Posted on 06/11/2012 1:12:29 PM PDT by Black_Shark
Hey all,
Need some advice from those who have experience in this area: Is it worth taking out $41,000 in Direct Stafford Unsubsidized loans (Looking at ~ $45k after interest for 2 years) for a Master's of Science in Economics with a Master's Minor in Statistics at North Carolina State University?
Some background: I obtained my B.S. in Economics (Cum Laude) with an overall GPA of 3.364 and a major GPA of 3.6 in May 2012. Can't find a decent job so far and am currently retaking all of my calcs (I-III) that I took way back when in undergraduate in preparation for the advanced mathematics that my chosen Masters requires. I am doing this while actively looking for entry-level analyst jobs all over the USA.
If I obtain a job, I plan on taking it and starting my career. If this does not happen, Plan B is to stay in Graduate School and pray that the economy improves enough to allow me to capture that elusive first job.
Opinions? Advice? I recognize that I will need a Masters at some point in my life but is now the proper time to acquire it? Is it worth attending graduate school rather than applying for some entry level walmart job while looking for a job in my field? Please, keep this thread on the topic of advice and opinions that are helpful rather than bashing the Education industry.
Thanks all!
- Blackshark
That’s a bit trickier and makes it harder to compete. We get a fair number of stat types applying for openings in my little piece of the world - market research. It’s very cometitive. It helps to know SAS, R, and SQL since a lot of the openings list these as desirable if not mandatory
Check with jr college level? I think some states have lesser requirements for past high school as far as what is required. Would you relocate to a neighboring state?
This is something I’ve planned on doing for a while. If I weren’t in a job I love with a great company(and really good pay) I would do it tomorrow. I’ve been through so many mergers and buy-outs, that I’ve had everything in place for some years now to flip the switch and do it myself the next day if I ever get my notice. The good news is, through all the mergers, I’m the one person in my department who has survived them all.
I know a good deal of SAS ( econometrically speaking) but R is a PITA. Tried learning it on my own and about threw my computer out the window!
Not familiar with SQL but I have applied to jobs who prefer those who are familiar with it. NCSU doesn’t use it and I’m assuming it has a high 4, low 5 figure liscensing fee?
Of course. Haven’t really looked into other states at the CC level. Will look into that.
If your particular field does better with a Masters and you are unable to locate a decent job in your field of expertise, then I would suggest taking the task of your masters degree on.
Most colleges I know of help with getting you internships whether paid or unpaid. Take them! This I can’t stress enough. Intern jobs will open a field of opportunities for you. When future companies take a look at your resume, they want to see that you’ve at least worked in the field you are seeking. Internships are great for this part of your resume.
My son just graduated this year as well. Luckily he had/has a job waiting for him since the end of April. He starts in July. He will actually be coming to your neck of the woods for this opportunity for 6 months training and then come back to New England to be placed in 1 of 2 facilities in the area. He also graduated Cum Laude and had over 1 year of an internship with Blue Cross Blue Shield.
I do believe we’ve talked before? I think I remember your name! Congratulations on your excellent achievement graduating with honors!
You would do better to focus on statistics. There are uses for it in many fields besides economics.
have you been working? Maybe you should look at the real world and see what you can do with your skills, before you take on debt. Try looking at Dave Ramsey ( radio and books) for some money advice.
I can’t give advice in this area, but I pray you’ll find the right answer, God’s direction for your life, and have a very strong, flame protective suit on. You’re very brave asking for advice on FR.
The odds of that are about 40-40...
I funded my son's undergraduate work and when he wanted to go for a masters I allowed as how I would continue a food subsidy (he was also a weightlifter) but he had the military or a Teaching Assistant. That was the route he took, didn't really like the TA job, but later moved to a Research Assistant position.
Mel
agree about R. Many flavors of SQL some expensive some not - all work about the same. It has been the main corporate data warehousing solution for years. Walmart, Verizon, AT&T,etc. Should be easy to read up enough to get past an interview if you don’t claim to be an expert. The basics aren’t all that difficult.
Work flows to the competent. The trick is to get some of the pay and promotions too.
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