> I'm wondering if sticking it out and getting my masters
> would get me a better salary in the long run such that I
> can enter the industry at a higher salary?

You either do a masters to get to the PhD, or you do it to specialize in a hot new field. But after a few years, that new hot field is not so hot anymore. The value of a masters is limited in time; so is the difference in salary.

Let me give you this tip. A year after graduation, nobody will remember your grades. Three years after graduation, nobody will remember what university you graduated from. Ten years after graduation, nobody will care what degree(s) you hold.

-cb

B.Eng (electronics & communications), M.Sc.A (biomedical enginnering), MBA (marketing)

My tutors' advice has always been: don't take the job. Can't remember why though [headshake]

Although the fourth year is optional in the sense that you still get a degree after only three, it's only an ordinary degree, not an honours. If you've come this far then I highly recommend you finish it off. It will make all the difference to your general employability. You may decide that you want to do something other than games eventually. I graduated in Scotland 5 years ago, worked in the games industry for a while and I actually went back to do a Masters. I'm studying for the exams right now so I know it's feasible if you want to do it.

Quote: Original post by Leo_E_49
Part of the dilemma is that I am actually receiving my degree in July (still have exams to sit though). The final year is optional (but highly recommended) but it is thought of as the most important year of the degree. (Many people think the degree is almost worthless without it)

By saying that I probably won't be able to get the masters, I was referring to the difficulty mentioned above with re-entering education after having worked in the industry. I'm pretty sure it's hard to leave a paying job to go study, especially if the pay is good.

Hmm, tricky. I suppose you could mention it to the employer. If they want you, then they might be willing to work out a deal. Or they might agree to want you even more in a year, when you have your degree. [wink]
Or they might agree to hire you part-time for the first year, while you finish your degree. Might be worth asking them about, at least. Wanting to finish your degree isn't a bad trait. To the employer, it shows you're determined and want to finish what you start. [wink]

Quote: Original post by evelyn
Just my suggestion but, if you're offered the job I would take it. Industry experience can amount to more than a piece of paper and, you can always finish your degree, and do your masters, at another time. There is no guarantee of being accepted into your dream job once your masters is completed.

But later on, it might turn around. A guy with 4 years of experience + a masters degree might be more interesting than one with 5 years of experience, and no degree. [wink]

I'd discuss it with your potential employers - either they think very highly of you (a good situation), or they think you have the skills they need in the short term to meet a manpower shortage (bad situation). One of these leads to a stable, demanding-but-rewarding job, the other leads to slave labour for almost a year and then a rapid firing (in some shady studios), before any employment rights kick in.

This said, if you've had an interview and so forth you should have a good feel for the place.

The whole masters/undergrad degree isn't *really* that important compared to the industry experience, but dropping out and *not* getting enough industry experience could be bad (since the degree proves diligence to work in the same way as a good reference on your cv). So for my 2p, I'd say go for it if it feels right. If you have doubts, don't. Peace of mind is important, after all, and if it's the first situation (they genuinely like you) then you should be able to get in later.

Quote: post by Spoonbender

Quote: Original post by evelyn
Just my suggestion but, if you're offered the job I would take it. Industry experience can amount to more than a piece of paper and, you can always finish your degree, and do your masters, at another time. There is no guarantee of being accepted into your dream job once your masters is completed.

But later on, it might turn around. A guy with 4 years of experience + a masters degree might be more interesting than one with 5 years of experience, and no degree. [wink]

Yep, I agree...although it depends on the company and what the original poster wants to do with his life. Imo, it's difficult enough trying to get into (and stay) in the Scottish games industry, as the games industry is very weak here and I can't see it getting any better but, seeing as the original poster has now hinted that he would be willing to travel, then, by all means, he should continue with his studies and forget about the job offer, which may only be short term anyway.

It's a tricky one....good luck with it. [smile]

Thanks for the advice everyone. :) You've been very helpful.

yeah, three years is only an ordinary degree, you need to do all four for an honours degree. Although, as someone mentioned, in a couple of years no one will care about your degree, just about you industry experience - unless you decide to change career and go work in a bank or something.

I'd atleast finish this year, talk to the company.

I assume you applied for this job and kinda put yourself in this position.

I graduated with Honours from Abertay's Game Tech degree last July.

Fourth year was a complete waste of time. The modules weren't very interesting, especially our Java module with the standard computing students covering multi-threaded programming which we'd already done and unless you have a really good project which you get into on your own you really wont get as much out of it than you would working except a piece of paper saying you did it.

I did manage to get a job in Dundee but only on the basis that I got a 2:1 or above in my degree Honours. So, it's a catch 22.

You need your honours to get a job in some companies, not in others but from what I can tell, once you have decent experience it doesn't matter all that much anyway.