Lack of Masters

Two years ago, some of my friends have kindly told me that choosing not to do my Masters, especially one in Princeton, may adversely affect my career in the civil service. This is especially the case when my peers have all coveted Masters in credential-crazed Singapore. But I was confident that this would not be the case for me, and so far, events have proven me right.

Competition at the key ministries was fierce, but I was one of the top choice(s) for those portfolios that interest me. My lack of Masters has not affected my prospects at all.

Of course, the long term impact is difficult to tell. Immediately though, my pay is $200 lesser than my peers who have Masters. I don't think it makes any difference for promotion, but again, I would not know.

Needless to say, my interviewers have asked me about my lack of Masters. I just look them in the eye and say " Credentials don't mean much to me."

At the end of the day, I think it is how you think about yourself. If you think you are worse off than the other person, all these things start to matter. In any case, I always believe that the cream will always float to the top, or you will just have to become less dense. Reading more books is a good way to reduce one's density :)