Should one prepare for the postgraduate entrance exam or look for a job these days?

If you have family responsibilities, you can start working first and then apply for an on-the-job graduate program after working for 2 years

Take the postgraduate entrance exam; try to get into a better school. If you can’t, then find a job……

It’s better to find a job first and then pursue further education after gaining work experience. With a high level of education but no practical experience, it’s difficult to move on to the next stage.

I think if your family is in a better financial situation, you can continue your studies. And since you like reading, you can look for a job after completing your postgraduate studies. Don’t be afraid of not finding a job; who knows what the situation will be like in 2 years!

If I can find a job that I like when looking for work now, I recommend taking the job； Many postgraduate students in China just muddle along (it’s not that postgraduate education is bad; it’s just that the amount of knowledge they acquire over those three years in many universities isn’t worth it, according to those who have been through it) ； Don’t be deceived by the pretentious appearance of graduate students; it’s better to accumulate work experience. At work, you learn practical things, and if you feel the need for further education, you can pursue it later. Nowadays, degrees like a Master of Engineering can be obtained easily as long as you’re willing to study. If you can’t find a job, you can pursue postgraduate studies to delay starting work ； This post was last edited by safetyvalve on 2009-3-21 11:16]

If you want to pursue a postgraduate degree, it’s essential to find a good supervisor – one who has many research projects – so that you can learn something; otherwise, the three years will just pass by uselessly.

Yesterday, the policies and requirements related to the 2009 postgraduate entrance examination were **released; you can ask for details if you have time. It’s better to make use of youth and energy, or to learn more*. Personal opinion.

Well, thank you; I think this is very important.

True, it’s better to understand things first before taking action. Thank you for letting me know.

I suggest following your interests; if you don’t have the passion to study something, there’s no need to pursue a master’s degree. Just find a job. If you really enjoy studying and reading, then pursue a master’s degree. Don’t look at the current situation; it might be difficult to find a job due to the economic crisis, but this is just a temporary setback. Your own interests and hobbies, the direction you choose for yourself – that is surely the trend that will guide you.

The current trend is towards combined bachelor’s and master’s programs, as well as direct master’s to PhD programs. With an increasing number of master’s graduates, their value is decreasing. From the perspective of personal development, the major chosen at the master’s level determines the industry in which one will work in the future; therefore, it’s important to choose a suitable field of study. However, in most second-rate universities, the research directions of supervisors are not fixed; they focus on whatever can generate quick profits. So it’s still better to study under renowned professors, otherwise it’s better to work.

It’s a bit difficult to find a good job these days; pursuing a master’s degree first, and then looking for a job once the economic crisis passes and there is again a higher demand for talent, can also be a good approach.

Everyone in our school is preparing for the postgraduate entrance exams, but there are so many people doing that. It’s not bad to consider finding a job as well; it’s better to have two options in mind. Keep preparing for those exams, and if you can find a job, then go for it

It depends on your specific situation. Some people are suitable for pursuing a master’s degree under any circumstances, while others should look for a job in all situations; so it’s not possible to make generalizations!

My advice is simple: everything depends on the circumstances. To be honest, only a few people pursue postgraduate studies to conduct research; most do it for better job prospects in the future. My view is to try to get a job first while still preparing for the postgraduate entrance exam – having two options available. If a job is found, it’s better to take that job first and consider pursuing a postgraduate degree after that.

You should first consider your own situation: what is your foundation from undergraduate studies like, and do your family’s financial conditions allow you to continue your studies? Once you decide to pursue a master’s degree, you need to put in a lot of effort. Apply for a graduate program in a top-tier region, at a good school with excellent supervisors. Before applying, consult with the supervisors at your target school to make an informed decision. Once you are admitted to the graduate program, it will be easier to pursue a Ph.D.; there are many programs that allow direct progression from master’s to Ph.D. level. As long as you excel in your graduate studies, even if it is difficult to find a job later on, you can still pursue a Ph.D. Now, graduate students either take the exam to get government-funded support or have to pay tuition for three years right from their first year of study

The job market is extremely poor these days; it’s hard to find a job even for graduates, let alone postgraduates. But who knows what the future holds? It’s very difficult to get promoted without a degree

I think it’s best to start working first if one can find a satisfactory job. It’s hard to find work these days, and many companies don’t need graduates; moreover, pursuing a graduate degree in many schools is a waste of time.

It depends. If you can find a job, then do so； One is forced to pursue a master’s degree because they can’t find a job; after graduating with a master’s degree, it’s still possible not to find work.

I think I should take the postgraduate entrance exam; it’s better to learn more while I’m still young.