Another "what would you do"....

[camarokev]

Well, guys... I'm in a bit of a dilemna right now...

As everything stands right now, I'm scheduled to graduate with a master's in corporate and organizational communications in May 2007. After that, I'll be going into a PhD program, either in Rutgers or another school in NJ to get my doctorate in communication studies.

Now, I've been doing a lot of thinking over the past few months about my future. The average salary for a new professor in college for communication (after the 4 LONG years of study and dissertation writing and endless research), is around 55k. Now, while that's not bad, after 8 years of continuous study, you'd hope to be making a little more.

Now, the average communication executive with only a communication BA makes around 60k after 2 years. That's only with a BA. With a master's, it goes up... way up.

Now, I've done a lot of research and something that intrigues me is having both a Masters in Corporate and Organizational Communication, and a Master's in Business Administration (MBA). This would give me BOTH sides of the Business spectrum- both the theoretical world with the MA, and the Practical world of business with the MBA. This would put me WAY ahead of most people in the business world.


So... i have three choices:

1) Continue and go and get my PhD
2) Go into the workforce after May 2007 with my Master's
3) Get my MBA and graduate with that in late 08 or early 09

Basically, where it gets interesting is that I'm not sure if I should just go into the business world, or if I should get the MBA. How much of an advantage do you think it would give me, having two master's?


Now, there are benefits to the PhD. Everyone calls you "Dr.", but truthfully who cares about the title? My professors have been consistently telling me that they're broke with school bills they are STILL paying back, and in the academic world there is still politics and rivalries holding them back from making more.

Anyway... what do you guys think? Think that could be a good plan w/ the two master's? Or should I just go into the workforce? Hit me up with some feedback.


P.S. Melissa... thanks for your feedback on this one on myspace, so you're off the hook on this one

[WayFast84]

Well what do you WANT to do? Do you want more money? and are you willing to pay more money, so you can get a better degree? Do you just want a steady job?

[Ian]

just watch out, I know in certain fields a person can become "over qualified". It becomes VERY difficult to find a job because no one wants have to pay you what you're worth and you would be worth a hell of a lot!

[ShitOnWheels]

WIth a PhD, you are not limited to academia. You could get a job in the corporate world with a PhD and be paid above the master's level. However, like Ian said, you could become overqualified too.

Another option may be to get a job, and if you think the MBA would be beneficial, go for it. In the end, this may be what I would do...go into the working world and guage your interests vs what is available. If you decide the MBA to be beneficial, go for it. If you find you need a PhD for your ideal job, go for it. If you are happy and comfortable where you are, stay.