Know-How Exchange : Student Questions

Dear Piyush,

Ultimately, it's not the qualification one obtains, it's what one does with it; it's what one learns from the experience and how one applies what one has learned.

The career prospects for any student, regardless of nationality, will depend on where and when one is applying, for which position, for whom one will be working, and what one brings to the table in terms of skills, outlook, and attitude.

Note this and note it well: no one owes you anything. You have to earn it.

Your chances of getting a job will depend on you Piyush, on the positions available, and what you want to do. Your chances will also depend on your attitude, your usefulness, your ideas, and your willingness to learn.

Unless you are incredibly fortunate, the salary you start on will NOT be what you think you're worth because you'll be beginning at the bottom.

The sooner you accept this fact, the better settled and the happier you will be.

If you labour under the delusion that you are worth more than mere mortals, simply because of your qualifications, you'll turn into a bitter, twisted, and unproductive employee, traits that won't serve you or your career aspirations.

The sooner you ditch this baggage the better. I know this sounds harsh, but it's reality. Accept it. Work with it, not against it.

No matter what qualifications you have or might earn, it's unlikely you'll begin on the salary of someone on the level of vice president.

When it comes to salaries dear heart, fairness does not come into it and never has done.

You're not going to like any of this, I 'm sure, but you'll benefit from the following, much needed reality check.

To think "it is only fair" that your receive a high (or higher) salary based solely on the fact that you have a Masters is a little naive, a little short sighted, a little arrogant, and a little presumptuous.

As an attitude it also belittles the work ethic (and years of service) another, and probably way more qualified (in terms of experience) person than you who does not have an MA in anything will hold over you, as a new comer.

Read the last two paragraphs again.

Angry? Good. Now, redirect that anger toward solving your problem and living your best possible life.

Give your best and the best will follow you as sure as night follows day. Piyush, your MBA or MA won't save you or propel you to stardom, your attitude will.

This advice is offered with the best of intention. I hope it helps.

Gary Bloomer
Wilmington, DE, USA

Piyush,

1) If you have the means, staying in school allows you to ride out the economic slump and learn from the mistakes made during it.

2) International students are afforded the same...and maybe more, based on a global economy...opportunites.

3) No body owes you a job or a decent wage. You have to earn that.

Michael