I thought I had it all figured out. After chatting with the girls yesterday, I was convinced that I’ll be doing my Masters locally, saving me all the worry about finances and whatnot. Then I re-looked at the programmes offered at UniMelb and realised that I really, really wanted to do my Masters in something less… academic.
I’m not going to lie. Money is a concern. I’m not struggling, but I’m afraid that I will right after I graduate. And I feel entirely responsible for my retired parents. Taking a full year (or maybe even two) off work just to chase a dream is going to cause an unwelcome interruption in the cash flow department. Repaying huge tuition loans thereafter isn’t going to help.
So why quit then? Why am I even making such plans? Because, like Dia so astutely verbalised, I have done my part in the 5 years that I have committed myself to teaching, and it is time to move on to do something that I’ve wanted to do since I was 15. And also because I know I’m not going to suck at it (this last sentence entirely my own but the sentiment was shared).
I’m extremely certain I will pursue my Masters next year. I have thought about it long and hard, and that decision has been more or less made. The only issue I’m grappling with is if I should do it locally or overseas. Money aside, a side-by-side comparison of programmes show very different career paths. The local option appears more inclined towards a career in communications management in the civil service as I champion various public campaigns; the overseas options gear towards writing and publishing, allowing me to develop skills in journalism and possibly art direction as well (two areas I’ve always been excited about).
The main reason why I’m even considering studying internationally is because I am of the belief that doing my Masters overseas will allow me to bring something else to the table. I want to have knowledge of international perspectives. I want to provide alternative views. Although, the fact that I already attained my Bachelor’s from QUT may be enough reason for me to go local now. Still. It’s always good to gain new experiences, no?
I still have a number of months to go before I submit any application. And quite honestly, I do have enough faith in the Lord to know that He will provide me, and my family with the finances. I just don’t know if I should even consider doing my Masters locally. Because, really, the course structure just doesn’t excite me as much.
Thoughts?
. . . . .
Song of the Day
It’s Ain’t Over Til It’s Over, by Lenny Kravitz
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
How much are the UniMelb and QUT programmes, compared to NTU hun? Like I said, the cost for edu & boarding should not outweigh income opportunity when you graduate. If its going to be a financial burden for years to come, then I feel it isn’t such a good idea – though you could try applying for a scholarship with the school or SOTA still. At the same time, you’d want to balance costs with a professional programme that you would truly enjoy. I think you’re reaaally not too interested in NTU’s grad offering haha so it’s time to look outwards and make the comparisons!
Yap.. agree! Do a rough calculation on the investment and returns.. not as in making money, but how to support your family. I understand that being an only child has a huge responsibility for the parents. Even though the parents might be more or less financially independent, we might need to consider expenses required for old age… well.. that will be more on healthcare bills, I guess. The insurance may not be sufficient in times of need. Are there any Master’s programs here other than those offered by the local Unis? How about doing half year locally and half year overseas, if the program allows. I would guess, 1-1.5 years away should not be such a big problem, but if it’s more than that, you would need to make a savings plan on top of tightening your belt… which means… no overseas trip for 1 year, no lavish spending on food, bags, dvds etc. There is a Need to compromise/sacrifice somewhere (unless you only need to think for yourself), so you need to prioritize your choices.
The question is though…why do you need a Masters in Communication?
haha.. I thought so too.. I have some vague reason why I got mine.. but not sure about Ally..probably it’s because she wanna continue pursuing her interest with more depth and she’s already gotten her Bachelors. Oh yes, she just wanna study… no more teaching..
Thanks girls! It’s always good to hear from my inner circle. :)
My first response to Huaiky’s question was – why not? But realised right away that that isn’t a valid answer. Truth is, I really do want to get back into the Communications industry and I believe that I need a refresher of sorts, especially since I’ve been out of touch for 7 years. Having a lack of experience in the industry, I am of the mind that I need to make up for that in knowledge. You can sort of say it’s a “bridge” that I feel is necessary to cross before I jump into a brand new ocean. Also, having been at the other end of education for so long, I find myself yearning (yes, yearning) for new knowledge. I want to equip myself with skills and information that I don’t already have. I believe it would help open up more options for me.
I’m not gonna dismiss NTU as an option. I do see its many benefits and it’s not as though the career path it’ll lead me on is something I have a complete disregard for. I’m just that much more keen on the other programmes offered by the other two unis.
Ally, if you think you’d keep yearning for that first option even when you’ve decided on choosing the 2nd option, then you should just go for the first! (Cos Pierce is like that.. he’ll choose the 2nd best just to satisfy him for the time being.. and after a while, when he realised that he can’t get over it.. he’ll spend another sum of money to get what her really wants.. which i think is a waste!) Just save up more! I can help with pushing you! hehe
Hmm…but seriously babe, I think the best refresher course for you is to jump straight back into the industry, start learning on the job again and build up those media contacts. It’ll all come back to you naturally. Having been in the media and comms industry for almost 8 years now, I really don’t think a Masters will make a big difference. I’m of course speaking for the comms industry only. I’m sure Masters in other areas of study might be different. Journalism, PR and comms are one of those jobs where experience counts. No amount of study or theory can help.
Anyway, those are just my thoughts. I can share more with you when I visit in Feb! Hehe. But really, I think why not save your $$ for another holiday?!
hmm.. that’s quite true too.. in the field of Science, qualifications are everything. In some other industries, experience is more valuable. Ally, if you choose to jump back into the industry then we can go for the Trip to Don’t Know Where! *Simply playing the Angel and the Devil role*
Heheh… I actually do agree with you, about not needing that Masters in Communications. Perhaps it seemed like such a great option because I was tired of working and wanted to take a year-long break? But I didn’t want to waste all that time doing nothing, so studying seemed like a good option. Also, it’ll look nice on the resume should I choose to lecture in the future, no?
I’m weighing all the pros and cons, and new reasons just keep coming in! One moment, I feel the need to do my Masters, the next, I think it’s best to just jump right in, like what Huaiky said. At least one thing’s clear – I’m definitely making a move back into Communications. And I am completely at peace and excited about that. :)
Let’s all come together and have a “Help Ally Assess” session one of these days! :p
You mean like a therapy session with the couch and all? Hahaha. Sure thing! :P
Hi, my name is ally, and I’m an alcoholic. Who has been sober for… a couple of hours now. While sober, I think about pursuing my Masters too. Thanks. hahaha!! Sure, why not? ;) I’ll bring moscato.