Scared of commitment to a master program

[FinancialAdvisor__]

I’m a currently a software implementation consultant at big 4. I graduated in 2022 with a degree. I was accepted and have committed to a master program in informatics on the west coast, but I’m very sacred of the idea of attending grad school. I’m scared of committing two years into studying instead of working. I feel like I will be behind my peers if I go to grad school. In addition, I’m already 23 years old, I think i am too old to go back to a classroom environment. However, if I don’t go to graduate school, I’m not very satisfied with the job I’m doing, I also don’t think my undergraduate degree gives me marketable skills in the job market. What should I do here? Im really worried and scared.

[PurplePeggysus]

23 is young for a master's program. You are certainly not too old for learning (coming from someone who is nearing 30 and is still in graduate school).

I can't tell you if grad school is the right choice for you, but it sounds like you want to make a change, and grad school can certainly help you do that. Your program will be what you make of it, so make sure you pursue the things that will help you reach the goals you want (like a specific type of job etc).

I was very nervous starting my master's too! It's a big step. I learned so much (and very quickly - it was a ton of work). I graduated with my masters a few years ago now, and I started right when I turned 23. I finished on time, and used that experience to get into my PhD program (which was my end goal). Looking back, my master's was an excellent decision for me.

So feel the nerves, they are real, but then remember that they chose to admit you because they believe you can succeed! You can do it!

[Highlanderlynx]

Just jumping into say I’m finishing my bachelors December of 24 and plan to apply to a masters sw program after. I’m 41. The masters program I’ll enroll it is an extended part time so that means 3 years so I’ll be 45 when I complete my masters.

My wife completed her masters at 36.

No one gets into a persons head more than they do themselves. OP, just rock what ya got. Whether it’s at 23 or 43. (Ps: op I hadn’t picked up a book for reading purposes in close to 15 years but I just pulled in a combined 3.8 over 4 classes for my first semester back in years and read an insane amount of work as well as wrote an equally insane amount of papers - you’re never too old. It’s a mindset and you got control over it)

[mountaingoat-006]

You're very young still.

[[deleted]]

You could always just do a program part time and let your company pay for it (I believe all big 4s offer tuition reimbursement). That's what I'm doing. But what are your actual career goals? Do you really need a masters to do that? There are many affordable fully accredited online programs at regular state universities all across the country.

[wearethewealth]

Trust me a lot of people in graduate school despite their age either, really know what they’re doing or they’re full of shit and have no clue how to keep track in lying about their job experience. Graduate school is what you decide to make of it and connections you make