Masters + Work

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>So I'm currently working on my masters in mechanical engineering and I'm looking for work to help pay what my grant doesn't cover. Well, I have been applying to different places and I just got called back for a 2nd interview, which is the last step in their interview process. I feel like I may get offered the position, especially since there are 8 open positions and most people have been phased out by the first one and the job assessment test.</p>

<p>My problem is that the job is a full time job, so idk if I will be able to handle a full time job and being a full time student. I'm trying to finish my master's by this academic year (It's my 2nd year). I have a 4.0 and haven't had a problem with having time to study and do work for school. My classes are in the evening, M-Thr. The job pays well enough for now and it has great benefits. The office opens at 6am, so I feel that at least the times wont conflict. Bad parts are pretty much, the job seems monotonous, and that I would pretty much be getting up early to go to work, drive maybe an hour and a half (because of traffic) to school, then go home. I would only have a couple of hours to do whatever then go to sleep. Good thing is that there is no work on the weekends and there is a good amount of time paid off, which I feel like I can use to take a breather or whatever. I also have pretty big breaks between terms. I'm just worried about if I can handle it and if I would still have enough time to do homework/study. One good thing is that some of the classes are related, so studying for one kinda counts like studying for multiple classes.</p>

<p>I know this has gotten long. Any advice as to whether to take the job if offered? Any advice from people who have done a masters and worked full time?</p>

2

<p>This is a question that only you can answer for yourself. If you’re already into your second year of your master’s program, you should have a good idea of the number of hours you need to spend outside of class for each class. I would try to keep this number under 40 hours, total. You mentioned that all of your classes are in the evening. That sounds like a master’s program that is designed for working professionals, which should make it easier for you if you decide to take the job.</p>

<p>When you go on the interview, find out if there’s an option to work less than 40 hours. I used to work at a company that allowed some people to work less than 40 under certain circumstances. You should also find out how flexible the hours are.</p>

<p>I’m currently trying to finish up my MS while working full time. I’m a half-time student, and that’s tough enough for me already. I basically sacrifice my nights and weekends for the entire school year and I still have to pull frequent all-nighters.</p>

3

<p>I’m in a similar situation with full-time work but the only difference is that I’m attending for post-bac in computer science where the schedule is pretty much undergrad day classes into a masters program. Since your classes are in the evening you’re better off than me. So as long as you can keep up with your work in class than you should be fine.</p>

<p>What kind of job is it?</p>