How important is a master\'s degree from US?

[moneyIsNot_funny]

After 15 years on the workforce, Master's degree is very irrelevant.

[suyog]

unless you want to change your field

[shpkumar]

I've been in the US for about 15 years now working in IT as an architect. I would like to r2i and I've posted my resume in various job sites in India but shockingly not many responses. I've been doing very well here and never had a problem finding a job. I'm beginning to wonder if my lack of a masters degree could be a reason? Any thoughts on this?

You will get more responses if you are in India and applying. No one will take you seriously unless you personally call or write to them and follow through. That's what I've seen. Its too much investment on their part to contact you and too much of a wait for them to have you relocate. IT is very competitive and with so many people going back who have solid reasons to - your resume might not get the preference - plus unless you have some extreme qualifications that no one has and state on your resume that you are looking to relocate within the next 2-3 months, they won't take you seriously. Its got nothing to do with whether you are good or not or have a masters.

[chennaichalo]

Thanks a bunch guys, I feel much better :)

I've never felt the need to do a masters but now i'm feeling a little bit uneasy about the future (Mid life crisis, i guess).

[shpkumar]

Are you looking to move to India based on you finding a job there?

[chennaichalo]

Yes, that is correct. I keep applying but I don't hear back :(

[shpkumar]

Yes, that is correct. I keep applying but I don't hear back :(

Through the naukri site, there would be contact info for the posting - did you try and call the recruiter listed on the job posting? It may help also to find the HR of the company you are interested in through LinkedIn and make an initial contact. Again, you should be prepared for the question "what is your time period when you can return". So make sure you have everything completed in terms of your USC, OCI (if you are going that route), family is ok, and its around the time your kid's school admissions are due.

I am going through the same thing. I actually did find a job and was all ready to move back. But one thing that made me decline the offer is that it was not an advancement of career for me and neither was it a significant monetary package (not equating to USD, but just what was being offered to people with my years of experience in the job market). So be prepared with those kinds of issues as well. Maybe it won't be an issue with you or your field, but for me I am ready to move to the next level here and so a little hesitation to go back to the same level there. What I also found is that they didn't have a uniform level of hiring requirements across the company - so it will all depend on how well you can negotiate - or not. If you do find a job, let me know how your experience is. And remember, the entire process will be slow!

Anyway, as I am not in a rush, will keep trying. I'm sure at some point, I will have to make a compromise.

Good luck!

[indiaorusa]

In the corporate world , I would say, yes it will help you as you move up the ladder. But at the same time , if you have what it takes , then a lack of masters would not stop you from moving up.
On the other hand, if you like to try your hand at something entrepreneurial , then masters will definitely help you get back in the game if you so decide (post trial in case you are not happy).
Something like an -MBA done with interest ( not only for the heck of getting a degree) will also help you understand the bigger picture anywhere you go anything you do in life.
So bottom line , having a masters will not hurt in any case . While you still have the time and the wherewithal to do it -- get it done.

[rdecartus]

Masters degree opened me new avenues for staying in the US. For example, OPT, separate H1-B cap for masters students etc.. Other than that, I don't think anybody cares if I have masters at my workplace. It never became a significant factor during job interviews, promotions etc.

[r2ikyon]

Yes, that is correct. I keep applying but I don't hear back :(

If it is ok by you that instead of Chennai chalo..Kochi chalo,...... and you are from MS world, let me know.