Almost all the students have this dilemma. Recently one student wrote a comment
I got admit from 2 universities. I am almost prepared for coming US for my Masters for Fall 2009. But my problem is all my friends relatives are asking me to stop my plans to US because of the tough times and economy in recession in US. How long will the position be the same? Can we expect economy to recover after a year?
Economy in Recession
Every person have their own thoughts and feelings about US economy. But, to make a decision you got to know and understand so many things. Talk to people who have different views of the world. Both optimistic and pessimistic people. Don’t make your final decision just based on very handful of people who said negative things about economy. So, asking opinions with your friend and family is absolutely perfect.
Usually, if you trust someone, by default you assume they are right and tend to go with what they have to say. Few days later you might come across another influential person, who might advise you in different way. That’s when people get confused. But, to make informed decision, you got to hear as many opinions as possible. This is where leaders are different from managers and people follow the leaders.
I’m talking to much philosophy right? If I say, you can go to US, then its just going to be one another person’s opinion, but if I explain how to make decision, it might help so many readers who got admission to Fall 2009 semester and still undecided or confused.
Job Market in US – No looking good
Job market is not good and people are losing jobs. There are so many questions surrounding this.
- Is this going to continue for next 2-3 years?
- When is job market expected to pick up?
- If I get job, will H1B visa would be available?
It’s very hard to predict what can happen 1-2 years from now. Less than 9 months back, job market was good, but so many changes happened in very short time.
Predict Future based on Past
To predict the future of how US economy will recover from recession, look at what happened in previous recession. Job market was bad during 2000 to 2003. But, it recovered. Same will happen for every recession. But, how long is hard to say. Stimulus bill is expected to create new jobs, more than 3 million jobs. Some of the news media are reporting about new jobs being created in construction industry.
But, you have to make the ultimate decision – Can I come to US to study Masters Degree during recession? My suggestion will be – If you attend the school during recession and when job market turns around, you will be in better position to find a job.
Above all, to study in US is once in a life time experience/opportunity. Of millions of students who graduate, you are now presented with a chance of your lifetime. To know the value of US education, you got experience it first hand. Why waste that opportunity? Can you say what could happen 1-2 years from now? No we cannot predict the future, but when there is a chance in front of you, I would go for it. Its always better to utilize the opportunity at hand.
Successful people utilize the opportunity. Opportunities are rare to come. Opportunity comes once is a while, but willingness to take risk to prepare yourself to to have a better chance would separate the successful from unsuccessful.
So, you can consider I’m one of the optimistic person. Worst case take the risk, you will end up spending money for your education. If you happen to get some form of aid, then education is almost free. If economy doesn’t recover, then you will be left with a degree from US University. If not you will still have Masters degree and have spent the money. You can try for job in Canada, Australia, Singapore and so many other options. But, everything has equal probability and you have to weigh money vs education. Any day I will select education over money.
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Do write your thoughts and comments and ofcourse your decion – Did you decide to come to US – Yes or No?
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{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear Sir,
I am planning to Pursue graduate Study in USA in healthcare management with . I have grade point of 3.71 out of 4.0 (3 year bachelor degree), TOEFL ibt score 77 . can you suggest best universities for my study. Thank you very much for doing this for me.
I could not find a better place to post my query. It is that i wanna do my masters in robotics but am confused about various universities offering the course. I could find only a few and carnegie mellon being the most reputable amongst them. What are the universities offering it and about scope for it in the present US job
scenario ?
HSB
It is nice of you to have written a very thought provoking article.
yes i agree with you that any amount of money can be spent on Education purpose.
to get support from our ancient enlightened persons
i would take support from “AVAIYAAR ” a great Tamil saint lady who said about value of Education.
even if you have to beg , beg for education.
and take money even by begging and get education at any cost
yes that is the value of Education.
another thing i would like to point out here
people are talking about Economic meltdown.
