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 thin l would be impressed tbh.

Depends what in. More than one literature degree = avoiding the 9-5.

HRTWT but it’s not nearly as hard to get a masters from Oxbridge as first degree. I know several people with Oxbridge masters who wouldn’t have had a look in for a first degree.

@CarlottaValdez

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.

This, I think I’d assume all of those things too.

[quote KeyboardWorriers]@Zorbing I doubt there are many people applying for jobs right at this moment with two masters degrees from Oxbridge so I think it isn't really on actually.[/quote]
This hasn't only just happened - it was some months ago now, its just that we have only recently had the conversation because of people being furloughed and the pandemic etc.

But you are entitled to your opinion, of course.

Clever yes, intelligent not necessarily. Dd1 I'm looking at you....

I wouldn't think anything of it tbh. It's really not that difficult to get into Oxbridge for a postgraduate degree, and tbh, you don't have to be a genius even to get in at undergraduate level. Having a master's degree from each certainly doesn't make you particularly clever.

I might wonder a bit about why someone had bothered to pursue two different master's degrees, unless there was an obvious progression of some sort, eg subject specialism followed by an MBA. Some people like to collect qualifications, I've noticed, but then they aren't always very good at applying their knowledge.

I wouldn't assume that someone with two master's degrees was especially posh or rich etc. A lot of people take out loans to pay for postgrad study. So they might just have lots of debt!

Smacks a bit of the Eternal Student.

@HarrisMcCoo

I would think they have not had much time to experience the world of work.

They could have earned them twenty years ago and been working FT since for all we know.

@Longestfewdaysupcoming

I’d think you were bloody unprofessional and if you had a professional body I’d report you. Hth.

Good lord I do wish people would calm down about this!

She applied a long long time ago, and I have taken care to ensure she is not actually identifiable.

It was TODAY that we had the discussion, that is all.

First thought - wow - super clever!

Very privileged with an independent source of income (very, very few employers are funding master's degrees at Oxford or Cambridge), which isn't necessarily a good thing for an employee to have. I'd prefer to hire someone with work experience than three degrees.

I'd ask in what subjects. Medical/Engineering I'd be wow. anything less: good job, let's move on, wouldn't resonate with me.

They’re aren’t that many people with masters from both. And then add in applying for a job recently and she’s identifiable.

You’re unprofessional.

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

I would think all of these.

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

I would not think this.

Just about to finish Educated by Tara Westover. So now I wouldn’t have any preconceptions 😄 every one of my kids’ aunts and uncles went to either Oxford or Cambridge and we’re normal, middle class, non private school, 70s cul de sac type families so I wouldn’t assume them to be very rich or Eton-esque.

I might add I havent been to university of any sort let alone oxbridge 😄

That they didn't want to get a job. I would probably not interview them depends on the masters ie if it was a research scientist that's different

@Longestfewdaysupcoming

They’re aren’t that many people with masters from both. And then add in applying for a job recently and she’s identifiable.

You’re unprofessional.

It wasn't recent, at all. For the 100th time.

That they must have a lot more time and money than and patience than me 😂

You’re basically asking mumsnet to judge her when you’re in an interview process and that will prejudice you. Massively unprofessional.

@whatthejiggeries

That they didn't want to get a job. I would probably not interview them depends on the masters ie if it was a research scientist that's different

Wow. I am shocked by this tbh.

zorbing I suppose there's privilege and privilege, inheriting 2k from a grandparent is lucky and I'm grateful but its not really up there with paying for school fees/house deposits.

@Longestfewdaysupcoming

You’re basically asking mumsnet to judge her when you’re in an interview process and that will prejudice you. Massively unprofessional.

No - the interview process was over eons ago.

Can you read? Read the thread! I have even responded to you directly. You are clearly having a very bad day or just permanently have a chip on your shoulder.

Cheer up!

@Camomila

zorbing I suppose there's privilege and privilege, inheriting 2k from a grandparent is lucky and I'm grateful but its not really up there with paying for school fees/house deposits.

Yes, fair enough. I agree with you.

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

Well the person I know with an Oxford Masters is highly intelligent - at least in her chosen field.