Job Discussion Forums

Beatrix Kiddo · Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 8 Location: UK

I was hoping somebody could advise me as to whether I should do an MA. I have a degree in an EL related area and a Trinity ESOL and would like to teach abroad.
1) What kind of job opportunities are there for me once I have my MA?
2) Is it worth taking an MA, if my intention is to teach?
3) What can I do in teaching with an MA that I can't with just a BA?

Thanks

merlin · Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 10:29 am Post subject:

My crystal ball is in the shop today. Perhaps you could begin by telling us:
1) What kind of job opportunities are you looking for?
2) What relation do you see between teaching and teacher learning?
3) What would you like to do with your MA?

You see, it's impossible to make blanket statements for everyone in every context.

Beatrix Kiddo · Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 8 Location: UK

First off, I am very sad that your crystal ball isn't working, I can only share your pain, not heal it.

1) Its not that I am actively looking for job opportunities this second, just wondering if I did take an MA, what other careers in EL could open up to me that would not if i only had a BA

2)Cousins?

3)I'm not sure, I'm still trying to figure out if it's even worth taking, hence...

merlin · Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 1:06 pm Post subject:

Ahh, now my crystal ball is fixed.

You, kiddo, should save your money.
1) An MA will not give YOU more job opportunities, kiddo.
2) An MA will not make YOU a better teacher, kiddo.
3) An MA will not offer YOU new insight nor new opprotunities, and if you do get an MA you will still see things and do things just the same way as you do now, kiddo.

I'm sorry if that wasn't the answer you're looking for, kiddo, but I can only share your pain, not heal it.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I don't know if you have experience teaching EFL or not. If you don't I would not recommend getting an MA. Teach awhile and then decide for yourself if more education is what you want/need. What if you hate teaching? Then you would have wasted all that time and money. I taught for 8 years before I started my masters. I don't regret it either, the waiting or the getting.

merlin · Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 1:33 pm Post subject:

On further reflection, I have to ask why a newbie with a newbie question didn't post to the newbie forum.

The question is purely rhetorical as I already know the answer. I just thought I'd voice it for the benefit of the other forum members.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Can't you just stick to answering the question? Rolling Eyes

Beatrix Kiddo · Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 8 Location: UK

I'm sure the forum have benefitted hugely, Merlin

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

An MA can get you a higher starting salary and perhaps open doors at more academically-oriented schools and in certain countries, but it can also, as I found out soon after finishing mine, close some doors: depending on how much your MA costs you, you may no longer be able to afford certain countries. You certainly do not need one to teach for either the short or the long term. You really need to decide for yourself how competent and professional you feel, and whether additional training (which will be largely theoretical) can help you. I am glad I did mine, as I now feel more qualified to belong to the EFL/ESL community, but I know that it was not necessary.

I agree with Gordon: if you have not had any teaching experience, get some first before deciding on the MA. Good luck!

d

hamel · Joined: 03 May 2004 Posts: 95

or as in my case, you do an ma because you are interested in learning more about a certain subject or in a particular field. the "career" comes later and your ma may help you get a job or not--but the extra study time and degree will never be wasted (my opinion).

merlin · Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 6:51 am Post subject:

Tamara · Joined: 24 Jul 2004 Posts: 108