/biz/ - Business & Finance

>>53809894
>thinking grad school would prepare me for the professional world
Boy was I wrong

I'm glad I stopped at MSc. My friends who are doing their PhDs are so miserable it's so sad.

Oh no no no, lemme guess, you're paying money for some midwit professor to teach you his very specific research based on his mentor's specific research so you can get a "higher paying" job?

>Get a university level education
>STILL fall for such a scam
lol lmao

>>53809894
You do it for the internships

>>53809894
You do it to meet a wife if you blew it in undergrad

>>53809894
I spent 50k on mine, but I debtmaxxxed and had my job pay for 12.5k of it. Average interest rate is like 4%, and didn't have to make a payment in 3 years. I guess that is not bad financing. I plan on calling the note when we go bull in 2025.

I did get a pay bump from about 100k to 130k so I guess it was worth it. If you can pay back your master's in 2 years, that is a deal you should be pursuing.

>>53810090
What did you get your degree in?

>>53812199
Data Analytics with Data Science

>>53809894
If you do a PhD it's like your whole twenties got sucked away
>>53809941
You're right about everything except for paying for it. In America STEM PhDs are subsidized via the tax payer, the university pays your tuition and a stipend about equivalent to FTE at Burger King.

IMO the only grad degrees that are actually worth it are the part-time Masters and MBA programs your employer pays for, they literally pay you money so they can pay you more money in the future

>>53810090
>debtmaxxxed

imagine being proud of this. you're an idiot.

>>53810055
>tfw doing an online masters

>>53812339
Was it worth it? Currently doing an MPPA with a specialization in data analytics. Want to do one more masters after this. Not sure if I should do it in Global Development or Data Analytics. I'm trying to work for the World Bank or IMF. I'm 28 years old.

>>53812355
>If you do a PhD it's like your whole twenties got sucked away
The opportunity cost is worth it in the long run anyway. Besides, what's there to do in your 20s other than working for peanuts and trying to get laid?

>>53812441
There is a non-zero chance I get 20k discharged, plus it's at 4% when inflation is 7% at peak, plus I made no payments in 3 years. That is perfect leverage. You are the idiot.

>>53812484
Do Data Science desu. That field will be growing rapidly for the rest of our lives.

>>53813152
Which school did you do your program at?

Asking in appropriate thread: my undergrad GPA was pretty shite (<3.0), I’ve really struggled with school most of my life but I still feel compelled to do some postgraduate work. I’ve been working for about two years in a field I like (Asset Management, GIS, software implementations, database management, business analytics) but my confidence in my ability to go back to school and learn is basically dead. My company would pay for my masters, and there’s really no better time to do it. Are any anons able to offer advice, or had a similar experience?

>>53812484
>>53813152
This seems retarded to me

>>53814672
Do not do it. You will want to kill yourself.

Imagine that I am yelling this at you like i'm telling you not to go into the haunted murder mansion. The people who do well on gradschool and who dont want to kill themselves are a very small percentage of the people who do an undergrad.

You have to want to go to grad school like you want some sweet pussy. And you dont. And you shouldnt, because its a fucking waste of time and a money scam. Just learn through working.

>bitter MEng student

>>53814986
>The people who do well on gradschool and who dont want to kill themselves are a very small percentage of the people who do an undergrad.
So true.

>go to an ABET accredited community college
>2 years, $11k engineering AS in EE
>now working as a technician getting paid $60k/year plus benefits
>double that by day trading at work while testing parts at a major semiconductor corp
>zero debt, 6 figure portfolio that continues to grow, job is super comfy with a lot of down time and minimal interaction with normies

lmao. take the community college pill, anons. stop wasting your life and start making money. realize that you'll never make it with your day job, it's just there to help finance your accumulation of assets, not liabilities.

