Originally posted on LinkedIn
Is a master’s degree worth it today? I think in 80% of cases — no ❌
There are 3 main reasons to do a master’s — to earn more, to build connections, and to learn about the topic.
1️⃣ Connections are much easier to get from other sources. Specifically, by actively participating in communities and events in your area of interest and industry.
There’s a major revival of in-person communities right now. There are an enormous number of them for every topic imaginable. You just need to find the right one and join.
2️⃣ To earn more applies when the master’s is a hard requirement for advancement — like in government or some companies with very old-school HR.
But that’s becoming less relevant — the industry increasingly hires based on skills/experience and less on diplomas.
3️⃣ To learn is the weakest reason. If a master’s were 100% practical learning, it would be worthwhile… but most are 95-100% theoretical.
Theoretical knowledge is free today. What matters most is the practical — doing things to understand reality. Programs that force you to do real projects are worth it, but those are a minority.
In the 20% of cases — when you work in government or very old-school industries, or when the program you’re applying to has a very well-curated community plus practical learning — it’s worth it. But in 80% of cases, it’s a bad investment, even at TOP institutions, if it doesn’t meet those 2 criteria.
What do you think? Is it worth it? Anyone who regrets their master’s — or on the contrary, anyone who thinks it’s almost always a good idea?