Job Discussion Forums

Taxim · Joined: 09 Jan 2009 Posts: 15

Situation:
I'll be graduating this summer with a degree in philosophy. My minor is in English and I've been taking courses in preparation for going on to get an MA in English next fall. I hadn't really planned on going past the Bachelors but college is turning out to be easier than anticipated.

Dilemma:
My main goal is to teach over in Japan. I understand that the market over there, at the moment, is rather crowded. I am fine with working for an eikawa and have actually planned on it but I'm worried that an MA may serve as a deterrent to potential McSchool employers.
Is this the case?
I could also stick around for a couple more semesters and get second BS, only in English this time, if that might help.

Also, it's not a situation of 'this' scenario vs. the MA scenario. If I go to Japan after graduating (with one or two degrees) then I could still come back at some point and get my MA if I feel the need. It's just that from what I've been reading, the jobs for which that MA might qualify me for, are in shorter supply than what my vanilla degree currently provides access to.

Summation:
1. Will that MA hurt my chances of getting hired into a lower level position?
2. Would going the middle route, i.e. getting that second BS, serve any purpose at all, or would it simply prove redundant in the end? (whether or not I later go on to get an MA)

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

I wouldn't change my plans for my education based on wanting to teach at an eikaiwa. How long are you wanting to teach for? If it is only a year or so, make the decision based on what you want to do after eikaiwa. If you want to make a career out of EFL teaching, then look at doing an MTESOL.

Eikaiwa can be fun for a while, especially when you are new to Japan, but you may find that it gets a bit stale and repetitive after a couple of years- they aren't called McSchools for nothing.

Taxim · Joined: 09 Jan 2009 Posts: 15

Thanks for the reply.
Nothing's definite, but I could be teaching for quite a while. I would like to find out how well efl suits me before I get an MTESOL though. I figure that with an MA in English I would be more employable inside my own country should I ever tire of a life of (global) wandering. (not a certainty, that)
I really hadn't planned on working for an eikaiwa for more than a few years anyway. I just want the experience (and knowledge of the Japanese language) on my resume to make myself a more attractive candidate for the better positions. (in or out of Japan)
Like I said, I hadn't even planned on going past the bachelors level but I sort of started figuring, 'why not?'. Now I'm wondering if its something I really need to do right away.
My feet are starting to itch again...

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

The MA wouldn't really hurt your chances with eikaiwa. With the glut of teachers here, it actually might help, depending on the school. Don't flaunt any knowledge of EFL theory, because some employers don't want someone coming in and changing their teaching format based on new fangled theories.

If you're here for a year or two, the MA isn't needed, but won't hurt. Stay longer and want to move out of eikaiwa, then definitely get the MA. You can do that long distance, too.

You should also consider certification (like CELTA), joining professional groups (like JALT), and publishing.

bradley · Joined: 28 Mar 2005 Posts: 235 Location: China

I'm sure it would help Smile

steki47 · Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Posts: 1029 Location: BFE Inaka

Most of the above looks like solid advice. My post isn't adding too much, just building upon it. Having an MA will generally help you. Even eikaiwa jobs will look favorably at someone who went through 17-8 years of school in English. Nova used to pay teachers extra for having a Masters (any).
In this contracting job market, I am seeing job ads that are requesting postgraduate certificates/degrees. Of course, they are looking for education/EFL certs. But, again, you can probably sell your degree in the interview.
And if you only want to be an eikaiwa dancing bear for a year or two, don't sweat it. Someone, somewhere, will give a job.

mc · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Posts: 90 Location: Aichi, Japan

I would put the Master's on your resume to see if it gives you any kind of edge. If you start getting turned down by prospective employers with the "you're overqualified" spiel, then leave any mention of a Master's degree off your resume and see how you fare that way.

steki47 · Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Posts: 1029 Location: BFE Inaka

laylarenee84 · Joined: 17 Nov 2008 Posts: 1

I have my MA in Professional Communication, from an English Department, and I just got hired at an Eikaiwa in Japan. I leave in March. If anything, I think it helped. I think the competition is relatively fierce right now, so anything that you can have to give yourself an edge...do it. As far as the "overqualified" thing, yes, that can be really annoying; however, if you are right for the job, you will be right for the job and the employer will see that.

As far as my personal opinion (someone who has been on the job market for over a year now, with a Master's), the economy isn't getting any better anytime soon so going directly into a MA program or teaching at an Eikaiwa will be good stuff.

I don't think one of your questions was answered about a second Bachelors. My opinion is that it's a waste of time and money. If you have your heart set on more school, use it to get an advanced degree. Good luck!

alexcase · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 215 Location: Seoul

I agree with the concensus above. It will help you get a job as they will probably use the fact that you have an MA as a selling point to students. It will also give students confidence in your teaching methodology if you drop it into conversation, even if you teach just like everyone else. And it will give you more options if you want to stay in Japan but move out of your initial Eikaiwa. However, never never NEVER say to your DoS, or even a school receptionist, "But I learnt on my MA..." For that reason, some illogical parts of their teaching methodology (or even inaccuracies in their teaching materials, depending on the school) might be even more annoying for you than for the rest of us

TEFLtastic blog- www.tefl.net/alexcase

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Sorry, but I beg to differ with alex for a couple of reasons.

Taxim · Joined: 09 Jan 2009 Posts: 15

Grudgingly, I'll be dragging my feet towards that MA this fall as, on some level, I always knew I would.
Unfortunately, in the face of waning commitment, I was looking for a good excuse to take the easy way out. Instead, what I have been provided with is an echo of my own conscience along with fresh insight and additional reasoning.

To those that have posted, thanks for being that echo.