Should I Pursue a Master’s or Apply for Graduate Schemes?

Hello,

I’m currently a 2nd Year Computer Science Undergraduate Student (going into 3rd Year this September), but I need help deciding whether I should do a Master’s in Advanced Computing at a better university after my Bachelor’s or should I just try it out in graduate schemes. The reason I’m asking is because I did not get a single interview when I applied for Summer Internships so I’m really worried that I’m not going to be successful when applying for graduate schemes either.

For some more context, I applied to internships surrounding some sort of software development and even though I have a ok-ish (?) CV on paper (lots of projects, certifications and skills that showcase in-demand technologies but no industry work experience), I did not progress pass the initial application stage of the process.

So I’m just really confused, is the reason why I had no luck with internships because I’m going to a mid/low-tier university (even though I’m likely to get a 1st Class grade overall) or is this just the standard nowadays when applying in the tech industry. And If it’s because of the university I go to, then is it better to pursue a Master’s after at a better university to increase my chances in graduate schemes the next year or is there something else that I could do instead?

Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

Reply 1

Al3x235

what ranking is a low/mid tier?

i am at a midrank ish uni so im scared of the future too tbh ☹️ im going into second year now tho

Reply 2

ThatguyAl

Original post by 04Samir

Hello,
I’m currently a 2nd Year Computer Science Undergraduate Student (going into 3rd Year this September), but I need help deciding whether I should do a Master’s in Advanced Computing at a better university after my Bachelor’s or should I just try it out in graduate schemes. The reason I’m asking is because I did not get a single interview when I applied for Summer Internships so I’m really worried that I’m not going to be successful when applying for graduate schemes either.
For some more context, I applied to internships surrounding some sort of software development and even though I have a ok-ish (?) CV on paper (lots of projects, certifications and skills that showcase in-demand technologies but no industry work experience), I did not progress pass the initial application stage of the process.
So I’m just really confused, is the reason why I had no luck with internships because I’m going to a mid/low-tier university (even though I’m likely to get a 1st Class grade overall) or is this just the standard nowadays when applying in the tech industry. And If it’s because of the university I go to, then is it better to pursue a Master’s after at a better university to increase my chances in graduate schemes the next year or is there something else that I could do instead?
Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

You could apply for 12-month internships and for graduate programmes in parallel and if neither of these options yield results just progress to the masters degree and try again.

Have a look around here:
https://www.gradcracker.com/search/computing-technology/work-placements-internships?duration=Year-long
https://www.gradcracker.com/search/computing-technology/graduate-jobs

Start looking and applying in September-October as this is when most companies start advertising the opportunities (1st wave of recruitment), 2nd wave is around December-February.
I'd also suggest looking outside of the "standard" big tech companies too. Many industries need CS specialists including healthcare, defence, energy, transportation, construction, etc.

Apply to as many jobs as you can but do not compromise the quality of the applications for quantity. Make sure you tailor your application and your CV to every job you apply to.

Reply 3

threeportdrift

Careers Forum Helper

Original post by 04Samir

Hello,
I’m currently a 2nd Year Computer Science Undergraduate Student (going into 3rd Year this September), but I need help deciding whether I should do a Master’s in Advanced Computing at a better university after my Bachelor’s or should I just try it out in graduate schemes. The reason I’m asking is because I did not get a single interview when I applied for Summer Internships so I’m really worried that I’m not going to be successful when applying for graduate schemes either.
For some more context, I applied to internships surrounding some sort of software development and even though I have a ok-ish (?) CV on paper (lots of projects, certifications and skills that showcase in-demand technologies but no industry work experience), I did not progress pass the initial application stage of the process.
So I’m just really confused, is the reason why I had no luck with internships because I’m going to a mid/low-tier university (even though I’m likely to get a 1st Class grade overall) or is this just the standard nowadays when applying in the tech industry. And If it’s because of the university I go to, then is it better to pursue a Master’s after at a better university to increase my chances in graduate schemes the next year or is there something else that I could do instead?
Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

You need to learn how to make competitive, persuasive job applications, a list of certificates and qualifications isn't enough.

Get embedded in your Uni Careers Service and work out how to improve your applications. Then apply for both and see what offers you get.

If you just go for the Masters, all that will happen is that you will be in the same position, a year later, with more debt.

Reply 4

greg tony

Original post by 04Samir

Hello,
I’m currently a 2nd Year Computer Science Undergraduate Student (going into 3rd Year this September), but I need help deciding whether I should do a Master’s in Advanced Computing at a better university after my Bachelor’s or should I just try it out in graduate schemes. The reason I’m asking is because I did not get a single interview when I applied for Summer Internships so I’m really worried that I’m not going to be successful when applying for graduate schemes either.
For some more context, I applied to internships surrounding some sort of software development and even though I have a ok-ish (?) CV on paper (lots of projects, certifications and skills that showcase in-demand technologies but no industry work experience), I did not progress pass the initial application stage of the process.
So I’m just really confused, is the reason why I had no luck with internships because I’m going to a mid/low-tier university (even though I’m likely to get a 1st Class grade overall) or is this just the standard nowadays when applying in the tech industry. And If it’s because of the university I go to, then is it better to pursue a Master’s after at a better university to increase my chances in graduate schemes the next year or is there something else that I could do instead?
Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

As i am sure you know, Computer Science has some of the worst post degree employment statistics, so you wont be the only one. However, dont make the usual mistakes thinking that employers care about what university you went to (they dont in 99% of cases) and that if you are struggling to get practical experience another degree will help (it wont in 99% of cases).

If you really want to get into a career you have to network (reach out to career guidance counsellors, send emails to professionals/companies in your chosen area, volunteer, go for jobs while at uni that can showcase similar skills etc). I would also get a professional to look at your CV, you would be surprised at how many people send off the exact same CV to jobs without tailoring it to the advert, or have lots of grammatical errors or dont send a cover letter when asked.

Greg