Full time SWE: should I complete my MS?

Blend
zCDA70

Go to company page Blend

zCDA70
Feb 28 15 Comments

I’m a career changer and am currently working full time as a SWE. I got the job as an intern and transitioned to full time because I’m earning my masters degree in CS part time. I have a bachelor’s in an unrelated field and I took courses at the college level in order to get into my masters program (32 credits total) which helped a lot with learning things like data structures and algorithms, computer architecture, discrete math, etc. I’ve been at my company full time less than a year. I’m starting to feel like I’m not really learning anything practical in my degree program and it’s a very large drain mentally and financially. I’m going part time so it’ll take me forever to finish and another $43,000 (and six more classes - I’m at a private university in the US). I’ve been thinking about taking a leave of absence then deciding if I want to continue. My mom has been a DBA for almost 25 years and truly believes my career will suffer if I do not have a CS degree. I would like to start a new job search after my one year for a globally remote role (TC is not as important to me as total flexibility with where I live as I plan to travel full time). My question is: do you believe it’s worth it to finish my masters? Why or why not? (Also, don’t have any real interest in AI/ML and am happy to continue being an IC and getting to senior/staff level eventually but am not in a rush). Thank you!

TC: $180k, salary: $125k

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
TOP 15 Comments
  • GitLab
    28:sjjdjsj

    Go to company page GitLab

    28:sjjdjsj
    Get your degree. Fundamentals come in handy all through the career
    Feb 28 1
    • Blend
      zCDA70

      Go to company page Blend

      zCDA70
      OP
      I did take courses at the college level in order to get into my masters program (32 credits total) which helped a lot with learning things like data structures and algorithms, computer architecture, discrete math, etc.
      Feb 28
  • IBM
    rLeI77

    Go to company page IBM

    rLeI77
    Omscs
    Feb 28 1
  • I don't think u need lol
    Feb 28 0
  • if you don’t have a bachelors in CS then get ur masters in it, it’s just security job proof for future u need some degree in CS just to never worry about opportunities as u get older
    Feb 28 7
    • job market is hot right now but u need more experience under your belt, see if you can delay taking classes for a while to reset or at most take just one class so you get some rest
      Mar 1
    • Blend
      zCDA70

      Go to company page Blend

      zCDA70
      OP
      Yea I’m taking one class at a time now and even that is pretty miserable. I wish I’d chosen another program. But I do think I’m going to take a break and see what happens. I can always go back 🤷🏽‍♀️
      Mar 1
  • Groupon
    greengroup

    Go to company page Groupon

    greengroup
    Many firms require either a CS degree or 3-5 years of experience. I know night school is a drag but I’d keep doing it until you get your second CS job, unless you’re already at a FAANG company or this is causing major mental health issues for you.
    Feb 28 1
    • Blend
      zCDA70

      Go to company page Blend

      zCDA70
      OP
      I’m not at a FAANG, but I think a pretty well-respected company within the fintech space. I also would be fine with staying at my job a couple more years because I have no issues with it really other than wanting to travel and work remotely for longer periods of time.
      Feb 28