Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Masters Degree Program: Is It Worth It?
In my opinion, people pursue Masters for the paper value and the bragging rights. If you really needed knowledge, its cheaper both on time and finances to pursue it on your own, and you gain more Knowledge through self sturdy and research than through classwork. ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva twitter.com/lordmwesh google ID | Skype ID: lordmwesh On 15 October 2013 14:26, Leonard Kore <leonardkore@gmail.com> wrote:
I can honestly say it *enhanced your knowledge and passion in the field.* * * Then again it depends on which Masters you are doing.
The new kind of Masters programs are actually very technical and provide students with actual skills.
Example: http://www.ilabafrica.ac.ke/index.php/what-we-do/programs/safaricom-academy
Anyway my humble 2 cents.
On Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 2:13 PM, Adam Nelson <adam@varud.com> wrote:
Michael,
A Masters is potentially a program that can teach you a broad set of skills including how to think critically, how to communicate effectively, how to teach yourself, and how to work with others.
A certificate is going to teach you how to do a specific set of tasks in a certain domain (i.e. Window Server management).
The thing with certificates is that they last for no more than 10 years and typically only 5. In addition, some people view certificates as an anti-credential and count them against the candidate with the theory that certificates aren't demonstrative of true comprehension of the subject matter.
I would choose the Masters since it's a credential that lasts a lifetime but of course it's also far more expensive that just a series of certs.
Cheers, Adam
-- Kili.io - OpenStack for Africa: kili.io Musings: twitter.com/varud <https://twitter.com/varud> About Adam: www.linkedin.com/in/adamcnelson
On Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 1:44 PM, Michael Bullut <main@kipsang.com> wrote:
Greetings Listers,
I've been wrestling with a quagmire for sometimes now about pursuing a Masters Degree Program. As an Information Technology professional, would it more pertinent to seek vendor certifications as they instruct on what technologies the industry is using? In my humble observation, professionals of all fields pursue a Masters either because it is fashionable or they have no other choice but to do so. My question to my brethren: *What would your advice be in such a situation?* *Did you pursue a Masters because it was a means to an end or it enhanced your knowledge and passion in the field? *
*Help a wandering young man out?*
Warm regards,
Michael Bullut.
---
*Cell:* *+254 723 393 114. **Skype Name:* *Michael Bullut.* ***Twitter:** @Kipsang <http://twitter.com/Kipsang/> * *Blog: http://www.kipsang.com/* *E-mail:* *main@kipsang.com* * * *---*
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-- Leonard Kore
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I enjoyed doing my Masters: it was a great break to hear myself think again after working like a donkey for a year and a half after my first degree. I learned a lot - having to do class presentations, discussions and essays really helped me shape my thinking. I also did it in a city I love a lot, and met a bunch of great people. But I am not an IT professional, so you may look at different priorities. I think you'd need to ask yourself if you're after strictly technical qualifications - then a certification may be more useful. On 15 October 2013 14:58, Kivuva <Kivuva@transworldafrica.com> wrote:
In my opinion, people pursue Masters for the paper value and the bragging rights. If you really needed knowledge, its cheaper both on time and finances to pursue it on your own, and you gain more Knowledge through self sturdy and research than through classwork.
______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva twitter.com/lordmwesh google ID | Skype ID: lordmwesh
On 15 October 2013 14:26, Leonard Kore <leonardkore@gmail.com> wrote:
I can honestly say it *enhanced your knowledge and passion in the field.* * * Then again it depends on which Masters you are doing.
The new kind of Masters programs are actually very technical and provide students with actual skills.
Example: http://www.ilabafrica.ac.ke/index.php/what-we-do/programs/safaricom-academy
Anyway my humble 2 cents.
On Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 2:13 PM, Adam Nelson <adam@varud.com> wrote:
Michael,
A Masters is potentially a program that can teach you a broad set of skills including how to think critically, how to communicate effectively, how to teach yourself, and how to work with others.
