Work or Grad School

[nisenba2]

I recently completed a bachelors degree in biology and a minor in computer science at a state university. I have been offered a position with a very large company in the midwest as a software test engineer, and will make $65,000+/yr. I had also applied to U of Chicago's MS in Comp Sci program, which I was accepted into, but deferred until fall 2014. If I worked as a software test engineer for a year, would it be wise to attend U of Chicago? Would I benefit greatly with a graduate degree from an elite school?

[overworkedta]

Honestly, I would take the job if that seems like a good offer.  That seems like a lot of money for me but I'm also a political scientist!  Jobs with a BA that pay that much are pretty nonexistent.  

 

You should consider that you can always go back to get a degree while working.  My mother works in engineering and so do some of my friends.  Their workplaces pay for further education so this may be a good situation.  You can always apply to elite schools again, as well, should you choose to go that way.  Also, I would be asking for stats from U of Chicago about what placement rate they have, what jobs people are getting, etc.  If you aren't getting funding there and your opportunity to make a substantial amount of money doesn't seem worth it, then it makes sense to take a job right now.  At least, that is what I would do.

[child of 2]

I was denied PhD acceptance when I first got out a year ago. I took a co-op, which I had hoped would bridge the transition into grad school in the fall, and instead went full time. First of all, the money is nice. Second, I have a stronger case for why I want to go to grad school, considering the job I have now offers me very little fulfillment, despite its high salary. Third, it's a good break from school; I hated school when I graduated. Now I think I'm ready to get back in there.  Lastly, working for a year in the real world is a great opportunity to mature as a professional, which will show in your grad apps, and help you get into a better program. 

 

But you already got into a good program. And my points of view as a chemical engineer may not apply to the software industry as much. But it's pretty hard to make a wrong decision at this point. win win as far as I'm concerned.