Hi, I'm a fresh graduate and still pondering whether to pursue Master.

I like lab work but my lecturer told me once that doing research is all about the efforts you give in which means you need to sacrifice lots of time in it. I'm thinking that if I really choose to pursue Master then sooner and later need to get a PhD as well.

So, I hope that I can get some feedback and opinion from you guys.

Oh and from my final year project experience is that you'll like go to the lab early in the morning and go back "not on time" like you have to korek more and more time for your project. I never seem to hate holiday until I'm doing my project because that means that the lab will close and no progression.

So is it like going to PhD like you probably won't have time for anything else and just to your work?

It is good to have something else (other than a career) to look forward to, and to work on. I believe that makes a person well-rounded.

Based on your findings, Why do graduates nowadays prefer to continue study?

When you said you took 2 years off, did you mean you were actually working in industry, and finally found your true calling in pursuing a MSc? Or did you mean you did not do anything at all, then spent a year with 3 different jobs, before pursuing your MSc?

Were the 2 years well-spent, in your opinion? And are you advocating your students to follow your path, or not?

I must be a confused old man for failing to comprehend what you wrote. 

Thanks for elaborating and glad hearing you have found a pathway for yourself.

The point I would like to make is that: who amongst us actually could tell exactly what we want to do, if not after some trials and errors? If life is often that straightforward, it wouldn't be as interesting. 

I suppose every individual has unique reasons for pursuing MSc. Some pursue it because they like teaching (like you), some do it for monetary returns (as you had expected), some do it to further their knowledge, some do it to hone their research skills, some do a field that was never their forte, some do it because they want to stick to their comfort zone on campus, some do it because it is a natural progression from a BSc.

There is no right or wrong in wanting to pursue higher education. It is like asking why get a Mercedes, when a MyVi would suffice to bring you to point A to B, without examining the intrinsic values people attach to driving a Merc.

Its difficult to explain to ppl who never experience before cos if u experience study masters/phd beforeand look for job in the corporate you will know. If continue as lecturer in academic field ok la..

Are you saying it is better NOT to have a Masters in order to compete better in the corporate world?

Yes, Ma'am!

Perhaps you think that you don't need a MSc or PhD to climb the corporate ladder?

Are you a lecturer or are you a manager actually? I'm utterly confused. 

Ok, so you got your masters, started lecturing after your masters, got promoted to management, and now say that your masters is useless? 

Ya la u guys master phd ppl always think u all very smart la... Thats the problem wif u guys got attitude problem not willing to learn think self already very smart than other pppl.

Wif this attitude where u work also sure will problem.