Job Discussion Forums

gonzo84 · Joined: 21 May 2015 Posts: 13

I have a BA but if they don't check for transcripts it would be pointless to pursue a Masters. Have things changed since 2010? When I went they never checked like Korea did.

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

Mr. Leafy · Joined: 24 Apr 2012 Posts: 246 Location: North of the Wall

Do you mean transcripts, or degree?
Are you wondering if school will check if you really have a degree you claim to?

OhBudPowellWhereArtThou · Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Posts: 1168 Location: Since 2003

It would make sense for recruiters and schools to request transcripts, but it can be an involved process, and it can be an expensive process for the applicant if he applies to several schools. In the States, prospective employer schools will not accept transcripts from the applicant. It must come from the school. The registrar's offices in universities aren't always the most efficient bunch, and it might take several requests before the transcripts are sent out via U.S. mail. Add to the mix the fact that there is overseas postage involved PLUS the Chinese mail system, and you've got an incredible delay.

Accepting transcripts from the applicant makes as much sense as accepting a scan of a degree from the applicant. I am sure that most folks in this forum understand the problem with this method of verification.

Many U.S. universities and colleges have farmed out student data to firms such as Verify who (for a fee) will verify that the applicant attended the school that he said that he attended, the degree earned (if any), and the date of graduation. This is the simplest method of verifying credentials.The applicant pays the company, and the company sends the verification via email to the school. This makes too much sense, so the Chinese won't verify credentials this way.

The OP asked what's the point in pursuing a masters degree if transcripts aren't required by the school. The point of earning a degree is to increase one's knowledge and to (theoretically) make one more competitive in the job market (not just in China).

Given the number of bogus degrees floating around China and the willingness of so many people to misrepresent themselves, and the Chinese' willingness to accept anything that resembles a degree, I can see why someone would question the value of the investment of so much time and effort in earning a bona fide masters degree.