Job Discussion Forums

Volver · Joined: 27 Sep 2013 Posts: 181

Tired of working lower-level ESL jobs in this wonderful country and looking for alternatives. I am interested in getting an online Master's degree and would love to get some feedback from those of you who have either done it or are doing it. The whole reason for this is to simply boost my hireability and allow me to move up the food chain. It doesn't even have to be a super-high-quality program. Cheap, fast, and easy works for me.

1. Does having a Master's degree help you get better ESL jobs in this country? I am 60 and wish to continue working several more years in China or, preferably, elsewhere.
2. Does it matter in what subject the degree is?
3. Does simply "getting" the degree matter or must one actually have the degree?
4. Any specific recommendations for programs?
5. Actual personal experiences welcome.
6. Is it necessary to get an MA or MS related to education or any subject?

Thanks.

V

The bear · Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Posts: 483

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

GHL · Joined: 16 Jul 2017 Posts: 34

Yeah at 60, it's not worth the expense.

And it's not like there's a huge market in China for MA TESOL grads anyway. The vast majority of places are only paying 500-1000rmb more for the MA, which is a total joke considering the time you'll have to put into it.

LarssonCrew · Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 1308

My brother's online masters does not mention that it was studied online, and so, how do employers in China know/check? I'm aware in Saudi they do.

GHL · Joined: 16 Jul 2017 Posts: 34

Elicit · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 244

I agree that an MA of any variety is unlikely to make much difference at 60ish.

I am somewhat younger and recently completed one and it did help to secure a much better job than just RMB 500 or RMB 1000 extra monthly. Job hunting in the wrong place is the culprit if that's the best you can do with an MA.

Regarding question no. 3 from the OP. Some employers requiring an MA will consider part-completion. There are not so many people running around China with related PG degrees. I got my first post MA gig before the diploma was printed but a phone call was made to my university to check it was almost complete. Prior experience and qualifications must have played a part in the decision to hire me, although the MA was the golden ticket so to speak.

Edited to add that the only reason I am considering further years of study in future is due to personal interest. Perhaps this is the best reason for considering relatively long-term study when one reaches a certain age.

Volver · Joined: 27 Sep 2013 Posts: 181

Thanks, everyone, for your input. I was kind of afraid that this was the feedback I would get, but at least now I have some other opinions.

I am doing pretty well right now with my regular job and side gigs, but I wanted the MA to help ensure future employment. It wasn't so much that I expected to make a lot more money. Rather, I wanted to place myself ahead of the competition for the slots that are still available to me.

There was on program for online teaching/learning at California State, East Bay, that really interested me. I figured the whole distance learning business model is so new that anyone with any advanced education/experience could be employable for awhile.

Frankly, just from a continuing education perspective, I think I am way better off by just taking MOOCs that interest me and actually completing the programs. So hard to get continuing ed. over here and this seems to be a viable option.

V

currentaffairs · Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 828

I will take the opposing view for some balance. Key point in your reply was that you are "really interested" in a certain program. If you are motivated to learn then why not go for it. At your age moving into management might be something to consider so perhaps also look for modules and courses related to leadership and education management.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Volver · Joined: 27 Sep 2013 Posts: 181

Nomad Soul,

I am in Tianjin and have been told repeatedly by my previous school and my current one that I can work until I am 65. There are other countries (no, I will not name them) where I personally know guys in their 70s who are still working legally. There is also the online teaching market and given my IELTS experience, I can milk that for years to come.

What distinguishes people older than I seems to be that they have advanced degrees plus experience. Got the latter but not the former. That is why I am interested in the MA. However, the feedback all of you and others are giving me does no bode well for an advanced degree.

Should have done this 10 years ago.

The whole point of this exercise is to keep working until I reach 65 when I am eligible for Medicare in the US. Not having to worry about medical insurance makes a huge difference. Those of you from any country except the US are super lucky - stop complaining about your country's health care system.

V

indoboy17 · Joined: 22 Jul 2017 Posts: 38

NS couldn't the OP just get a new DOB Wink

on his passport

indoboy17 · Joined: 22 Jul 2017 Posts: 38

Elicit · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 244

I think when, or if, I reach 60 I will either be hustling to boost the pension fund or just kicking back enjoying my teaching. Hope it is the latter but more likely it'll be the former.

I guess a reasonable plan would involve getting into a job one is happy with and just riding it out. No experience of this but it has to be easier, and more likely the employer will keep us on, if we stay in a job rather than try to find another one as we approach our golden years.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world