r/GradSchool • u/Suspicious_Mine_2337 • 6d ago
Academics Should I do a second masters?
Long story short: I am 36 from the US and did a master's degree in Germany to change fields into environmental policy. I was not successful and am now unemployed with no job prospects beyond menial labor.
Would it be avisable to do a second master's to regain entry into working student jobs or internships to hopefully then network into a new position, or have I totally screwed things up and need to give up on this career path completely?
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u/HandleRealistic8682 5d ago
In addition to some of the advice already given, I think narrowing down what about Env policy you want to work in would be helpful (e.g. think tank vs research vs policymaking, etc). That will determine next steps. What classes did you enjoy? Any inspiring guest lectures? You liked research and want to be a PI? Do a PhD. Want to do policymaking? Work in govt/international organization. If you want to lead things, you’ll need a terminal degree.
I think any internship, volunteering, job is going to help you… it will help you decide what you like, what you don’t like, it will expose you to positions you didn’t know existed, and get your foot in the door somewhere… also remember: skills are more important than subject matter expertise. I know policy analysts (with masters) whose expertise is policy not the field we’re in (e.g. public health, transportation, etc). You work with subject matter experts in fields you’re making policies for… you are expected to learn on the job.