I've finished my Master's Degree...What to do next?

[fortyfeetunder]

This afternoon, I finished my last paper for my last class for my master's degree...being a working mom, this took me 3 years and 11 months, taking courses one at a time, with a couple of summer breaks.

Now, on to the "fun" things I could have done when I wasn't studying...I have a list, how 'bout you DU'ers offer some suggestions????


Edited: clarification...looking for fun!!!

[Sporadicus]

1. Congratulations!

I would be presumptuous for me to suggest what you should do, however. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best in it :toast:

[fortyfeetunder]

3. I'm looking for some fun stuff to do.

One thing I have planned is to see Polar Express at the IMAX theatre. (collecting trains is something I stopped doing when I started studying)....

[Sporadicus]

7. In That Case, I'll Advise on Fun Stuff!

I felt uncomfortable giving advice on career-related things.

Speaking for myself, nothing comes close to an evening at a good blues club on the fun scale. How about a leisurely day at an art museum you've been meaning to check out? Take a friend or two to a day spa!

[fortyfeetunder]

17. Yup, got the art museum on the agenda

Now the day spa, I was contemplating that. A nice massage.

[henslee]

2. Congratz. What is degree in?

[fortyfeetunder]

4. engineering

systems engineering -- Not quite an electrical engineering degree though, I am going to take an EE class after I spend the next few months recuperating...

[realisticphish]

5. drinking

and lots of it ;)

:hippie: The Incorrigible Democrat

[fortyfeetunder]

10. Got that planned with a classmate

Agreed to meet at a place so I can take a bus/cab home!

[realisticphish]

14. bah

you adults with your "planning" :)


:hippie: The Incorrigible Democrat

[fortyfeetunder]

16. Er, after drinking I am certainly not driving!

I don't drive after I drink. Period. I don't trust law enforcement nor their breathalyzer tests.

[realisticphish]

18. o, of course not.

but the PROPER way to end a night of drinking is crashing on the bathroom floor of a total stranger :)

:hippie: The Incorrigible Democrat

[NJCher]

6. making money is always nice

Cher

[fortyfeetunder]

12. Allegedly there is some reward

but a rai$e is not among them I know about...

[Eurobabe]

8. updating resume is always a good way to kill time

not that you have any free time, being a working mom and all.

Seriously, congrats out the wazoo, I did the same thing a few years back, single mom and knocking off bachelors & masters in 5 yrs. Be proud of your accomplishments!! -C4C

[fortyfeetunder]

13. That's an awesome accomplishment for you

After what I went thru with my BS degree (when I was young and single) you did an awesome job with the two degrees!

If anything I am relieved.... :bounce:

[CanuckAmok]

9. Do what everybody else with a new Masters does...

...go and apply at Starbucks ;)

Congrats on that degree. What's your field?

[fortyfeetunder]

11. Oh, I have a job already...

but yes, the resume is updated. Can never be too sure in a * economy!

[Renew Deal]

15. Get a second masters

Or maybe a doctorate.

[fortyfeetunder]

19. 2nd MS degree is on the agenda...

I am investigating taking some electrical engineering and/or computer science courses because I am doing more work in these areas. What I've discovered is the MIT Open CourseWare and I will play with that as I recuperate.

But then, I'll have to find a good online master's program like I had for this first degree. I can't afford timewise to commute anywhere, at least while my kid is in grade school. For a doctorate, that will be a tough one to find a program, but I have some options on that.

[wickerwoman]

25. What program did you use?

I'm looking into getting my M.Ed. but I'm in China and don't want to come back to the U.S. for a year to get it. How do the online courses work? Are they reputable?

[Shadowen]

20. Go celebrate it at the local bar...

...and get disheartened when the Bartender shows you his Doctorate in high energy chemistry.

All kidding aside, congrats!

[DemoTex]

21. Oh I N-V U!

I am 56 and just getting restarted. I'm doing Landscape Architecture. I'll be qualified in 2010. I'll be 62 then too. But I'll be ready for the work-till-you-die program of the Bu$h regime. I will, indeed , work until I die. We all will. Get used to it and ready for it! Also, if you are smart, you will stock up on the bitter pills. Know what I mean Vern?

[fortyfeetunder]

22. It's never too late to start!

I see 50 almost around the corner. One of my buds at work will be getting her BS a few months shy of 50, and she's going to start on her master's right after that. We plan to be professional students at this pace.

I also understand continuous learning fends off Alzheimer's!!!

[RobinA]

23. This Makes Me Feel Better

I'm almost 47 and halfway through my Master's. I'm now thinking seriously of going for the doctorate. I'm wondering if this is really stupid, since no one will hire me as a new Psy.D in her mid-50's, but my advisor says not a problem. And since I'll have to work 'til I drop dead...

[fortyfeetunder]

24. Keep on keeping on....

As a "senior" graduate, you will bring more practical life experience and insight than someone younger than yourself.

Continuing education is a necessity more than ever.