Should I pursue a masters degree after 4.5 years working in IT?

[stellae]

I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years.

While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT hasn’t been terrible, but over time I’ve lost interest and keep thinking it would be more fulfilling to combine my background in physics with my programming experience, perhaps in fields like quantum technology.

My undergraduate focus was on computational materials, but I don’t know much yet about quantum technology and I’m still researching programs and schools. At the same time, the idea of leaving a stable career to start over is intimidating.

Right now, I’m considering these options for a Master’s degree:

• Quantum information/quantum computing – This might allow me to combine physics with programming, and possibly open doors in the tech industry.
• Material science (computational materials) – Closely related to my bachelor’s focus, though I’m unsure about the job prospects.
• Computational physics – Seems more general and could provide opportunities in different fields (even outside physics, such as finance).

I know I’m still uncertain and trying to figure things out, but I’d appreciate any advice or perspectives.

 

[CrysPhys]

Before you proceed, you need to determine what job opportunities one of the master's you're considering will open up, either in your present country or another country you would consider. Will it lead to a career of exciting, passionate research? Or will you need to complete a PhD after your master's? If so, are you willing to do that? The answers are highly dependent on local job markets.

 

[bryantcl]

Not sure what country you're in so for the sake of my input, I'll assume USA because that's what I'm most familiar with. Are you looking at going full-time or part-time? Will you be funding this yourself through loans or personal finances or will you be looking for a funded program? Also, you should weigh the cost of attendance with potential earnings afterward. I know studying the subject just for the sake of it can be rewarding, one should not abandon a pragmatic approach.

Best of luck

 

[gmax137]

Not sure what country you're in so for the sake of my input, I'll assume USA

OP's "About" says Indonesia.

 

[stellae]

Not sure what country you're in so for the sake of my input, I'll assume USA because that's what I'm most familiar with. Are you looking at going full-time or part-time? Will you be funding this yourself through loans or personal finances or will you be looking for a funded program? Also, you should weigh the cost of attendance with potential earnings afterward. I know studying the subject just for the sake of it can be rewarding, one should not abandon a pragmatic approach.

Best of luck

Thank you for your input! I really appreciate the perspective. I’m actually from Indonesia, but I’ve been looking at programs in Europe. Most likely I would need to study full-time, and funding is definitely one of my main concerns. My first priority is to secure a fully funded scholarship, but I’m also keeping in mind the possibility of covering the costs myself or through a loan if necessary.

I completely agree with your point about balancing passion with practicality. To be honest, I’m still in the process of learning about the financial side and potential career outcomes, so I don’t have all the answers yet. But it’s something I know I need to consider carefully before making a decision.

Thanks again for reminding me to keep both motivation and pragmatism in mind, it’s very helpful.

 

[stellae]

Before you proceed, you need to determine what job opportunities one of the master's you're considering will open up, either in your present country or another country you would consider. Will it lead to a career of exciting, passionate research? Or will you need to complete a PhD after your master's? If so, are you willing to do that? The answers are highly dependent on local job markets.

Thank you for your reply! You raised some very important points that I’m still trying to figure out. At the moment, I’m researching both the programs and the potential job opportunities in different countries, since in my home country the options are quite limited.

I also realize that in many cases, pursuing a career in research might require going on to a PhD. I’m not completely sure yet if I’m ready to commit to that, but it’s something I’m taking into consideration.

 

[CrysPhys]

Thank you for your reply! You raised some very important points that I’m still trying to figure out. At the moment, I’m researching both the programs and the potential job opportunities in different countries, since in my home country the options are quite limited.

I also realize that in many cases, pursuing a career in research might require going on to a PhD. I’m not completely sure yet if I’m ready to commit to that, but it’s something I’m taking into consideration.

You're in a difficult situation since you have so many unknown variables. One is that job markets can flip-flop within a short period (say, within a year); about all you can do is extrapolate what the local job markets will be by the time you graduate and hope for the best. So you always need a Plan B should there be a downturn. And for you there will be the volatile issue of immigration policies.

But putting those aside, when you investigate various degree programs, try to find out where recent grads have ended up: Have they gone on to the types of jobs that you seek? Have they continued on to PhD programs? Have they ended up settling for something else?

Good Luck!

 

[stellae]

Thank you so much for your advice! I actually had thought about future job prospects before globally, but not as clearly as the way you described it on extrapolating how the job market might look by the time I graduate.

I’m currently in the process of researching different degree programs and following your suggestion, I’ve started looking into where recent graduates have ended up. I’m also preparing a Plan B in case things don’t go as expected, especially considering how unpredictable job markets and immigration policies can be.

Thanks again for sharing your perspective, it’s really helpful.