>>53814986
I did a PhD thinking I would hate it and it actually turned out fine. Had a great PI, made some great friends, and got out in five years. I think OPs skeptical attitude is a good thing. I knew a lot of people who went into grad school thinking they were rockstars and were going to get a Nobel prize or something and they were all very disappointed

>>53814986
>>53815015

I see, well, thanks for the advice. The response I’m told when I tell folks about it is to do grad school part time but that just feels like dragging out the pain. I feel pressured into doing it because I’m uncreative about creating other sources of income, unfortunately I was raised to think that a salary would be all I need in life, but all that is another problem. Thanks for the advice anon.

>>53815077
>I feel pressured into doing it because I’m uncreative about creating other sources of income
In grad school you will feel pressured to be creative to get published except it won't be for money and you'll want to kill yourself.

>>53810055
>You do it to meet a wife if you blew it in undergrad

This is actually, unironically, part of the reason I went back to grad school on the advice of an anon in 2019. And it actually worked. Think I’m going to marry a girl I met in grad school in 2021. It’s good advice. Going to leave with a masters though. Too much pain to do a PhD

>>53812484
>working for peanuts and trying to get laid
having done exactly this in my 20s and having gone to college I would say that working for peanuts and having sex is better than getting an advanced degree, unless you are also having a lot of sex

Test

>>53809894
I did a theoretical physics PhD and I now have a comfy government job where I do secret science. Was it all worth it? Idk man, I like what I do. The pay is good but it could be better. I like having a job that basically can't fire me. Also, I like that I'm a Dr. even it doesn't really matter in most social circles. When my mom writes birthday cards she still writes Mr. Anon and it makes me sad because she's the one person in the world who should really be proud of me.

On the other hand. I graduated four years ago and several of my colleagues are still back at grad school trying to finish because the selected shit advisors and I selected a good one. It could've been way worse.

All my PhD was free btw. They give me free tuition, health, vision, dental and a stipend I could live on. If I had to pay it would for sure not be worth it.

>>53815125
I had a lot of sex in grad school and met my wife there.

>>53814672
If you're company will pay I think you should do it if it's just a masters. Especially if it'll get you a pay bump. Masters is just classes and guided work. PhD can get dicey for several reasons

>>53815111
Extremely based. It does make me think about going the in-person route when I likely make the retarded plunge back into school. Hard to meet your future waifu in online school

>>53815153
Do guys with just masters degrees get hired in positions like this? I have a few friends who work at national labs and I think it’s possible to do it with a masters, but I’m not sure

same. im failing one of my classes desu
going to have to repeat it

>>53815153
I envy you anon, you're a lucky man. What kind of secret science do you do
t. totally not a russian

>Writing thesis for my PhD
>traveled halfway across the US for my program, rarely see family or friends
>miserable
>feel like my 20s got sucked away
>just wanted to make more money anyway, don't really care about climbing the research ladder
>the main thing I got good at is enduring suffering and being alone
Just...don't do a PhD. It's not worth it.

>>53815232
If you’re in your 20s and/or don’t have a large social circle, you should not be doing online school dumbass.

>>53815415
Online schooling makes sense if you don't want to uproot your entire life to pursue a good program across the country.

>tfw doing an online masters at a top 10 university while living in Miami

>>53815490
Makes sense if you have other shit going on I guess. I just assumed anon was a lonely lowly wagie or a NEET

>>53815273
Can't tell you buddy, sorry. Wish I could

>>53815243
Yeah man for sure. I work with a lot of masters here and they're all really smart and get as much respect as the doctors

>>53814986
>2 years jobless after undergrad because dead market where i live
>realize my only prospect of getting sweet pussy is going to grad school for a more in-demand subject
Yeah I'm signing up. Maybe even going for a phd too.

>>53809894
>>53812355
>tfw fell for PhD meme because of "love of science"
>tfw 4rth year
>tfw will probably be here for 6 since bio
Honestly thinking of dropping out. Maybe enjoy my last 3 years of my 20s

>fell for the -literally anything- meme

>>53813152
>Data Science
I need more experience in that so I don't stay poor after I graduate.

Anyone know of decent, preferably free or cheap online courses for data science?

>>53814986
>t. retard who can't do math, just the stereotypical "engineer" who memorizes formulas
No shit grad school wasn't for you.

>>53818088
Did you at least smash young puss?

