QUOTE(Melawati @ Dec 1 2022, 02:43 PM)
I have been working for many years in the IT industry and have spent my career in large MNCs and startups, spanning roles in Software Development, Enterprise Apps implementation, Product strategy & development, Marketing & Management roles.
I plan to take my Master in Information Systems at a local uni in early 2023 and transition into a 2nd career in academia after that. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and hope to be able to encourage more young adults to take up varied careers in the IT industry. Background - I am joining the Master’s program via the MQA APEL A T7 route, if that makes a difference to your answers.
Questions for those working in Academia …
- Do universities view those coming from the industry favourably ? How easy/difficult would it be to get a job ? Esp in the area of IS
- Any views on making the transition, challenges, gotchas ? Esp if you / someone you know has made a similar transition
- Any advantage of getting the Master’s from a reputable local private uni vs a AUS uni based in MY ? The AUS uni cost 3x more
I plan to teach in private unis in the near future and am wondering if this makes a difference.
- How much of age discrimination exists in academia ? I am obviously on the “wiser” side category
- Any other relevant insights welcomed too
I will not look at the other replies from all my fellow academics yet so that I will give an unsullied and unbiased response.
From a Pure Private University perspective:
- Do universities view those coming from the industry favourably ? How easy/difficult would it be to get a job ? Esp in the area of ISDepends on the university. Whether it is Public Uni (IPTA) or Private Uni (IPTS) or whether it is more research centric or teaching centric. Some universities are now going into the ranking game and thus look for for research-oriented staff with PhD as a minimum. Some others value work experience over academic qualifications.
The short answer would be YES. We look at industry experience and would like to hire candidates with industry expertise. It would be fairly easy to get a job provided you do not expect the same salary scale as industry.
- Any views on making the transition, challenges, gotchas ? Esp if you / someone you know has made a similar transitionI was from the industry but I was exposed to training at a very early stage, so for me the transition was smooth. Depends again on the university. I was fortunate enough to enter a very practical-based course/university where there are no lecture-tutorial divide. Everything happened in the computer lab itself and it was very hands-on. The biggest challenge would be:
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Paperwork. Some universities have a LOT of paperwork in terms of audit trails. It is not just marking but also having to map the assignment and assessment to learning outcomes and programme outcomes. All these are part and parcel of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) process. The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) is a statutory body in Malaysia set up under the Malaysian Qualifications Act 2007 and under the Ministry of Higher Education to monitor and oversee the quality assurance practices, approval and accreditation of academic programs in the country.
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Research - Some universities expect you to publish research annually. There is of course a pure teaching option but that basically means heavy teaching workload.
- Any advantage of getting the Master’s from a reputable local private uni vs a AUS uni based in MY ? The AUS uni cost 3x more I plan to teach in private unis in the near future and am wondering if this makes a difference.Personally, it really doesn't matter. Unless you are looking to go lecture in a university abroad. But that will be more towards your PhD. The thing is that you MUST consider PHD as an option as most universities are now moving into that direction. With your work experience, it will give you added value. I did my PhD in a local university. No difference. Only thing to consider is that 'some' local universities do make it a little difficult to complete your studies.
- How much of age discrimination exists in academia ? I am obviously on the “wiser” side category NONE AT ALL. I have a colleague who was the General Manager of a LARGE Corporation in Malaysia. After he retired, he did his PhD and he was well into his 60s. Students LOVE him because he doesn't teach/lecture as much as share his experiences. Staff all seek his advice and pearls of wisdom.
- Any other relevant insights welcomed tooIf possible do a Master's by Research. That will enable you to very quickly go into a PhD at the end of the day. Try not to take shortcuts like Masters by Practice and then go into a DBA. The more established universities does not recognize DBAs unless it is business-oriented.
Got for it if you are not looking to boost your wallet. It is a very rewarding industry to be in. My major gripes are only the paperwork which is something that people from the industry do not really like. Haha. But that's my two cents worth.
Feel free to drop me a note or message - and I can give you more advice especially on the Masters Programme.