4 ms·

I think this advice is highly dependent on career goals. What sort of work is interesting to you, and why? Going to grad school is only a good idea if there's

I think this advice is highly dependent on career goals. What sort of work is interesting to you, and why? Going to grad school is only a good idea if there's something specific you're trying to learn. It's a means not an ends. For someone who doesn't have real life work experience in their field, I don't think it's the best idea. I think working in the industry for a few years (at least) and seeing the types of jobs and work that are available is a better approach. After you have some experience and want to specialize in a specific thing (AI/ML, etc...) going to grad school might make sense, depending. When I'm hiring, it's actually a bit of a red flag for me to see a resume with a graduate degree and no work experience - but the positions I hire for tend to be very practical business development types things, not really that appropriate for graduate level. Unfortunately, that's 90%+ of the market. Many hiring managers will be hesitant to hire you in that situation, because the assumption is that you're overqualified, under experienced, and will leave for a more senior opportunity as soon as you get the chance. I was given the advice to avoid going to grad school early in my career, and I'm glad I followed it.

jedberg 4y ago
You're ignoring the context of the post. This is advice for what a new grad should do right now in this particular economy. You're right that grad school is more effective after working a few years, but its still a better option that starvation if you can get into grad school with a stipend. And if you throw away the resumes of someone who went straight to grad school, you're just missing out on a lot of good candidates.
- claytongulick 4y ago
  > You're ignoring the context of the post. No, I'm not. Getting out and working is the best thing you can do in a down economy, even if it's a crappy job, or not as much money as you'd like. > And if you throw away the resumes of someone who went straight to grad school, you're just missing out on a lot of good candidates. Where did I say I throw out resumes? It's a red flag. Those can be overcome in interviews or with other mitigating factors, but pretending like this isn't an issue doesn't help anyone.

jedberg 4y ago

You're ignoring the context of the post. This is advice for what a new grad should do right now in this particular economy. You're right that grad school is more effective after working a few years, but its still a better option that starvation if you can get into grad school with a stipend. And if you throw away the resumes of someone who went straight to grad school, you're just missing out on a lot of good candidates.

claytongulick 4y ago
> You're ignoring the context of the post. No, I'm not. Getting out and working is the best thing you can do in a down economy, even if it's a crappy job, or not as much money as you'd like. > And if you throw away the resumes of someone who went straight to grad school, you're just missing out on a lot of good candidates. Where did I say I throw out resumes? It's a red flag. Those can be overcome in interviews or with other mitigating factors, but pretending like this isn't an issue doesn't help anyone.