A certificate is going to teach you how to do a specific set of tasks in a certain domain (i.e. Window Server management).
The thing with certificates is that they last for no more than 10 years and typically only 5. In addition, some people view certificates as an anti-credential and count them against the candidate with the theory that certificates aren't demonstrative of true comprehension of the subject matter.
I would choose the Masters since it's a credential that lasts a lifetime but of course it's also far more expensive that just a series of certs.
Cheers, Adam
-- Kili.io - OpenStack for Africa: kili.io Musings: twitter.com/varud <https://twitter.com/varud> About Adam: www.linkedin.com/in/adamcnelson
On Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 1:44 PM, Michael Bullut <main@kipsang.com>wrote:
Greetings Listers,
I've been wrestling with a quagmire for sometimes now about pursuing a Masters Degree Program. As an Information Technology professional, would it more pertinent to seek vendor certifications as they instruct on what technologies the industry is using? In my humble observation, professionals of all fields pursue a Masters either because it is fashionable or they have no other choice but to do so. My question to my brethren: *What would your advice be in such a situation?* *Did you pursue a Masters because it was a means to an end or it enhanced your knowledge and passion in the field? *
*Help a wandering young man out?*
Warm regards,
Michael Bullut.
---
*Cell:* *+254 723 393 114. **Skype Name:* *Michael Bullut.* ***Twitter:** @Kipsang <http://twitter.com/Kipsang/> * *Blog: http://www.kipsang.com/* *E-mail:* *main@kipsang.com* * * *---*
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Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://orion.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------
Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- Leonard Kore
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KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
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Hi, My advise is that you pursue an MBA so that you can get a better appreciation of how a business functions which will allow you to better leverage ICT to meet the organisations strategic objectives. This advise only applies if you are in industry but if you are in academia then follow the usual path. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 On Tuesday, 15 October 2013, 14:59, Kivuva <Kivuva@transworldafrica.com> wrote: In my opinion, people pursue Masters for the paper value and the bragging rights. If you really needed knowledge, its cheaper both on time and finances to pursue it on your own, and you gain more Knowledge through self sturdy and research than through classwork. ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva twitter.com/lordmwesh google ID | Skype ID: lordmwesh On 15 October 2013 14:26, Leonard Kore <leonardkore@gmail.com> wrote: I can honestly say it enhanced your knowledge and passion in the field.
Then again it depends on which Masters you are doing.
The new kind of Masters programs are actually very technical and provide students with actual skills.
Example: http://www.ilabafrica.ac.ke/index.php/what-we-do/programs/safaricom-academy
Anyway my humble 2 cents.
On Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 2:13 PM, Adam Nelson <adam@varud.com> wrote:
Michael,
A Masters is potentially a program that can teach you a broad set of skills including how to think critically, how to communicate effectively, how to teach yourself, and how to work with others.
A certificate is going to teach you how to do a specific set of tasks in a certain domain (i.e. Window Server management).
The thing with certificates is that they last for no more than 10 years and typically only 5. In addition, some people view certificates as an anti-credential and count them against the candidate with the theory that certificates aren't demonstrative of true comprehension of the subject matter.
I would choose the Masters since it's a credential that lasts a lifetime but of course it's also far more expensive that just a series of certs.
Cheers, Adam
-- Kili.io - OpenStack for Africa: kili.io Musings: twitter.com/varud About Adam: www.linkedin.com/in/adamcnelson
On Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 1:44 PM, Michael Bullut <main@kipsang.com> wrote:
Greetings Listers,
I've been wrestling with a quagmire for sometimes now about pursuing a Masters Degree Program. As an Information Technology professional, would it more pertinent to seek vendor certifications as they instruct on what technologies the industry is using? In my humble observation, professionals of all fields pursue a Masters either because it is fashionable or they have no other choice but to do so. My question to my brethren: What would your advice be in such a situation? Did you pursue a Masters because it was a means to an end or it enhanced your knowledge and passion in the field?