Recession.
as though it is new phenomena
honestly growth and recession goes side by side
they are happening all the time
we dont see it
rather we see only growth ,
like as we grow older we also die
death does not come all of sudden
it is on going process
hence step in to the education world
and learn what ever you can
this is the time to learn
and latter comes your time to earn
as you like
education is at any cost
is the motto
yours truly
easwaran
Great …Really Great thought …Optmistic…a great message for a born pessimist like me …really ver very influenced by your school of thought dueing recession…Hats off..man.
@Harish – Glad to see that you find the contents useful. Good luck to you.
Hey,
I am being offered a job for a dream like salary($3000) per month, at an international company.
But on the other hand looking at the syllabi, the way VTU(karnataka board) as I pass out, I dont think I learnt much besides How to learn a HUGE chunk of portions within 24 hrs. Now an Education in US promises I KNOW what i LEARN not jus mug/luck or last min study.
On the other hand a good pay like this will help me save atleast some amount when I come out with a years experience.
Now at this juncture where I complete my 8th Semester.
Id like to know your perspective on my situation.
I have actively participated in many topics, but always “await moderation” . You ought to reply to atleast one to keep my interest in the blog afloat or like zillion others, all you ll get is the same repeated qs from those who dont care to read ur previous blogs or passive readers.
What you said about education is 100% true. Where is the job located at and $3000 per month in India?
No way! not India. Its in Dubai.very reputable. I don want to mention names, hope u understand.
How far are you in your application process?
I have already send application material, got the coll Id.. awaiting accept/reject..
Id like to know what is your opinion of californiat state university, Northridge?
And NJIT.
And I really enjoyed reading what to pack to US. haha.
Work for the international company and gain valuable work experience which is worth a million dollars.
getting a degree from US university is a lifetime achievement,if u r getting an I20 then make full use of it and dont let negativity creep in your mind.I think you should go for it despite of bad economy.
I’m going to apply for fall term 2009. Can I find any universities or colleges in the US whose deadlines are august 1 or later? Please, send me the list of such universities.
Hi friends,
The same question was on my mind. Totally confused about going to US for my MS. I have lot of negative people around me who were asking me not to go to US in this recession. All my doubts are cleared for me from this post.
Thank you very much happyschoolsblog.
Is any body can get the student visa (F1) without GRE & TOFEL
if he get the exceptional latter from university
hey..dis is bharath….. im to plannin for gng US…but im in d beginning stage….i want to write gre..exam in aug2009. so could u plz….tell me hw to prepare…n wats d process of applyin for a university…n which university? is d universtities givin d scholarships…? whether F1 visas are givin abundantly now?…is it d right time to write d exam…? and plz can u give me ur contact number.. so dat i can call u …if u knw about d visa process….. plzzz… plzzz n plzz..
i will say it depends…….if u r on scholarship then obviously u will go for it………never think twice.
But others who totally depend on parents money……..then u can think, if ur family say u can go, they will take care about ur expense, i think its better to go for it……….becoz after graduating if job in us is not possible then we always have an option to come back to homeland/other country and get a job.
I don’t think anyone can tell you if it’s right to go to the U.S. or not. It really depends on your particular situation. If you have a skill that is very much in demand (or a skill that complements a shortage area), you’d probably find a job despite the recession.
If not, you’d probably have a tougher time.
I do agree with you.Its better to do Masters in this period because people who are coming to US for pursuing Masters in this Fall 2009 or later may Graduate by 2011 or later.So its a good time.And by the time they get Graduated the market may pick up.
Bindu
Thanks so much for replying for my Question…..
“I got admit from 2 universities. I am almost prepared for coming US for my Masters for Fall 2009. But my problem is all my friends relatives are asking me to stop my plans to US because of the tough times and economy in recession in US. How long will the position be the same? Can we expect economy to recover after a year?”
Thanks Once again./………
Difficult to predict better to work in India and develop skills which are in demand in usa
dear
I also agree with the above views that one must be optimistic and not pessimistic. Who knows what would be happening after 1-2 years but it is sure that you would get the Master’s Degree from the coveted University of US. The time does not remain the same and the same would certainly change. In my opinion do not listen to the negative pepoles, you will surely get good job after completeion of your degree since you would be joining in the recession times.
Then its time to pack and come to US.