graduate and get that shiny master’s diploma in a couple of months. With six years of experience working, I stand out quite a bit in the search for a position and have already received several offers. But the balance in my bank account is close to zero, and I need to start over just like a fresh undergraduate. Do I regret halting my career and pursuing this degree? Not really. But yes, sometimes I still wonder: What would have happened if I had chosen to get a master’s right after college?

Lian Pang

Credits

Photo 1: China – Red – Linh Dao

Photo 2: Chuxiong, China – Neutral – Buek kingdom

Photo 3: Chong Quing, China – Waiting – Iwzee

Photo 4: China – Reading – rongyiquan

Photo 5: Kunming, China – Passengers – Chutharat Kamkhuntee

Photo 6: Shanghai, China – East Nanjing Road – pruciatti

Photo 7: Shanghai, China – Nanjing Road – TonyV

Photo 8: Guangzhou, China – On the banks – S.L. Sio

Locations

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