I'm unironically considering getting a CS masters from Georgia Tech since it's only $7000. Plus I'm pretty sure it's the only school that'll take my WGU diploma mill degree seriously

>>53820519
Do it, fren. Investing in your own education is certainly worth it. Not only is learning new concepts and skills fulfilling, but you will also open new doors for yourself. Do it for yourself, and create the change you want in your life. No one else is going to do it for you.

>>53820563
thanks for the moral support op, i hope you land that data science job soon

>>53813152
>Do Data Science
Yeah, if you want to get a completely McDonalds-tier degree.

>>53820474
Sort of? not from my grad school. No undergrad program.

>>53809894
>get phd
>get $120k/yr job (including benefits) after 4 months
>1 promotion and 4 raises in just 2 years to $150k/yr
Am I supposed to be unhappy?

>>53820878
Well, what did you study?
I think they ate bad for us anons with a meme degree, dumb, or both

>>53820878
Which masters degrees are worth pursuing?
Which to avoid?

I’m tired of school. I love to learn though, so it better be worth it.

>>53820929
Applied statistics/math. Gets you all the benefits that a data science degree is SUPPOSED to confer. You can also get a phd afterwards in any field if you want.

>>53815044
>lmao I just make 60k trading bro it’s that easy!

>>53815111
>>53815232
>>You do it to meet a wife if you blew it in undergrad
don't be a retard and get oneititis for the hottest girl in your program, fail the first date with her, and have a mental breakdown that makes you spend 10K on escorts and drop out of gradschool

t. mental midget
atleast I lost my virginity to some hot Russian whore and fucked a bunch of other hot girls

>>53821970
Are Data Science degrees really that stigmatized? I was thinking of applying to an online Master’s program that my employer would be willing to pay for (looking to move to a different role internally). What’s wrong with them vs. Applied Math?

>>53822013
>don't be a retard and get oneititis for the hottest girl in your program, fail the first date with her, and have a mental breakdown that makes you spend 10K on escorts and drop out of gradschool

Oneitism is literally a byproduct of inceldom. Can’t believe anons ruin themselves over women.

>>53821970
>statistics/math
No wonder
>Literally math phd 300k starting meme
Btw, do you know of any good stats textbooks you'd recommend? And maybe some books for people getting into math again to catch up to the level of those math books?

Unless you plan to enter academia or go for those niche non-academia PhD positions, most of the time you are better off sticking with just a masters degree.
>>53812484
>MPPA
Lots of people focus on MBA because that's the big thing in the private sector, but an MPA (or MPPA in your case) does wonders in the public and nonprofit sectors which sounds like your goal. As I have recent experience with the MPA, data analytics is definitely the way to go. Hearing alumni mention it in orientation, completing coursework that touched on it, and seeing the importance of it in my agency, the skillset is high in demand and you will go places with it.
>>53820519
>jawja kek
But seriously if you get accepted, make the most out of your time there. I will warn you to keep your guard up as you would in any urban environment

>>53825144
>I will warn you to keep your guard up as you would in any urban environment
I'd be doing the online masters. I wouldn't want to move to Atlanta lol

>>53812339
Not a real job

>>53815111
Started phd in English because passion. Realized I hated academics, so did abd and walked with a masters. Got funded by the library so I leaned into that and got an mlis and now have a job I like that’s wfh so I guess it worked out in the end. My friends who finished their phds are struggling hard. Not a single one has a tenure track position. A few meager post docs and some adjuncting. Fuck academics

>>53815153
Yeah phds are “free.” And even “funded” lmfao how much was your poverty stipend for working insane hours and stressing constantly? Mine was 19k.

>>53815490
Most places outside academia and very prestigious jobs don’t care where you get a masters so you should definitely do wherever is cheaper and online

>>53809894
They’re absolutely pointless because what you learn isn’t as valuable as actual work experience. I believe people get them to make them more “competitive” in the workplace but you’re sacrificing 1-2 years of relevant, PAID work experience. I have a theory that the people who decide to get masters either have failed in finding a job, are too stupid to get into PhD programs, or enjoy being in debt.

