Published by JPLand on 15 Jul 2008 at 01:46 pm
On Paper
Very, very rarely, I will put aside my nonstop attempts at humor and have a serious discussion with my wife. I think that she values these discussions in part because they are so rare, but mostly because we get to catch-up on our lives together. Sounds like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? Kids have a way of helping you stay so close yet so disconnected. At any rate, we had a chance to talk and discuss where we’re headed and some things that we’d like to do.
We eventually got around to discussing my work. I enjoy what I do (for the most part) and I enjoy my work environment. If advancement in my company is desired, it would look really good for me to have an advanced degree. I’d love to have a Master’s degree. The problem is that I really don’t want to earn another degree. The bachelor’s was rough enough. Now I’m thinking of taking advanced courses in engineering on subjects that I’ve long since forgotten?!
The net result of this work would be that I could put a few extra letters on my resume. Just a simple “MSE” and voila….I’m a changed man! It’s amazing to me how heavy those letters can weigh on my career. Would I be any more capable of performing tasks after getting a degree? I’m of the opinion that I’d be as equally inept then as I am now, but some people above me certainly value those three letters.
So, I’ve payed a whopping $35 and applied to grad school….just to see if I can get in. If I don’t get in, then hey, dilemma solved. If I do get in, then I’d need to go through a lot of hoops to have my employer pay for it. If they don’t…dillema solved! If my employer does say that they’ll pay for it then, then watch out, folks. You’ll no longer be able to address me as “Shallow Thinker”. No sir, you’ll have to address me as “Master Shallow Thinker”.
Carmen on 15 Jul 2008 at 3:29 pm #
My guitar-playing engineering husband John got his masters at the University of Arizona, and he was able to get a MEE instead of MSEE; it was a degree option for enginners with so many thousands of hours of work experience that let him count his work experience instead of having to do a thesis. Does Mercer or Tech have a degree option along those lines?
Queen Mother on 15 Jul 2008 at 7:18 pm #
I enjoyed (if that’s the word) getting my master’s much more than I did my undergrad. As a teacher who’d been there and done that I was much less prone to take a professor’s word about ANYTHING. Not sure things are like that for engineers since it’s a science and an art. Anyway, we’ll be there to help when needed so we can all call you some long(er) title.
SweetSouthernBelle on 15 Jul 2008 at 8:34 pm #
Wow, that’s a big step! Good Luck! I hope everything works out. And, by the way…it’s Master Sweet Southern Belle from now on!
Alana on 15 Jul 2008 at 9:03 pm #
I have some extra letters after my name, and I still consider myself pretty unqualified to do much of anything. But I make a mean pot o’ collard greens.
Sincerely,
Master Cole-Faber
P.S. Master is a WAY cooler title than doctor, just FYI in case you get to feeling really crazy. Just remember there’s such a thing as too much education, and my husband is proof.
Empress Katie on 15 Jul 2008 at 11:25 pm #
Getting my Master’s is proving to be not what I’d call fun, but not all that boring either. And anyone who knows me knows how I usually feel about school. So, if I can put forth such extreme effort to further my educational needs, so can you.
Queen Kelley on 16 Jul 2008 at 9:08 am #
I think all you people are nerds, but I will continue to associate with you just to help you stay down to earth.
Signed,
Mrs. Undergraduate Degree Only and proud of it
JPLand on 16 Jul 2008 at 9:22 am #
Geez, I didn’t know that advanced degrees were so popular. From talking to half of you, I’d have never known it. Well, except Southern Belle. She’s always flaunting her degree and using it to demand discounts at restaurants.
I think that the school work portion of the degree won’t be nearly as difficult as the stress that it would put on Kelley having to deal with the girls while I’m in classes. That’s where we’ll need the help. Maybe I could take one of the girls with me so that they can go ahead and get their masters as well.
Amanda on 18 Jul 2008 at 8:43 am #
Well, I don’t have my Masters but I did finish my undergrad with two little ones, so I can at least weigh in on that, plus Tommy went back too. It took me awhile to decide what I wanted to do, anyway, yes there will some stresses added, but it will be worth it. We had to rely on our families and friends for help, but like I said, it has been well worth it.
In fact, Tommy has gone back again! As soon as he’s done or almost done, I’m going back. So suck it up and do it! Besides, your pretty smart!!