Unending desire to go back to school

[Strychnine]

When I got my BS degree I knew that I was not mentally ready for another couple yrs in school. About a year after that though it started creeping back in my head.

I tossed around the MBA idea... I even considered going to law school and using my engineering undergrad to segue into mechanical patent law. These were really just out of boredom I think. I want another degree but didn't know what field for a long time.


Well, I'm now 3 yrs 9 mos out of school and I finally found a MS program that really excites me (from a program in the top 15 graduate engineering schools) and I would LOVE to hang this one on the wall.


But I have no idea if I would actually use it professionally (at least not without moving out of TX).

Paying for it wouldn't be too much of a problem and it is a distance program designed for people already in this field. I could continue my current job, even with all of the random travel and odd hours, and complete the program in 3 yrs.

I can't think of ANY degree more applicable to my current job.

But like I said, putting it to good use would prob require moving to Indiana. Not awesome.

But even if I don't even put it to use, I would just love to say I have it.





Where would you draw the line on this stupidity?

[talisman]

If it isn't going to benefit you at all don't bother. I'm getting a fairly useless degree in a field I'm interested in just because better alternative jobs I might be interested in down the road just require a non specific degree.

[SlowLX]

When I got my BS degree I knew that I was not mentally ready for another couple yrs in school. About a year after that though it started creeping back in my head.

I tossed around the MBA idea... I even considered going to law school and using my engineering undergrad to segue into mechanical patent law. These were really just out of boredom I think. I want another degree but didn't know what field for a long time.


Well, I'm now 3 yrs 9 mos out of school and I finally found a MS program that really excites me (from a program in the top 15 graduate engineering schools) and I would LOVE to hang this one on the wall.


But I have no idea if I would actually use it professionally (at least not without moving out of TX).

Paying for it wouldn't be too much of a problem and it is a distance program designed for people already in this field. I could continue my current job, even with all of the random travel and odd hours, and complete the program in 3 yrs.

I can't think of ANY degree more applicable to my current job.

But like I said, putting it to good use would prob require moving to Indiana. Not awesome.

But even if I don't even put it to use, I would just love to say I have it.





Where would you draw the line on this stupidity?

you know my answer

[Strychnine]

you know my answer

Pancakes solve nothing here.

[SlowLX]

Pancakes solve nothing here.

False, the ensuing food coma will allow you to make irrational decisions without feeling guilty over making a wrong decision.

[Silverback]

I say go for it, what do you have to lose?

Some free time here and there to study and finish? Sounds like you want to accomplish this. And who knows maybe down the road you'll find yourself in a position to move, or be offered a job where this could change a lot of things in your life, who knows?

I've always said the only downfall to more education is convincing yourself that you can make the time to do it, and of course the cost

[Sean88gt]

Do eet.

[Kurtie]

I would look at it from a risk vs. reward stand point. It sounds like the time and money investment aren't a concern for you. I would say go for it, even if you don't use it in your current career plan you have something to say you achieved with a sense of pride.

[mustangguy289]

Do a masters that will benefit you in the future. Getting degrees just to get a degree is stupid.

What is the masters in? I am seriously thinking about get a Masters in Engineering Management. I have my BS now, taking my FE in April on my way to becoming a PE and then will start my masters.

[CJ-95GT]

Why waste your time? Plus, real world experience > than reading about it.

[Strychnine]

I say go for it, what do you have to lose?

I've always said the only downfall to more education is convincing yourself that you can make the time to do it, and of course the cost

That's pretty much where I am now; there's just that small nagging voice in the back that says, "Dude degree you might not even use... or project car? Possilbly useless degree or money in the bank? Possilbly useless degree or home improvements? Possilbly useless degree or more free time?"

But then I read the course list and it honestly excites me. Which none of the other school ideas (MBA, law, etc) ever did. Tell me these courses don't sound like the most badass degree plan ever:

• Engine Design I
• Engine Design II
• Thermal Systems Engineering
• Engine Performance and Combustion
• Engine Fluid Dynamics
• Analysis of Trends in Engines: Legislative Drivers and Alternative Fuels
• Analysis of Trends in Engines: Powertrain Technologies and Manufacturing Constraints
• Perspectives on Engine Modeling
• Engine Systems and Control
• Engine Project Management

Hanging a "Master of Engineering in Engine Systems" degree on the wall would give me an intellectual chubby.


But there's a >50% chance that this would literally be a $20,000 piece of paper on the wall. I wonder if my boss would pay for some of it. He would instantly know that for me to use if he'd lose me to another division of the company. LOL.

[Sean88gt]

Why waste your time? Plus, real world experience > than reading about it.

Not always. Why do you think I went back?

[mstng86]

Not always. Why do you think I went back?

Chicks

[Ruffdaddy]

There are engine design jobs in tx. I believe navistar has some.

I'm getting a masters in engineering and tech management. I think it was a great decision...company funded of course.

[CJ-95GT]

Chicks

Lol, beat me to it.