This is awkward. Apparently I'm starting a master's on Monday.

[TrashPandas]

I've been wanting to do another master's for ages. It's related to my work and I just started at a new, small company, so my plan was to prove myself, show I'm a good investment, then ask around summer time if they would fund the course for September 2024.

The university website said applications for September 2023 had closed in August. So although the button still said "apply for September 2023" I assumed it just hadn't been updated. Though I'd get my application in nice and early and make a headstart on the reading list for 2024.

Well, no. I got an offer this morning to start on Monday.

Am I mad to go for it? It feels like a huge thing to do with so little prep, but at the same time I'm very excited about the course and feel I should strike while I'm motivated.

Or should I defer a year? If I do I can perhaps get my employer to fund it (I definitely can't ask them to fund me right now) but the course is pretty cheap and it won't cause me hardship to self-fund.

Ahh I'm excited and nervous!

Good luck!

I run a masters and get lots of people joining us as a last min decision and they never regret it!

Thanks! I'm really looking forward to it (assuming they accept me)

Are you a bit ... touchy about something @Bottlerecycle Failed your masters maybe?

Go for it OP. You seem the capable type!

My uk fees, Russel group maters was £17k. Full time in person (London)

So £15k for part time distance seems a reasonable cost.

Ahh so pleased for you Hecho! Let us know how you get on.

I accepted the offer to start on Monday. Very excited.

Thank you, it entirely your fault 😁. And well done on your acceptance, wishing you all the very best.

I'll update once I hear back.

So what happened next, @TrashPandas ???

Thank you for thinking of me!

I accepted and am now several weeks into classes, anxiously awaiting the grade for my first assignment while working on my next two. I'm loving it, especially having access to all the journals again and being able to read studies behind paywalls.

I just need to win the lottery so I can be an eternal student. 😀

Good luck👍

Excellent and well done!!

This is so exciting! Thank you for updating.

And you’re obviously not struggling to fit in your assignments alongside your work.

(Have you shared this development with your new employers, or are you holding off until you’re more established there? I guess they might either be pleased you’ll be even better qualified soon, or concerned about the energy you’ll have left for work?)

I didn't sat anything but one of the directors saw my update on LinkedIn wne told everyone. He seemed quite excited as the subject is a specialist area in our industry and the company currently had nobody delivering that role.

Then a colleague asked me about it and turns out the company is sponsoring his degree, including day release so he can attend lectures. So I don't think it will go down badly if I ask about sponsoring me for next year.

Oh wow - that’s excellent news.

Your career ➡️ 🚀

Fabulous news Pandas! Keep up the good work 🐼

TrashPandas be cheeky ask about what they can do to support you this year if the company need your new skill it would be in their best intrest to invest in you this year and keep your skill in house.
They can always say no but may say yes