I can definitely see the predicament here Diggler. Personally mate, it depends on what it is you want to do in the future. There will be certain jobs where a Masters may help you stand out in the crowd, while others they are not a necessity to have.

What is it that you are planning to do post-education?

I'm looking at work as a data analyst.

The advisor basically said the Masters would only come into consideration if I was up against someone who had done identically well in interview/testing which was very unlikely.

Acedmically I really enjoyed my masters and I learned a lot which has helped me in my career. However I made a big swing from an Undegrad in Molecular Biology to a Business based Masters. Since you are effectively sticking with the same subject it will not impact your career prospects so much.

Postgrad degrees are useful if 1- you want to specialise in a specific area of your subject and the specialisation will help get a better/specific job; 2- change the subject you are studying; 3- if you want to delay entering the real world and want to stay at Uni a bit longer.

You can always gain 1-2 years experience and go back to study.

Well I am a mature student at 31 (32 shortly after my degree finishes). It's kind of a now or never situation for the Masters.

What are you studying?

Mathematics and Statistics.

Niceee, you'll go far with that. I hated maths

Cheers, that's the plan

Well my friend is a Business Analyst, who use to work for DHL and I believe is now pushing to work for Amazon. She has no masters degree and is successfully working. Experience is key in your field!

It comes down to you though, if you feel that you are able to do another year in education then don't over-rule doing the Masters. It's hard for people to get back into education once you're out of it, so if you're in the mindset you may as well do it. You don't want any regrets, if you struggle to get appointed.

Good luck with it though

Why do I picture you as Mark from Peep Show? Sorry, I know that's unhelpful but that's who I will picture when you comment from now on.

I am an Assistant Statistian in the civil service. Pretty good money with good promotion opportunities. You wouldn't need a Mesters for that, just a 2.1 in your degree. Good look Dirk!

Or luck even ffs

Merry, I have always pictures Diggler as a character similar

Sorry I couldn't have much of an I out to the thread. I think if you're smart enough and work hard enough you'll get far without a degree at all

Feck you all

I'm married with two kids and big into fitness. Bit different from Mark

@Merry,

You are based in Belfast? I nearly applied to join the Civil Service summer internship this year. They were only looking a 2:2.

Anyway, I'm on for a 1st

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HEnMo78zE74

Yes I am in Belfast. I think when I applied for my post, they accepted a 2.2 but it went up to a 2.1 shortly after. With your marks, you would be grand though.

comment by merrysupersteve (U1132)
posted 2 minutes ago
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HEnMo78zE74
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That's the Civil Service ruled out then. I couldn't work in a place knowing somebody from my secret double life was there

Also, how much is "pretty good money"?

There are lots of different branches and locations in Belfast so you would be grand. There only are 4 statisticians in my dept so there would be no chance of being placed there.

Starts on about 29k. Not bad for jobs in Belfast tbh.

Reasonable