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’m perfectly happy thanks. And professional and know how to behave.

I'd think they were academic & probably privileged.

@Longestfewdaysupcoming

I’m perfectly happy thanks. And professional and know how to behave.

You are perfectly welcome to just get off the thread - or report me if you feel so strongly that I have done something wrong (I haven't). Makes no difference to me.

Probably had a privileged upbringing and parents in the right places.

Well you’re ageist. And you sound judgemental.

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

Yes that's why I assumed they would be privileged.

@Terrazzo

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 😄

Ah yes, the Tara Westover book is excellent!

My DH has a masters degree. Since living with him it’s made me think that any idiot can get one!

It would depend on the context.....If I met her "as a person" then how would I know....if she boasted about it or looked down on other people then i would think shw was a twat but only as twattish as people who boast and judge about anything. If I was recruiting then it would depend on whether she fit the profile for the job....I guess I wouldn't think anything special....

@Longestfewdaysupcoming

Well you’re ageist. And you sound judgemental.

Not ageist - Its highly like I am older than you. Highly likely.

@2021DNA

My DH has a masters degree. Since living with him it’s made me think that any idiot can get one!

@Fuckitfuckit someone with two masters isn’t hard working 😂😂😂😂

Whatever uni they are from, doing 2 masters degrees indicates a level of indecisiveness unless they are linked in a coherent, sensible way.

And unless they were done part time, while working, being able to afford to do 2 masters degrees indicates a significant degree of financial privilege.

are we going to be told why you are asking?

@BeenAsFarAsMercyAndGrand

Whatever uni they are from, doing 2 masters degrees indicates a level of indecisiveness unless they are linked in a coherent, sensible way.

And unless they were done part time, while working, being able to afford to do 2 masters degrees indicates a significant degree of financial privilege.

Does it indicate a level of indecisiveness though? That was my initial thought but what if one is pursued for career purposes and the other for interest sake?

And if someone puts their degrees (of any kind) in their email signature, I judge the hell out of them!

@BeenAsFarAsMercyAndGrand

And if someone puts their degrees (of any kind) in their email signature, I judge the hell out of them!

Ooof. This is the worst!

Your own age doesn’t mean you can’t be ageist.

@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 think they where bloody rich and had connections.

The masters I wanted is only on offer at Oxford and was 45k a year + you needed to be already employed in the role to be accepted (how do you get employed without the qualification unless you are connected).

If they had two masters I’d think they were probably pretty academic and enjoyed studying. I’d presume they were privileged and had parental support to be able to do two post graduate degrees as I believe these aren’t funded, although I’m not sure.

I’d assume she was bright. If she banged on about it I’d think she was a bore, just like I think the former submariners and sportsmen I know who have to bring it into every conversation are bores.
I haven’t met a woman who does this yet but doubtless they exist.
It’s no more expensive to study at Oxford or Cambridge than other universities. Cheaper than many, particularly London colleges.

@Longestfewdaysupcoming

Your own age doesn’t mean you can’t be ageist.

A masters done for interest is fine (I did a part-time masters for interest; it's linked to my career but by no means essential) but why would her colleagues know about it then? Most people don't go around telling everyone their qualifications unless it's relevant.

And being in a position to do a masters for interest is definitely an indicator of privilege.

One of my dearest friends in the world, whom I totally love, has a degree from one, masters from the other. On the contrary, I finished American high school at 18 and was signed by a modelling agency. And that’s my education!
I think my friend is incredibly clever, brilliant, and blessed with a beautiful mind. She’s hilarious, warm, down to earth, modest, kind, runs an amazing charity. She rocks! And although I am not well educated, I learn so much from my academic friends like her. Mostly, we just have a laugh and solve the world’s problems! She’s just another person like you or me, but she IS a very special one though. She never toots her own horn and I’m always telling her that she should!