Hi there,I am currently out of work and about to take an offer with a management consultancy that will start in May. However I really want to study a Masters either this Oct or next Feb. Would it be wise to take the offer thus be on a steady salary for the next 9 months and resign (in this case probably in Feb 2012)...or would it be better to tough it out for 6 months, maybe in a job that just pays the bills or nothing and wait for the masters to begin in Oct...Not sure what would look best (or least worse for that matter) on my CV. Any advice would be appreciated.IWE

How do you possibly expect anyone to answer your quesion?!?!?!

I expect he probably wants feedback from the various headhunters/recruiters on this forum around how a 6-7 month position at a consultancy before leaving to completed a Masters would appear. Would it appear as jumping ship and leave a black mark, in which case something which "pays the bills" may be more suitable in the long term.Just sayin...

Sorry, didn't expect it to be that complicated. As noted above is a nine month stint at a consultancy counterproductive from a CV point of view? I realise there is no definite answer so just looking for other people's reaction (be it recruiters or consultants)

In my opinion, this isn't a very good idea. It is not fair to the company that offered you a job - in nine months they will have to fill that position again and this is too expensive and time consuming. They may take offense at your behavior and you don't need this as you might need references from your last employer which will be this company - It also communicates to your future employers that you are not very "stable" - switching your mind and plans on short notices. Companies need and look for loyal and dedicated employees and this definitely does not communicate either of these.

Anything below 5 10

take a contract - earn more cash, get decent experience and don't mess anyone around in the process. Easier to explain away in an interview as well.

Agree with Alex,Unfair to the MC and won't put you in a good light. However, why don't you join them and do the Masters part-time!?!Should also add that Krankie is incorrect, I have met some beautiful petite colleagues at around 5'0...Rgds

I disagree – take the job. A) you never know, your plans to do a masters might be delayed – what then if you are struggling to get by?, b) your firm may let you take an unpaid sabbatical, c) you have to look after number 1 – and you’ll need the money to fund your studies, 4) very little impact on your CV. Most future employers would not worry that you would do this to them as well. Who ever does two masters?

Who ever does two masters?!? Are you kidding??

Alex, LOL - fair point!I guess I should say, which decent practical employee ever does two masters! For anyone who is attracted by the idea of doing two masters then the whole idea of which job to waltz into is pretty academic (no pun intended) anyway.

IWE - May I ask why you are out of work in the first place?

Do you really *need* to start the Masters course this Oct or next Feb? Why not take the job for a couple of years, get some savings under your belt, and then aim to start the Masters course in Feb or Oct 2013, with a couple of years' experience on your CV?Alternatively, why not take the job and do the Masters part-time, as someone upthread has suggested? This can be very demanding, though.

I agree with Ex-expat. Having a good experience always ranks higher with recruiters than having a Masters qualification. Take the job if you like the work. spend 1.5 -2 yrs working then opt for a Masters/MBA.