To ask what you would think about someone that had masters degrees from both Oxford and Cambridge?

[Zorbing]

That's the question!

Its not me, obvs. But I am wondering what assumptions, if any, you might make about someone like this (justified or otherwise).

Would you think they were highly intelligent / had a strong work ethic? Or just lucky and privileged?

Would you think that they're probably a bit of a dickhead?

Its a woman incidentally, not sure if that makes a difference.

I'd think they were fortunate to afford it..

I wouldn't think anything really, would depend on how they come across and treat other people IMHO

I’d think they were very fortunate.

Would you think they were highly intelligent / had a strong work ethic? Or just lucky and privileged?

I suppose I’d assume all of those are quite likely.

Are they actual studied-for Masters, or MA Oxon/Cantab which isn't?

I'd probably assume that they "came from money", not many people can afford to do one masters degree, never mind two.

I would think they liked studying, were academic and probably preferred studying to actually working (in a paid profession)

I'd only judge them if the letters after their name were in the wrong order.

@Arbadacarba

Are they actual studied-for Masters, or MA Oxon/Cantab which isn't?

Actual studied-for Masters yes, she went somewhere else for her undergraduate degree.

I’d think they are very intelligent and hard working. But would also assume that they are fortunate to be able to afford that level of education.

@Longestfewdaysupcoming

I’d think they were very fortunate.

Do you mean financially speaking, or otherwise?

Postgraduate courses are far, far, far, far easier to get onto at Oxbridge than undergraduate courses. I don't think this demonstrates that they're any more skilled or qualified than anyone else with a degree of that level/discipline from a respected university. In fact, depending on the discipline, they'd be far better off with a postgrad from a different university. Oxbridge prestige is largely only applicable to undergraduate degrees.
I don't think they're a dickhead?! Why would I?! It also doesn't cost any more money to go to Oxbridge than other universities (and due to the wealth of the universities there are many scholarships and bursaries available too) so not sure why there's an assumption that they're rich from PP.

I’d think it was a bit weird to have a pg masters from both, but (as the PP said) is it the case that one is an ug degree (which are called MAs at Oxbridge for some reason)? In which case I’d just think the person was clever!

If it's not you, why do you ask? Has this woman asked you to collect opinions on her qualifications from a bunch of randoms?

Would you think they were highly intelligent / had a strong work ethic?

This - everyone needs that to get to Oxbridge - but the path is quite a bit smoother if you've had a relatively privileged upbringing.

Your circumstances of birth and innate intelligence are largely matters of luck, so yes lucky too.

Would you think that they're probably a bit of a dickhead?

I'd base that judgement on how they came across in person, not their CV!

Why would you think they're a dickhead?
I'd think they were extremely fortunate to be able to afford two masters and I'd probably envy them a bit.

Well what do you think of her?
What an odd thread.

I'd think she had unresolved issues about not having read for her undergrad degree at Oxbridge.

From the holder of a studied-for Oxbridge Masters.

I think anyone with two masters degrees perhaps likes being a student a bit too much tbh.

@FoggyDay58

I'd think she had unresolved issues about not having read for her undergrad degree at Oxbridge.

From the holder of a studied-for Oxbridge Masters.

Same - guilty as charged.

@BuffySummersReportingforSanity

If it's not you, why do you ask? Has this woman asked you to collect opinions on her qualifications from a bunch of randoms?

She submitted an application to work with us, and we were having a discussion (a polite one I might add) about her qualifications today. It became apparent that there were very mixed opinions of them! So I am curious as to what MNers think.

I’d think they were clever!

My first thought is indecisive and less real world experience. This is based on my cousin who kept doing random, seemingly unrelated, courses at university because she didn't know what she wanted to do for work and another 2 years at uni was the safe and easy option.

@livingthegoodlife

I would think they liked studying, were academic and probably preferred studying to actually working (in a paid profession)

This. But I'd also think they were financially fortunate to be able to afford to do it.

Most folks don't have the luxury of length post graduate studying. They have to join the real world and begin earning.