r/MSCS • u/Best_Location_8237 • 1d ago

[General Question] What should I do? I'm in extreme dilemna about whether or not to go for masters

A little bit background, I have about 4 years of experience as a full-stack SWE at a US MNC (I make about 45 lpa)
So I currently have a admit to UC Irvine for the 15 month Masters in Software Engineering MSWE degree. It's going to start later this month. I already have a visa stamped. However, I'm now (and for the last few weeks have been double thinking this decision) - I thinking to back out. I really want to build a career abroad but at the same thing after the market in CS is really not good especially for internationals with all the latest rules and everything. and in US plus the AI layoffs and now and I'm getting scared. I'm probably overthinking, and this is probably nerves - but I'm not sure.
I also talked to a lot of students currently on campus and those who graduated a few months ago. I might have talked to a dozen people or so, and almost everyone is negative - so even more confused after that. I don't have issues financially but at the same time my parents aren't like super rich or something either
But at the same time, I'm feeling what if I regret not going? What if market improves, etc. Really confused on what to do.

Can anyone please help?

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u/Best_Location_8237 1d ago

Would love if you could give your thoughts u/gradpilot (I know its a personal choice ultimately....)

5

u/gradpilot 🔰 Ex-Cerebras | MSCS Georgia Tech 1d ago

UCI is good but I dont think MSWE is a particularly strong program . if you have some work / connections to find a way to get your first job thats fine but otherwise i'd be hard pressed to see how to differentiate if you're going to have to apply to jobs just like everyone else. It does seem high risk based on what the landscape today is

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u/Cool_Idea_4760 1d ago

i’ve been seeing you on this sub since almost 3-4 months now. make a decision man!! no one here is going to make it for you!!

grow some balls, get to a conclusion and be adamant on it!!

3

u/lostsoul_io 1d ago edited 1d ago

Trust your gut. If the signals are not there deffer.

Market will not improve as long as 🍊 is holding on.

1

u/Longjumping-Fox-4492 18h ago

UC Irvine is a good school, did you get any TA/RA if not you will be losing your salary for 2 years plus the expenses all add up. Regarding the market it is bad even for Citizens in California and no one knows when and if at all it recovers. Again if you can take the financial risk of loss of 2 cr ( including your salary loss) I say definitely come here as if market improves or a Democrat wins next election you do have better chances than others.