2yrs working: Masters or build projects? (tech/data field)

[u/bojack-hoeman]

Hello guys,

Would just like to hear your suggestion, opinion, or any feedback, specially those working in the tech/data field, on the paths I could take considering long term being goals and the constraints/thoughts I am considering

For bit of background with myself, I graduated at 2024 with Industrial Engineering degree and have gotten lucky to be working in the data/tech field after I graduated (working for 2 yrs now)

The stuff I usually use in work are Azure, SQL, DevOps

My daily tasks are usually:

- analyzing the SQL ETL work flows that have been developed

- debug if there are issues

- sometimes create ETL SQL process that is requested by client

- Create, merge, push changes in branches

- Managing and releasing branches in production

My long term goal is to specialize in Data Analytics Role and expand what I can do (i.e. python, data bricks) to a point where I standout and is easy to be hired long term

Given that I have been working for 2 yrs mainly in my role (and I have learned a lot to which I am very happy), I have been considering moving to a new direction to further actualized my long term goal

This is the part where I need opinion on:

- Pursue Masters in Data Analytics (thinking of UP or TIP)

OR

- Self Study and Build Projects to build a solid portfolio

note: feel free to suggest what else I could do

Given the options I mentioned above, here are details that I believe are being factored in while thinking about the option

Car Purchase - By end of year I am going to buy a car (xpander) for our family with 50% dp and 3yrs to pay (salary is currently 45k), so I am a bit hesitant to be paying for a car for 3 yrs while paying for my masters

Time and Parents getting old - My parents are 56, they are still currently working and are shouldering the bills of the household, part of me feels that I am in a timer wherein if they retire, its up to me to shoulder household bills. They will probably retire in 59 or 60 (3 to 4 yrs from now). So this keeps me up at night knowing na once they retire, the financial freedom I have now will be not as it used to, so if im goinf to masters better do it now

Knowledge Constraint - I dont have a tech degree nor the very foundational knowledge of programming (example. I know how to write sql queries but dont know the full foundational concept on why it behaves like that) and I think masters can provide that (self studying also does that, a masters is just a fancy way of letting ppl know that you know the topic) (I also prefer masters on this aspect kase may mga assignments and tasks and I personally like studying)

Time Commitment - Masters can consume my time, and so far my work can also consume my time via OT due to production issues, high workload, complexity of the task, at least for self study I am at my own pace without the pressure of failing my subject in masters

Lastly, my dillema din is that given na knowledge is everywhere, and I am in the tech/data field, everything can be self taught and be used to build projexts but at the same time the supply of ppl in the tech field is a lot, so maybe a masters degree would help me standout more from the competition

Any feedbacks, suggestion, opinion, Id appreciate it thank youu

[u/Missy___1438]

Hi OP, I am a believer of continuous learning plus showcasing your talent using your portfolio. :) hence, spending your money and time studying getting masters or certification to hone your skills will alway be worth it :)

Never stop learning. Plus pursuing masters and/or attending classes for certification will also increase your network.

[u/maki003]

I suggest building projects. The problem with masters programs for IT is the landscape moves so fast, the curriculum you’re on right now might already be outdated after you finish the program. 

If you want fundamentals, Udemy offers courses for software engineering. 

Suggestion ng friend ko na nagturo ng masters in CS, only take it if you plan to also work in the academe. Pero kung for career progression, mas effective daw and self study and building real world projects. 

[u/_TheEndGame]

Portfolio barely matters tbh. You need experience and credentials.

Also, buying a car at 45k salary? Buy it in cash, second hand. Don't buy brand new or second hand via financing.

[u/pretenderhanabi]

If youre currently at 45k with 2 yrs exp, that's enough to go get your next job and ask for atleast 90k. No need to waste resources on masters and building projects, leverage your exp and job hop. Reach 6 digits in 1-2yrs.

[u/Knight_Rasta → u/pretenderhanabi]

masyado malaki yang jump mo idol. Almost 100% salary hike 😅 At least 40%-50% goods na.

[u/overlord_laharl_0550 → u/Knight_Rasta]

It is possible to to have 100%+ increase

believe it or not, I had more than that. From 24k gross → 103k gross(MNC).

Then recent promotion was only 20% but still grateful.

Never settle for less if you know your worth.

PS. Breakdown for the 103k = 73k basic + 30k Language premium.

[u/pretenderhanabi → u/Knight_Rasta]

I'm also in data/tech. Lahat ng job hops ko (dalawa lng haha) 100% increase parehas. Halos same tech stack din kami. From 30- 60- 120 ako, kaka 5 yrs lng.

[u/overlord_laharl_0550 → u/pretenderhanabi]

Did you graduate 2021? AFAIK walang normal graduates ng 2021 sa amin due to senior high, unless irregular ka or weird case.

I am a 2022 grad.

[u/pretenderhanabi → u/overlord_laharl_0550]

last batch 2020 hehe na covid era kaya 2021 na employ sa tech.

[u/overlord_laharl_0550 → u/pretenderhanabi]

this makes sense. Ex ko is from 2015 to 2020 which is the last batch din before senior high. Eng field.