Does it make sense to go for Masters when you can get into FAANG+ with your current qualifications?
You can do both! Go to FAANG and do part time online masters on the side. Google would even pay up to 2/3 of the costs of your degree.
+1 Yes, this. I'm not sure why everyone that posts these "should I get a master's?" Threads presumes they have to stop working. Just how lazy are these people?
I was unaware of this option. Will research more about it.
I did the Masters while working option. It sucked. No social life because I was either working or doing homework. I also found that school got in the way of my learning. I couldn't go to conferences and tech talks because I had to go to class that were scheduled at the same time. Studying the curriculum books were a complete waste of time and took away from time I could spend reading software engineering books that were more relevant and interesting to me. If your resume is already strong enough to get into FAANG+, Masters is only helpful for work visa or a pathway to PhD.
More roles like manager level + are asking for Masters nowadays. It’s also good if you want to swap to Data Science.
I was in the same position (Software Engineering master though), went for FAANG. Aside from the insane opportunity costs on the table, the problems I currently solve are way more interesting to me. Besides that, I've experienced that learning in my free time without pressure feels so much better. As far as salaries go, work experience can't beat a master's degree as well. My plan is to eventually go for a part-time master's degree (OMCS) such as the one at Georgia Tech. My bachelor's was too easy and I would love to publish something in my name in the future. I would only go for the master's right now if you feel like you need to fulfill your academic needs or if you're really into research and can't wait.
Even after a Masters degree, you have to start as entry level, right? How does it beat work experience? Are more qualified people preferred for promotions?
No, after you start work no one really cares whether you have no degree or PhD, work performance is what matters.