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.

  • aedyr@lemmy.ca
    4·
    3 years ago

    I did an MBA a few years into my professional career, and I think overall it was a great deal. I was fortunate enough to have it paid for by my employer at the time. That particular program was geared toward working professionals, so the classroom time was just evenings and weekends. It checked the box for me being able to say I have a graduate degree on job applications, so I’d say it was worth it.

  • Bldck@beehaw.orgEnglish
    4·
    3 years ago

    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.orgOP
      2·
      3 years 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.
  • Call me Lenny/Leni@lemm.eeEnglish
    1·
    3 years ago

    I will probably never get used to the fact regular school is called “grade school” and college/uni is called “grad school”.

    For me, I took trade school classes (common to do in the beginning of high school here) and now take online studies (uncommon to start during high school, but I’ve done this anyways).

    • spauldo@lemmy.mlEnglish
      2·
      3 years ago

      In the US at least, “grade school” is the same as “elementary school” - you attend there between the ages of around 5 and 11. After that is “middle school” or “junior high,” then “high school.” Graduate from high school and you’ve completed public education.

      After that is “college,” what a lot of the world calls “uni.” It’s generally not free. First two years are basically an extension of high school with a few degree-specific classes. You can get an Associate’s degree from that. The third and fourth years are almost all degree-specific classes. Finish that, and you have your Bachelor’s degree.

      College up to and including your Bachelor’s degree is called “undergraduate.” Most grants, scholarships, and other financial aid ends here.

      The next stage is graduate school, where you earn your Master’s degree. After that is your postgraduate, where you work towards your PhD.

      Trade school in the US (also called vo-tech, or vocational-technical school) exists as well. Some people take it at the same time as high school, others take it instead of college. Sometimes you get a degree, but often it’s a certification or license. Trade schools usually aren’t free but often there are programs you can sign up for that pay for it.

        • spauldo@lemmy.mlEnglish
          2·
          3 years ago

          Depends what program they’re for. You can take online courses for any of them, although for a Master’s or PhD you probably have research you have to do.