Planning to Move to the US for Master's - A Piece of Advice.

When I was planning to move to the US for my master’s, a piece of advice from some grad students changed everything.

Get some work experience before pursuing your master’s.

At first, I was skeptical, but looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Here’s why:

Having work experience under my belt made navigating my master’s program so much easier. I knew what was important, where to put my maximum effort, and what could be skimmed over.

This clarity saved me a lot of time and focus on what’s important. As you become adept with handling daily practical problems in your workplace, you undoubtedly start assessing your own skills and temperament.

You might feel you are much behind your peers who went straight to grad school and are now working at advanced levels.

However, my work experience gave me an edge in the job market. I was better prepared to land interviews and ultimately secure a job. I knew how to present myself and understood what employers were looking for.

Even a year or slightly more of work experience made a huge difference. It helped me handle life as an international student more effectively. I wasn’t just studying; I was applying what I’d learned in a real-world context.

I didn’t spend all my time either partying or studying; I found a good balance and had thorough experience.

Working before grad school also gave me a little bit of financial independence. The application process can be expensive, especially for international students.

Knowing I could fund my applications and not rely on my parents was empowering.

Entering the workforce before heading back to school meant I had no illusions about the real world. I knew the challenges and rewards, which made the transition from academia to industry smoother.

The biggest problem is getting into studying and assignment routine after working for a couple of years.

Work experience even improved my chances of getting into a good university. It showed I was serious, capable, and ready to contribute.

For those with around three or more years of experience, consider going for an MBA. It’s the ultimate corporate degree and many programs appreciate the diversity of candidates with less experience as well. However, keep in mind that MBAs are often more expensive.

While working before pursuing higher studies has its challenges, the benefits far outweigh them. From gaining practical insights to financial independence and career clarity, my work experience was invaluable.

So, if you’re an international student pondering this decision, I’d say go for it. The real-world experience will enrich your academic journey and prepare you better for the future.

If you’re considering a similar path, take a moment to think about gaining work experience first. It could make all the difference in your journey!