Work for 12-18 months then return to grad school?

In summary, the individual is about to graduate with a bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering and has received a job offer from a company they are interested in working for. They plan to gain experience in the industry for 12-18 months before returning to finish their masters degree. They have not had any internships or co-op opportunities during their undergraduate studies and are excited to start gaining experience and becoming financially independent. The company is also offering the opportunity for continuing education and will sponsor a work visa, which is a major attraction for the individual. They are considering working on their masters degree part-time while gaining experience. Overall, their plan is well thought out and they are grateful for the job offer and any feedback.
  • #1
jcsolis
38
1
Hello everyone, I am about to graduate this coming december with a bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, I also started taking a couple of graduate courses because my plan is to obtain a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering as well.

Last week I received a great job offer from the only company I was more interested to work for, I have not replied to the offer yet, but the most probable is that I will take the job. My plan is to gain some experience in the industry for some 12-18 months and then return to finish my masters. During my entire undergradure work I never obtained any internship or co-op opportunities, so I feel that this offer is a great achievement.

Do you guys think that my plan is OK? I would like to know if any of you has been in the same position as me.

I really enjoy doing research and my gradute courses as well, but I would like to start gaining experience apart from research and academic coursework, and also to become financially independent from my parents since they have been paying all my undergraduate education. This company will sponsor me a work visa which later can be helpful for becoming a permanent US Resident, this reason is what I am more attracted because a lot of companies I have applied in the past for internships or full time employment only look for US Citizens/Residents. Also, when I got interviewed by the hiring manager, he told that they offer the opportunity for continuing education.

Thank you and give me some feedback please
 
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  • #2
Sounds like a good plan to me. Perhaps you could work on your masters part time while working?
 
  • #3
jcsolis said:
Hello everyone, I am about to graduate this coming december with a bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, I also started taking a couple of graduate courses because my plan is to obtain a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering as well.

Last week I received a great job offer from the only company I was more interested to work for, I have not replied to the offer yet, but the most probable is that I will take the job. My plan is to gain some experience in the industry for some 12-18 months and then return to finish my masters. During my entire undergradure work I never obtained any internship or co-op opportunities, so I feel that this offer is a great achievement.

Do you guys think that my plan is OK? I would like to know if any of you has been in the same position as me.

I really enjoy doing research and my gradute courses as well, but I would like to start gaining experience apart from research and academic coursework, and also to become financially independent from my parents since they have been paying all my undergraduate education. This company will sponsor me a work visa which later can be helpful for becoming a permanent US Resident, this reason is what I am more attracted because a lot of companies I have applied in the past for internships or full time employment only look for US Citizens/Residents. Also, when I got interviewed by the hiring manager, he told that they offer the opportunity for continuing education.

Thank you and give me some feedback please

Absolutely take the job and congratulations on the job offer: you deserve a pat on the back for that one.

Take the opportunity to work hard and take their offer of giving you some experience and things to add to your resume and also for the experiences that will help become a better person in your career.

You might even find that you get enough experience that in one and a half years time, the education you get in the workforce makes the other stuff look redundant, and personally I wouldn't be surprised if this happened.

Once again though, congratulations on your job offer, hope it works out!
 
  • #4
sandy.bridge said:
Sounds like a good plan to me. Perhaps you could work on your masters part time while working?

Sure, that is definitely one of my plans. I am going next week to the company HQ for a site visit and I will ask them if they have a part-time study program or something related.
 
  • #5
chiro said:
Absolutely take the job and congratulations on the job offer: you deserve a pat on the back for that one.

Take the opportunity to work hard and take their offer of giving you some experience and things to add to your resume and also for the experiences that will help become a better person in your career.

You might even find that you get enough experience that in one and a half years time, the education you get in the workforce makes the other stuff look redundant, and personally I wouldn't be surprised if this happened.

Once again though, congratulations on your job offer, hope it works out!

Thanks chiro! I really appreciate your feedback
 

FAQ: Work for 12-18 months then return to grad school?

How will working for 12-18 months benefit my graduate school application?

Working for 12-18 months can provide valuable real-world experience and skills that can enhance your graduate school application. It can also give you a break from academic studies and help you gain a better understanding of your field of study.

Can I still apply to graduate school while working for 12-18 months?

Yes, you can still apply to graduate school while working for 12-18 months. In fact, this can make you a stronger candidate as it shows your dedication to your field of study and your ability to balance work and academic commitments.

Will working for 12-18 months affect my chances of getting into a top graduate school?

Working for 12-18 months will not necessarily affect your chances of getting into a top graduate school. Admissions committees consider a variety of factors, including your academic record, test scores, and relevant experience. If your work experience is related to your field of study and demonstrates your skills and passion, it can actually strengthen your application.

What type of work experience should I pursue during this time?

The type of work experience you pursue will depend on your field of study and career goals. It can be beneficial to gain experience in a related field or in a research setting. You may also consider internships, volunteer work, or other opportunities that align with your interests and goals.

How can I make the most out of my 12-18 months of work before returning to grad school?

To make the most out of your work experience, it is important to set goals and actively seek opportunities for growth and development. This can include networking, taking on new responsibilities, and seeking feedback from colleagues and supervisors. It is also important to maintain a balance and continue to prioritize your academic goals while working.

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