More demand for Master/PhD graduate? how about Construction Engineering Master?

[Chukwu Chucks]

I heard the rumor about how master graduates have higher demand in job market....is it true though? I thought the masters are sometimes "over-qualified", some companies will prefer some B.S. even college drop out with experiences to do the job for cheaper salary.

I'm just afraid my future master diploma of Construction Engineering Management will just end up in Ebay (just sarcasm for myself here)....I dont really have professional experience in Construction.

Any comment?

[Usmivka]

In your field, I'd guess job experience counts more than the degree. That is why most professional school masters students work for a while first. In my field, a MS is moderately more employable than a PhD or BS, but not by a huge margin, and for very different jobs. I've had a number of engineering students (say mechanical or chemical) tell me that in their field they only get masters if they plan to teach. Maybe there oere other Construction Managers out there on the forum who can clarify this?

[Chukwu Chucks]

In your field, I'd guess job experience counts more than the degree. That is why most professional school masters students work for a while first. In my field, a MS is moderately more employable than a PhD or BS, but not by a huge margin, and for very different jobs. I've had a number of engineering students (say mechanical or chemical) tell me that in their field they only get masters if they plan to teach. Maybe there oere other Construction Managers out there on the forum who can clarify this?

Thanks for the info!

I even heard that master program actually will add up into professional experience for some reason....since it simulates real world problem...is that true though?

[vienneselights]

I'm like, still in college, but from what I've researched, most private sector applied science (engineering, geology) and finance jobs only REQUIRE a Master's, so an employer might think a PhD on your side is a bit of a waste of time. That said, that depends on what you intend to do. Higher-level private sector science jobs, for one (and sometimes management jobs in the science sector) require a PhD, but that's usually after you've been in the sector for a while and a company decides to sponsor you to get the PhD.

[SymmetryOfImperfection]

I'm like, still in college, but from what I've researched, most private sector applied science (engineering, geology) and finance jobs only REQUIRE a Master's, so an employer might think a PhD on your side is a bit of a waste of time. That said, that depends on what you intend to do. Higher-level private sector science jobs, for one (and sometimes management jobs in the science sector) require a PhD, but that's usually after you've been in the sector for a while and a company decides to sponsor you to get the PhD.

why would they need to sponsor you? all science and engineering PHDs are paid for already in most countries.

Edited June 20, 2012 by SymmetryOfImperfection

[OregonGal]

Sometimes there are "executive degree" programs designed for mid-career professionals like the executive MBA/MPA or even some PhD programs; essentially they're part time programs, often tailored to each person, which are designed to supplement the greater amount of professional experience they have. My understanding is that these degrees are usually self-financed; either the company offers it as alternate compensation (or a quid pro quo "we pay for your Masters you work for us for X years"), or the executive has the resources to pay for it themselves. The bonus for the school (besides having someone pay their own way) is that it gives them a better "professional" mix and real-world perspective in the classroom.

[Chukwu Chucks]

Sometimes there are "executive degree" programs designed for mid-career professionals like the executive MBA/MPA or even some PhD programs; essentially they're part time programs, often tailored to each person, which are designed to supplement the greater amount of professional experience they have. My understanding is that these degrees are usually self-financed; either the company offers it as alternate compensation (or a quid pro quo "we pay for your Masters you work for us for X years"), or the executive has the resources to pay for it themselves. The bonus for the school (besides having someone pay their own way) is that it gives them a better "professional" mix and real-world perspective in the classroom.

FO' REAL?? DAMN, HOPEFULY I GOTTA LEARN TO BE REAL PRO-ENGINEER ON MA PROGRAM!

I GOTTA FIND REAL CONS ENGINEERING JOB!....SINCE MA LAST RAP CAREER WAS RUINED! *SIGH* IS DISTHE ONLY WAY A BROTHER CAN MAKE A LIVING?......GOTTA BE REAL PRO IN DA SHOW-BIZ!