Do you think a Masters degree is more helpful?
Question:
My school has an amazing Communications program and offers a Master's in Journalism degree. Do you think that a Masters in this field would be wise? I know in many education and health positions, a Masters would be a no brainer, but I wasn't sure about the communications field. I think it would be a good thing because theres so much competition for jobs and I hope to work at a big name magazine someday, I imagine a further education could only help. I plan to intern a lot as well, don't worry. I know that is important too.
So what do you think? Do you think a Masters (about an extra year of school, I researched) would be worth it?
Answer:
What was once considered "always a good bet" is not necessarily so these days. I really recommend that you read the attached article. It really says a lot.
I am not knocking higher degrees, I am an assistant professor of applied linguistics (about as geeky as you can get), but these days advanced degrees can sometimes hurt your chances of getting an interview.
Here's an exerp:
G.J. Meyer wrote in his classic 1995 book, Executive Blues: Down and Out in Corporate America, a higher degree in something other than business or law--or, worse, a stint of college teaching--can impart a deadly "academic stench" to one's résumé.
Look it over & good luck.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/articl...
I think you should go as far as you can. You never know if you change your mind and want to Teach Journalism or Communications you will be able to do that with a Masters and not with just a BA. I think the extra year is well worth it. Plus the pay is better the higher degree you have and more experience. I wish you the best.
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