Background: In June 2013 I graduated from Oakland University, a regional University in southeastern Michigan, with a degree in Production & Operations Management and a concentration in Supply Chain Management. Since my grades or athletic ability were never spectacular enough for much scholarship money, I worked full time three out of my five years to finance my entire education. Never truly knowing what I wanted to do for a career I selected my college major because I felt like I would be able to obtain a relatively high paying position at a respectable company. However, since I worked in local government (purchaser/buyer) for the last three years, which I have since discovered is looked down on by the private sector, I am afraid my ability to easily obtain a well-paying private sector position may be wearing off if I don’t go back to school (no SCM internships either).
Four major options exist and are presented below:
Options
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Attend Oakland University’s Information Technology Management Master’s ProgramPositive: Close to home and familiar with the school/program
$24k total - less expensive
Negative: Most professionals recommend not earning undergraduate and graduate degree from same university
Attend Michigan State University’s Supply Chain Management Masters’ ProgramPositive: Huge alumni network and a reputation for being the best SCM school in the nation
Negative: $50k total - more expensive. 1.5 hours away; I never had much of a college experience because I worked so much, maybe I could get that here?
Not pursue a master’s degree and continue to work for local government (dead end job); Earn certifications in lieu of degree, e.g., PMP from Project Management InstitutePositive: Very inexpensive; continue to make/save a decent amount of money; I would like to earn PMP
Negative: Won’t earn advanced degree; limited opportunities for advancement
Searching for part time work on multiple website. In 2014 I started a very small website company (only $2k gross).
Apply for position at Major OEMs/ SuppliersBeing from southeast Michigan I have connections with a number of automotive companies/workers. However since I don’t have private sector experience I will probably only earn $40-45k per year. There may be more opportunities for advancement here, but I probably would NOT have the time to pursue an advanced degree.
Things to consider
My current employer will not pay for additional schooling; however, I would be able to continue to work full time while pursuing my master’s. Also, I would be the first in my family to earn a graduate degree. My current job is secure until 2016. After that I could be eliminated due to political reasons.
Access to inexpensive health insurance through my father until 26 years old (currently 24.5).
In my current position I earn approximately $63k annually. By continuing to live at home with my parents, over the last five years I managed to save over $150k and have it invested similar to other mustachians. Since I worked so hard to earn the money I find it very difficult to spend (even on college).
I am so confused as to what I should do with my life. Please offer advice on how you feel would be best for me to proceed with my life/career!