This is one of the problems. Didnt have time to list them all, I ran out of words (needed to get it all off my chest). Work have stated I would be expected to work for them for at least 2 years post-graduation. I'm now 22, so that would mean I'd be 25 (if I start course next year) before I could realistically move on to another employer.

Other Pros & Cons of both scenarios:

Work-sponsored

Pros: Steady job with opportunities for advancing within department, 'free' degree, network of various knowledge around me which could significantly support my studies.
Cons: tied to employer after graduating for minimum 2 years; unsure if I want to remain in housing for my whole development career - more happy using it as a stepping stone/experience; work duties as well as degree responsibilities; work funding will mean high expectation to do well - added pressure to an already hectic 2 years of balancing work, study, and social needs; forced to study at a more local uni both of which are not really what I'm looking for - NTU: Good course, don't like uni; Manchester: Good uni, course not quite what I want; finally, remain living at home for forseable future (want to move out and regain independence I miss after graduating last year).

Paid for myself

Pros: degree course I want to do and where I want to do it; abandoning full time work temporarily will allow me to focus whole attention on studies - more chance of getting the degree I want if I can focus full attention on it; can move away again and regain independence; could potentially find opportunities of employment with better prospects and more suited to what I want to do career-wise
Cons: have to fund degree, living, lifestyle etc. wholly myself; potentially leaving a stable job with prospects in unstable economic times - may not be able to find another job once graduated and current employer may not offer me a job back; have to save up for at least 2 years which will mean starting degree when Im 24/25, finishing when I'm 26 + further 2 years of RICS training to become chartered surveyor status; will I be seen as employable in my last 20's?

As you can see, plenty to think about. My heart's set on the second option, I think the money I'll have to fork out will be insignificant when compared to the satisfaction and happiness i'll have from doing what I want. There are drawbacks to this though! I just don't know which path to take and it's something I need to work out in my mind, whilst giving my employer my feedback on their offer and a decision asap. Whilst I'm not the best paid undergraduate in England, they offered me a great opportunity for work experience at a time when my industry is in a dire situation - activity wise, (something more important than money to me atm) I earnt the job and worked hard for it and I am continuing to impress them - but I just dont know if I want to work in their particular line of development in the future - financially its rewards are limited and difficult to come by as in most of the public sector, it is also very unvaried and I think it may become fairly mundane after some time.

Hi All,

Im brand new to the forum and was hoping to get a bit of advice on my current situation and my own opinion of it.

Basically, I graduated last summer with a 2:1 in Human Geography from Aberystwyth and after a few months of working in menial jobs I finally found a job by chance that offered a significant entrance into my intended career path. I wish to become a planning/development surveyor and found a temporary 6 month job in the development department of a reputable housing association. After my 6month temp contract, I impressed my managers and I was offered a permanant deal in March whilst also the an intention for them to sponsor me for further education in development was mentioned. I have recently had my first appraisal and my managers are delighted with my progress in such a short time and have now firmly given me the thumbs up to choose a masters, BUT.. there are implications and I now seek advice!

The masters of my choice will be a RICS-accredited MSc in 'Development Planning' or similar namesake, average cost: £6000 (2 years P/Time)

If I undertake a work-sponsored MSc, I will be expected to undertake it as close to home as possible. I live in Wolves and work in Stafford and the only two courses that match what I want and are reachable within a day are based at either Nottingham Trent (preffered in terms of course content) or Manchester (second choice). Work have also stated that they would only be willing to release me for 1/5 days a week and so only a P/Time course is possible - currently only NTU has a 1 day a week attendance requirement PT.

My main concern is study time. With work only willing to offer 1 day a week release, I will have to make the absolute most of that uni day to ask questions, access library, go to lectures, get books etc... For the other 4 days I will work 9-5, playing catch up on my responsibilities (which are to increase in the future). I cant see myself coming home from work, resting and then hitting the books, as well as balancing a girlfriend, family, the gym and a healthy social life for 2 years solid!

My alternative is this. Firstly, in my heart, my first choice for this course would always be Glasgow Uni. I love the city and its people and could really see myself living there. I would like to study Part Time there, have a little pocket money job 2/3 days a week, and focus my full attention on my studies. I would have to fund this myself, so my plan is: Work in company for 2+ years (gain valuable devt experience and save up £), leave company (whilst asking about opportunity for employment once finished MSc), move to Ggow & start degree (hopefully find p/t job, look for potential future employers during study), complete degree and start work with new employer if better prospects are offered, or (maybe) move back to a new position at my current employer.


Essay complete. What do you think? Thanks for any feedback in advance, its a key point in my life, I want to get it right!!