Help a wandering young man out?
Warm regards,
Michael Bullut.
---
Cell: +254 723 393 114. Skype Name: Michael Bullut.
Twitter:@Kipsang
Blog: http://www.kipsang.com/ E-mail: main@kipsang.com
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-- Leonard Kore _______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://orion.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------
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I'm doing my MBA and my advise is, unless you are doing it for the papers, do it slowly, ingest everything. It is a very good course if you take it at the right pace and with the right motivation - to learn, not to get papers. But the UoN MBA at least I know can teach you a few basics; 1. Basic bookkeeping and analysis of financial performance - preparation of financial statements, accounting for overheads, maintenance and so on 2. Basic Finance - basically the decisions you need to make before investing and the mix of debt (loans etc) and own cash you should use in a project. 3. Marketing your product 4. Running operations and so on. But if you take it in a hurry most of it will pass you by. Regards James On Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 3:57 PM, robert yawe <robertyawe@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
Hi,
My advise is that you pursue an MBA so that you can get a better appreciation of how a business functions which will allow you to better leverage ICT to meet the organisations strategic objectives.
This advise only applies if you are in industry but if you are in academia then follow the usual path.
Regards
Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya
Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696
On Tuesday, 15 October 2013, 14:59, Kivuva <Kivuva@transworldafrica.com> wrote: In my opinion, people pursue Masters for the paper value and the bragging rights. If you really needed knowledge, its cheaper both on time and finances to pursue it on your own, and you gain more Knowledge through self sturdy and research than through classwork.
______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva twitter.com/lordmwesh google ID | Skype ID: lordmwesh
On 15 October 2013 14:26, Leonard Kore <leonardkore@gmail.com> wrote:
I can honestly say it *enhanced your knowledge and passion in the field.* * * Then again it depends on which Masters you are doing.
The new kind of Masters programs are actually very technical and provide students with actual skills.
Example: http://www.ilabafrica.ac.ke/index.php/what-we-do/programs/safaricom-academy
Anyway my humble 2 cents.
On Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 2:13 PM, Adam Nelson <adam@varud.com> wrote:
Michael,
A Masters is potentially a program that can teach you a broad set of skills including how to think critically, how to communicate effectively, how to teach yourself, and how to work with others.
A certificate is going to teach you how to do a specific set of tasks in a certain domain (i.e. Window Server management).
The thing with certificates is that they last for no more than 10 years and typically only 5. In addition, some people view certificates as an anti-credential and count them against the candidate with the theory that certificates aren't demonstrative of true comprehension of the subject matter.
I would choose the Masters since it's a credential that lasts a lifetime but of course it's also far more expensive that just a series of certs.
Cheers, Adam
-- Kili.io - OpenStack for Africa: kili.io Musings: twitter.com/varud <https://twitter.com/varud> About Adam: www.linkedin.com/in/adamcnelson
On Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 1:44 PM, Michael Bullut <main@kipsang.com> wrote:
Greetings Listers,
I've been wrestling with a quagmire for sometimes now about pursuing a Masters Degree Program. As an Information Technology professional, would it more pertinent to seek vendor certifications as they instruct on what technologies the industry is using? In my humble observation, professionals of all fields pursue a Masters either because it is fashionable or they have no other choice but to do so. My question to my brethren: *What would your advice be in such a situation?* *Did you pursue a Masters because it was a means to an end or it enhanced your knowledge and passion in the field? *
*Help a wandering young man out?*
Warm regards,
Michael Bullut.
---
*Cell:* *+254 723 393 114. **Skype Name:* *Michael Bullut.* ***Twitter:** @Kipsang <http://twitter.com/Kipsang/> * *Blog: http://www.kipsang.com/* *E-mail:* *main@kipsang.com* * * *---*
_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://orion.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------
Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://orion.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------
Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- Leonard Kore
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The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
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The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
participants (4)
-
Andrea Bohnstedt -
James Mbugua -
Kivuva -
robert yawe