Furthering my education

jman

jman

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Hi guys

I've completed my BCom Informatics degree at the University of Pretoria and now am working as a business/process analyst intern. I'm thinking of doing my postgrad at UNISA (business informatics) or TUKS. I'm just wondering if it would be worth my time and money. I mean, it's not a cheap thing to do, but maybe in the long run it might be a good idea.

Any advice at this point would be great. I know that obviously an honours degree would be preferable to my undergrad on my CV, but is it worth all the time and money?

Thanks
 
Further Education is always a good lifestyle choice.
 
I did my Informatics honours at TUKS because they structured the course so that people who work full time could easily attend class. It was difficult to work full time and do honours but it definitely was worth it.
 
As someone who did his post graduate studies while working full time, I can tell you that it's quite intense but worth it in the end. The amount you achieve in a very short space of time is worth the sacrifice. Plus the ability to earn a proper salary while studying ensures that you aren't left with hefty student loans just as you start your career.

At your level further studies make sense IMO.
 
TehStranger said:
As someone who did his post graduate studies while working full time, I can tell you that it's quite intense but worth it in the end. The amount you achieve in a very short space of time is worth the sacrifice. Plus the ability to earn a proper salary while studying ensures that you aren't left with hefty student loans just as you start your career.

At your level further studies make sense IMO.
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What are the tangible benefits of you doing your postgrad? I think I would be able to do the qualification over 2 years to make it less hectic- need to do some checking up on that
 
I would say it is worth it. You lose a year if you do it full time, but you learn a lot (and generally different content from a work environment), and get a qualification that differentiates you from the rest. Also, something I've found is that an honours degree isn't just 33.3% more education - the fact that it builds upon the rest, and is generally less geared towards "foundation" type courses, means that the additional educations is actually qualitatively different than your thee year degree.
 
I know it's never a bad idea to further your education. I would like to differentiate myself at this point too. Just wondering about costs as well. I was lucky enough to have my parents pay for my studies but now I feel like they shouldn't have to any more, which obviously puts me in that position, and it's damn expensive! Not like I earn much at the moment, working for a small Enterprise Architecture company
 
I did a BCom informatics then BCom(Business Management via Unisa) and now working with supply chain software. I'm currently doing my masters in supply chain management in an area that entails my job. I just need a piece of paper a reference convenience people that I actually did academic research on processes that I advise them to follow and some professor agrees with me that its best practice, Its the only way for people to take me seriously in my job
 
I studied Mech Engineering through Unisa.
it has it's painful moments but in general it's fine.
Just don't take too much on at once.
 
Electric said:
I studied Mech Engineering through Unisa.
it has it's painful moments but in general it's fine.
Just don't take too much on at once.
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I think I would take about 6 modules for the year. Doesn't sound too daunting, however, it will be an honours degree, so maybe it will be and I'd be better off doing it over 2 years
 
Are you working full time?
6 Modules for the year should be ok.
Are you referring to 6 6 month modules or 6 full year modules?

6 Full year modules can be tough if you're working full time.
Then again it's all dependent on the course.
Maths, science, physics, etc.
 
joshlister said:
What are the tangible benefits of you doing your postgrad? I think I would be able to do the qualification over 2 years to make it less hectic- need to do some checking up on that
Click to expand...

Well my post grad allowed me to double my salary with a single job move, but only because I had enough work experience to back up my level of education. Studying while working allows you to accrue the two important factors that determine whether you'll get a job or not, both level of education and practical work experience. Plus handling both shows any prospective employer that you're willing to put in the hard graft to get things done.

Doing the post grad over 2 years will be less hectic but probably more expensive. Still the better idea IMHO, as you have more time for research, and you can get used to the working/studying lifestyle.
 
I am working full time. I'm not too sure about the length of them. Thinking I should probably spead it over 2 years, I'm sure the majority will be year modules
 
TehStranger said:
Well my post grad allowed me to double my salary with a single job move, but only because I had enough work experience to back up my level of education. Studying while working allows you to accrue the two important factors that determine whether you'll get a job or not, both level of education and practical work experience. Plus handling both shows any prospective employer that you're willing to put in the hard graft to get things done.

Doing the post grad over 2 years will be less hectic but probably more expensive. Still the better idea IMHO, as you have more time for research, and you can get used to the working/studying lifestyle.
Click to expand...

Some honours courses offered by UNISA can't be done in less than two years, as one year-long module requires another to be passed first.
 
TehStranger said:
Ah, makes sense then, thanks.
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Wouldn't want to squeeze in too many of those modules into a year anyway, especially if you're working full time. I did 4 of the total of 8 honours modules in my first year. Got lucky and chose some that didn't have too much work requirements for assignments. Exams killed me though as I wrote everything pretty close to each other and could take only so much leave for studying purposes.
 
Yes most definitely worth the time and money. I am nearly done with my Hons though, I just need to find the lis to do my thesis. But you learn a **** lot in a small amount of time and the pressure is a constant.
 
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