When is the right time to embark on Masters degree?

Hi all,
So glad to find a bulletin board on the specific topic of Distance Learning.

Here's my story:
I'm looking to take up MSc in Human Resource (Distance Learning) in the UK and have been researching online for the possible options.I have a BSc degree in Managment Information Systems with a GPA of 2.914 (USA).
I'm currently 27 years old,on my 5th working year, current position HR Manager.

My questions:
1.My GPA is equivalent to a UK lower second class.What are the chances of me being accepted by schools such as Uni of Liverpool (Laureate) and Heriot Watt (EBU)? Is there anything else I can do to prove myself to get into their program?

2.While going through the Uni of Liverpool website,I read that the 'typical' student there has at least 12 years of working experience.Since I only have 5 working years,is it advisable for me to take up my Masters now?

The reason why I'm considering taking MSc in HR is because, realizing that MIS is not the path for me,I decided to make a career change and took interest in HR.Now that I'm in HR,I need to have substantial knowledge of HR to back me up.That's why I thought doing a Masters is the right step for me.Having a Masters degree will also undoubtedly open more doors for better opportunities.

Any input,advice etc welcome!
Thank you!

 

No offense, but how do you get 12 years of working experience from 27 years old? I am 26 years old, and I have worked part-time since 15, and full-time since 17; however, I cannot claim that I have 11 years wroking experience.

Are you currently in UK or US? If you're US then should consider US school. The GPA of 2.914 is not bad at all, my cumulative GPA is 2.75; but I was accepted to tier 2 schools.

 

Tekman, the OP was stating that the typical student in the program he is considering has 12 years of work experience. The OP has five years experience and is wondering if he will have a chance at being admitted because he falls short of the typical student in the work experience category.

To the OP, I would contact the admissions office or the head of the program you are considering and inquire about being admitted with your stats (GPA, test score, work experience).

 

oopss, my bad. Just woke up and don't have any coffee yet. Well, I don't think most of the HR program require extensive experience.

 

What are your chances.... zero if you don't try. Why not put your best foot forward and give it a shot. I think the timing in your life is a perfect time to pursue a Masters.

 

How can I enhance my chance of getting into a good programme?

@Han Thanks for the encouragement,am trying to put my best foot forward,but there's nothing I can do with factors that cannot be changed i.e. my grades. Am trying to find if there's anything else I can do to enhance my chance of getting into these programs.

@AuTiger00 Thanks for the clarification.That's exactly what I meant.I'm actually quite worried about the lack of experience compared to the rest.Uni of Liverpool will be giving me a phone interview soon,so I'll take that chance to ask these questions.

@Tekman I got my Bachelors in the US,but I'm now back in my home country, Indonesia.I have plans to migrate to UK in the future,so that's why I'm looking at a UK degree.

Thanks for your response,all!

 

My take:

You are the perfect age for graduate school, and with a limited work history you should be striving for entrance to the most prestigious programs possible.

Enroll in a graduate certificate program in HR at the most prestigious university that will accept you.

Achieve excellent grades, and use this as a means of strengthening your application packet for admission to a full master's degree program.

 

Have you looked at Leicester's programs?
http://www2.le.ac.uk/departments/clms

 

Now would be a great time to embark on a Master's degree (like before marriage and kids). I wouldn't pay attention to what a 'typical' student is.

You also will have no problems getting into the Heriot-Watt DL program (My undergrad GPA was worse than yours.) I don't think you would have any problems with Liverpool either. If you were applying for an on-campus program, you might have some problems because spaces are limited.

 

I agree with this, and because he is unencumbered I would encourage him to do just that: work toward getting into a strong on-campus program.

One high value of graduate school lies in the network of contacts one builds (in the US, at least). An unencumbered twenty-something grad student is still in position to begin building a network through ties to a strong campus-based alumni network. This sort of networking is generally weaker in the distance learning programs utilized by older, mid-career students.

 

Very true. Networking opportunities for a DL MBA program are essentially zero. Giving up a full time job for an on-campus program would be a tough call (unless you really hate your job.)

A good alternative would be to look for an on-campus part-time or executive program that wouldn't require you to quit your job, but at the same time give you great networking opportunities.

 

Actually HWU can be a good choice for you.

A potential student can apply to HWU MBA program without having UK Honorus or first degree.

They usually complete additional 2 modules before continuing in to MBA.

You should enquire and apply to HWU, you may be able to get in to their MBA.

 

**message deleted**

 

I would say just apply now. The earlier you can get the education you want, the better. If you start soon by the time you get that 12 years of experience you should have at least one more degree as well as experience.

 

Dear all,
Thank you so much for all your response.I replied last night but it's not posted yet.Wonder where it went to.

Anyway,
@edowave @Daniel Luechtefeld
To address the networking issue,I agree that studying distance learning is not a great way to build my contacts.However,as I am currently living and working in Indonesia and looking for a foreign degree,I don't have much choice but to study long distance.
That's why I'm looking at Uni of Liverpool program,because through the 'class',I'm able to interact with professionals from different countries.It's a less lonely program compared to EBS (HWU) I believe, since the delivery methods of both programs are quite different.Does anyone care to share their experience?Which one works better for you?Or should I make a new thread for this?
It's quite a relief to hear that you got into the EBS program,@edowave. I'm beginning to think that no good uni will accept me with a less than 3.0GPA.

@Ian Anderson
I haven't looked at Leicester's program.Thanks,will look into it!

@TEKMAN
I'm currently not in the US nor in the UK.I'm living in Indonesia and seeking a foreign degree.I took my undergrad in the US,but returned to my home country to live and work.I might be looking into living in the UK in the future,that's why I'm concentrating on a UK degree now.

@AUTiger00
Thanks for the clarification.That's exactly what I meant.I'll be having a phone interview with Uni of Liverpool this week.Will make sure I bring up this issue.I was weighing this factor because I'm not sure if my lack of experience will make it difficult for me to study this program.

@all
Thanks so much for your encouragement!!

 

Both my graduate degrees were B&M (via part-time evening classes) and I saw zero networking opportunities. But then no fellow students else were in anything remotely like my technical specialties.

 

Edowave,

How did you get into UF's History PhD program with such a low GPA? How can others follow the same path you've taken?

 

Masters degrees are often delicious and nutritious... Anytime is the right time for a masters degree.

 

O lordy don't follow my path. My advice to anyone pondering a PhD is not to do one unless your job ABSOLUTELY REQUIRES it.

FWIW, My PhD is not in History, it is in Agricultural and Biological Systems Management. I got in based on my Heriot-Watt MBA GPA (after it was evaluated by WES), good letters of recommendation, and a 1200 GRE. Nothing super but enough to get in.

 

Why's that?