<p>In March I left my PhD out of boredom. I am now considering doing a 2nd masters degree but am unsure of its worth. I was considering a MA in International Security, already having a MA in IR.</p>
<p>Are the two programs too similar to make it worth while?</p>
<p>The possible alternate choice is a degree in intelligence, but that doesnt really interest me.</p>
<p>I’m not in that field, but having considered leaving a PhD and deciding against it at the last minute, I’ve learned that it teaches you something. It teaches you to consider, very very carefully, before you enter another degree program.</p>
<p>So, first of all, what do you want to do next? What kind of job do you see yourself in? Is there only one that would make you happy, or are there several?</p>
<p>Second, find people who have jobs like or similar to the one you want. What kind of degrees do they have? That should answer your question. Do some informational interviews with people who have jobs like the ones you want.</p>
<p>Often times those of us who were in a PhD program desperately seek out the comfort of another degree program. That’s what we know how to do - go to school. Even though graduate school is different from undergrad, it’s still school. Some people are terrified of being in a real full-time 9-to-5 type job. If you JUST left your PhD program in March, go find a job. Get some experience. That’s what employers really want to see - experience. Of course, you may have some pre-PhD which would be great, but employers will be skeptical about someone who jumped from a PhD to an MA and now wants to work.</p>
<p>I’m not in that field, but I would wager that an MA in IR with some experience working in security or intelligence would suffice, or even be better than, an MA in international security. There are many positions within the military that you could get that experience in, so you may want to explore that avenue.</p>
<p>I have worked a fair amount. I will not start any further study for a few years yet, but one day I will. I am not sure how useful a degree in intelligence is as opposed to direct field experience.</p>