Hello Codeforces community!
I would like to raise a question about masters degree. Do we really need it? Some people claim that we need it only if we're planning to be a teacher at universities or to continue the science path.
For me it is choise between time and diploma[which I don't know will it be of some use in any way]. If I'm going to apply I will contribute 6pm-10pm time every working day , 9 am-3pm on Saturdays, during 1 year, but with diploma in the end. [+ participation to ACM, but I doubt it, since I'm noob]
On the other hand, I may benefit more on my own studying\contesting\projecting\resting etc.
Who of us graduated masters degree, please share your experience. Is it worth of appllying or not. Short period is left and I'm about to make my decision. Need your help\advice.
Thanks in advance!
This mostly depends on which branch of programming you want to choose for your occupation after university.
Most programmers work in branches which strictly speaking, have almost nothing to do with science — so for web or enterprise development you'd better spend your time on studying technologies, frameworks and popular languages.
However, there are amount of positions where programmer supposed to research some tricky matters. Here the master degree in proper branch of science is quite welcome.
This also depends on country you reside. My own experience shows that bachelor's degree is sufficient (and perhaps not necessary too). It is hard to tell exactly since no one person could live twice to compare different variants of career.
If it is for a (non-scientific) job, then no, you will probably seldom need it (of course, this depends on your country, too…). If you wish to work in academia or high level research labs, then you need it.
However, even if you choose not to pursue the academic/research path, I'd still advise earning the master's degree (at a good university), if your finances allow it or if you can get a tuition. Getting a master's degree requires less effort than getting a Ph.D., but by doing so you will get to study and learn about different fields of science, which will broaden your knowledge and interests.