This brings me to my second point, master programs rarely give out financial aid so it’s absolutely idiotic to get into more debt just to land a job that probably will pay you the same as someone with a bachelors lmao. Instead of getting into more debt, lower your standards when job searching and accept a position in the industry you’re looking to get into. This gets your foot in the door, you actually make money, and it gets you relevant work experience that you can use to move up to your desired job.

The only master degrees that aren’t worthless are free ones, meaning either you scored a bunch of scholarships or your company pays for it. I also understand in some industries you need additional education to move up, but if you’re looking to move up at a company then presumably you’re already working for them and they can pay for your education.

This is all specific to the US, I’ve found that master degrees are more common with my European colleagues, presumably because they can get them for free.

That's why i only invest as of late. $HAMI, $LINK, $XRP. Those three are keeping me up economically and in the meantime i can actually do stuff that bring me more money instead of wasting time in college

>>53815490
>Online schooling makes sense if you don't want to uproot your entire life to pursue a good program across the country.
>>53815415 said "if you don't have a large social circle i.e. if you don't have many roots to 'uproot'

Is this the Miami reading comprehension?
>>53828339
>Most places outside academia and very prestigious jobs don’t care where you get a masters
The "some" that don't care are sometimes the best jobs out there, so just think about what's best for your path. Some aspirations require a very specific pedigree; not saying it's a need. just a need for some

>>53829027
LINK is keeping you up economically? How?
I say this as a 3000+ LINK holder.

>>53820878
$120k ain't shit for a starting salary when you squandered your youth earning basically no disposable income (assuming a stipend here). You could have gotten a job 5-6 years earlier and invested the money in bitcoin and been way better off.

>>53820878
>>get phd
>>get $120k/yr job (including benefits) after 4 months
>>1 promotion and 4 raises in just 2 years to $150k/yr
>Am I supposed to be unhappy?
>>53829177
>$120k ain't shit for a starting salary when you squandered your youth earning basically no disposable income
Agreed it's nothing amazing.

It's not a terrible outcome, especially if you couldn't see yourself working in another line of work, but you make as much as my technical recruiter that has a BA in psych and just does phone convos from home.

To be an economical choice, you'd probably need to make 300k+ soon.

If you get a phd in an in-demand field like computer science or AI it opens a lot of doors to very well-paying jobs that are otherwise inaccessible. That's my plan at least. If you're just getting an MBA or data science msc or whatever then that's pretty useless these days except for status-posturing.

>>53829177
Wait I could have just bought low and sold high and avoided all this work?? Fuck.

>>53828339
I cannot speak for the state and local government, but this is definitely true at the federal level. As long as you meet the educational requirement, you are good to go. I had colleagues in my recent graduates program at work whose education experiences ranged from DeVry to Harvard yet we all managed to hold up well.

>>53828325
Mine was about 19k too. I was in a rural place though so maybe it went further. In the last half of the PhD I was on a good research grant and my advisor gave me 7k over the summer so I was up to 26k . I remember feeling rich.

>>53828325
>>53830047
Damn, what year? Mine is 37k and still feels like not enough. I think California PhDs often are 30k still which I don't know how they manage. I guess they must have multiple roommates

>>53810012
Universities are designed to dumb down people.
t. Going back to school for my MBA because I need it for my field

>>53830405
>t. Going back to school for my MBA because I need it for my field
an MBA is at least somewhat clearly not about the course content. it's about networking

> Government spergs out over COVID-19 and makes it illegal to work if you don't get the vaccine
> Go get my Masters after (government) job legally cannot renew my contract
> 1 year passes
> Get Masters of Public Policy
> 2 years pass
> Get Masters of Cybersecurity (despite paying for me to do the course the government still won't let anyone hire me)
> 3 years coming up
> Results for Masters of International Relations released next week

I'm tapped out of resources and still can't legally get a job because of government mandates/industry standards, not even work-from-home positions can hire me. Where should an Australian like me, fuck off to?

My stipend is about 40k. I heard MIT biology is offering 45k now.