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Advice for Returning to School After Long Break?
arohann asks: "A few months ago, I quit my secure, well-paying (but boring) job as a software engineer in India and have been applying to graduate schools in the US, Canada and the UK. My aim is to get back to computer engineering studies (my undergrad major) as a grad student. However, after a 5 year break from academics I'm not sure about my decision and could do with some advice from Slashdot users."
"Here are some of the things that I'd like to know:
1) Typically, how do graduate admissions officials view work experience? Note that I haven't been working as a Computer Engineer but as a Software Engineer.
2) What are the differences between graduate studies at the Masters level in the US, Canada and the UK? I already know a bit from what is available on the websites, so I'm looking for some deeper insights.
3) I'd like to hear from people who've done this, i.e. quit their jobs and gone back to get a higher engineering degree. What problems did you face and what advice do you have?
4) People who've studied in the UK at the MSc, MPhil, MEngg level - how did you fund your education? Were you able to get things like teaching or research assistantships and how much of your costs did these cover?"
1) Typically, how do graduate admissions officials view work experience? Note that I haven't been working as a Computer Engineer but as a Software Engineer.
2) What are the differences between graduate studies at the Masters level in the US, Canada and the UK? I already know a bit from what is available on the websites, so I'm looking for some deeper insights.
3) I'd like to hear from people who've done this, i.e. quit their jobs and gone back to get a higher engineering degree. What problems did you face and what advice do you have?
4) People who've studied in the UK at the MSc, MPhil, MEngg level - how did you fund your education? Were you able to get things like teaching or research assistantships and how much of your costs did these cover?"
First step, stop lying:
A few months ago, I quit my secure, well-paying (but boring) job as a software engineer
Second step, if that really is the truth, you're clearly not bright enough to go back to school.
If you study in Canada, you'll have to deal with irritating Canadains and that could just really suck.
A little more seriously, I envy you. I would much rather spend my time learning instead of dealing with a job but unfortunately, I don't think thats ever going to happen.
"I use a Mac because I'm just better than you are."
Nothing looks as sad as a Grad Student acting like an undergrad.
I have seen a couple and especially older ones who are in their late 20's or older. Watching them act like undergrads is just wrong. And viewed as pathetic.
First off You will not get the 21 year old chicks when you are 30. Most likely you will be kicked off campus for harassment.
Secondly while some may use you to buy beer they will probably not go out of the way to invite you to any other parties were drinks are provided. Because you will be seen as an adult figure.
Third Usually after college getting drunk is no longer as fun as it use to be. It is more of a been there done that.
Forth you are old and out of date.
Fifth are you expected to be more mature then the other students and if you get in trouble you will get a lot less slack. Where a college student may get a fine, or probation. You could probably be in jail.
If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.