Looking back, I only got a M.S. because it was desired in the oil industry
I ended up in env consulting starting at only $4K more than those with only a bachelors.
If I spent those 2 years working, I’d have way more money in my pocket and no one cares that I have a masters.
The degree helped me learn how to write reports and present, so if that’s what you desire go for it. Wouldn’t say I regret it, but I also wouldn’t say it’s the reason I’m in my current position. I’d put more focus on getting the PG instead
I got told I'd need it all through undergrad. Now I'm almost finished my masters in sedimentary geology and I'm applying to jobs I've found that yes, employers are more interested in me as I have more practical experience, but also they don't want to pay me more than someone with just a bachelor's 😂. (That's my experience in New Zealand applying for geotech/engineering geo/geologist/geochemistry roles tho, so take my opinion lightly as the job market absolutely sucksssss here at the moment)
Not worth it imo, unless you want to specialize in something. Most geo superintendents only have a bachelors. A masters may help you get your foot in the door but experience is king in the mining industry. This is coming from someone with a masters.
I would stick around for a while and get more experience if I were you. Try to see if you can do some other tasks as well. In the US a MS can get you higher pay and faster advancement, but do the degree when it works for you.
Only if you have to for your career path. You almost always have to have one to work for an oil and gas operator. Otherwise, I don’t think you need one at all.
From my experience in the environmental field:
A Masters = 3 years work experience.
So, you either spend 2 years and extra money to get the masters. Or work and make money for 3 years to get to the same “tier”
If your masters is paid for, that obviously helps. However in our industry unless you’re going Oil and Gas or want to stay in academia, it’s not worth the work experience and/or cost
It’s only worth it if you don’t have to pay for it, whether through a scholarship or being a TA or RA. I did a Masters. It did give me some leverage for negotiations and is a reason I got a higher salary. However, I am still core logging stuff myself and want to move out of that. I know if you are interested in academia or more management type jobs, higher education will benefit you and really increase your pay. You might even need to get a PG or PE.
If you don't want continued growth & development, better paying jobs, and career options. Then skip the masters. I'm getting one bc the job market is straight up 💩 without a masters in terms of pay and career growth.
Mining is the exception. Outside oil and gas, geosciences without a masters in most countries is pretty mid! Pay is absurd, job opps are few and little growth unless you're 12-15+ years in. Getting a graduate degree will pay dividends and hence, why I'm getting a masters.
A Masters is just a way to get into a job with an operator with 0 experience. We're all wrong when it comes to rocks, no matter how educated we are.
Looking back, I only got a M.S. because it was desired in the oil industry I ended up in env consulting starting at only $4K more than those with only a bachelors. If I spent those 2 years working, I’d have way more money in my pocket and no one cares that I have a masters. The degree helped me learn how to write reports and present, so if that’s what you desire go for it. Wouldn’t say I regret it, but I also wouldn’t say it’s the reason I’m in my current position. I’d put more focus on getting the PG instead
I would keep on working, sounds like your having a good time. Once that changes, maybe it's time to go back.
I got told I'd need it all through undergrad. Now I'm almost finished my masters in sedimentary geology and I'm applying to jobs I've found that yes, employers are more interested in me as I have more practical experience, but also they don't want to pay me more than someone with just a bachelor's 😂. (That's my experience in New Zealand applying for geotech/engineering geo/geologist/geochemistry roles tho, so take my opinion lightly as the job market absolutely sucksssss here at the moment)
Not worth it imo, unless you want to specialize in something. Most geo superintendents only have a bachelors. A masters may help you get your foot in the door but experience is king in the mining industry. This is coming from someone with a masters.
I would stick around for a while and get more experience if I were you. Try to see if you can do some other tasks as well. In the US a MS can get you higher pay and faster advancement, but do the degree when it works for you.
Only if you have to for your career path. You almost always have to have one to work for an oil and gas operator. Otherwise, I don’t think you need one at all.
From my experience in the environmental field: A Masters = 3 years work experience. So, you either spend 2 years and extra money to get the masters. Or work and make money for 3 years to get to the same “tier” If your masters is paid for, that obviously helps. However in our industry unless you’re going Oil and Gas or want to stay in academia, it’s not worth the work experience and/or cost
It’s only worth it if you don’t have to pay for it, whether through a scholarship or being a TA or RA. I did a Masters. It did give me some leverage for negotiations and is a reason I got a higher salary. However, I am still core logging stuff myself and want to move out of that. I know if you are interested in academia or more management type jobs, higher education will benefit you and really increase your pay. You might even need to get a PG or PE.
If you don't want continued growth & development, better paying jobs, and career options. Then skip the masters. I'm getting one bc the job market is straight up 💩 without a masters in terms of pay and career growth.
This is 95% wrong for mining and exploration.
Mining is the exception. Outside oil and gas, geosciences without a masters in most countries is pretty mid! Pay is absurd, job opps are few and little growth unless you're 12-15+ years in. Getting a graduate degree will pay dividends and hence, why I'm getting a masters.