Hello!! I am 30 years old and I work for almost 5 years in a meddium sized company active in business consultancy (Africa and Middle East markets) in Greece. I have BSc and MSc degrees in Statistics, Banking and Finance (from Greek and UK universities) and I am recently thinking of enrolling to a master program in order to specialize in African markets.

Given the fact that I work in Greece and there are no such academic courses in the country, I might have to relocate abroad and quit my present job. I wonder whether a 2nd master at 30s will be eventually useful for my future career or an impediment.

Thank you very much for your replies.

HI Nikos -

I think your specialisation sounds interesting - but I would just caution you to remember that the MA would be much more expensive than your first one, if you are thinking of doing it in the UK again!
You might consider thinking about doing the specialist training in South Africa, for example, where there would be practical applications of the learning.

However, if you currently have a job, I would just ask why you feel more training is necessary? Don't make the assumption that you need to 'know more' just because business might be slow - we are in a recession and Greece might not be doing such quick business now but hopefully that will change. (I'm half Greek).

It doesn't matter when you want to do further qualifications - so your age is not the issue it is about separating out a shitty economic climate from the issue of whether you have enough expertise to do the job you want to do. (PS: You might be able to organise a fellowship or a training programme in African markets rather than learn theories about African markets, if your work is about clients at all).

Thank you very much for your reply.

In fact, I believe that the job- life decisions at 30s are crucial for the rest of our lives. Unfortunately, the working conditions in Greece are such that it is difficult to make long term plans and "invest" in the future potential of companies.

It is a combination of trying to avoid the current recession and strengthening my qualifications (and perhaps my professional contacts).

hey there,

maybe i'm wrong, but wouldn't it be better to get a 2nd MSc only after u've gotten ur phd?

im currently doing a 2nd MSc in educational psychology after completing my first phd about 5 years ago.

i think u should consider doing a phd or professional doctorate because it carries a greater weight than a 2nd MSc. unless, this particular MSc can help u in securing a particular working position. u know like MBA and what not, which is sometimes essential in getting to top management positions.

just my 2 cents. :)

A Master's degree ex MBA is supposed to be an optimal qualification for an entry-level job - you have to have a relevant Master's though. So what is the point in doing a 2nd Master's degree? It adds no value at all to your CV.

If you studied Statistics as a undergrad and you have a Master's in Banking and Finance and now want to work in a gallery or something, then it might be advisable to get a MA in a relevant subject.

If you do decide to do a MBA, it is not uncommon for MBA applicants to have a Master's degree. But speaking as a person who has completed a MBA in a top tire business school, my advice is before you enrol on a MBA, do everything you can to achieve your objective (of changing an industry or job), talk to headhunters, talk to your friends and look at the websites of companies. If all attempts fail, then a MBA might be a good idea but only in a school where you have a realistic chance of expanding your network and meeting recruiters from companies you wish to work for.

Some of the posts on this forum are in general a bit too idealistic - since most are academics you can understand why. The job market is a lot harsher than they think.