How do I assure a potential employer I will not risk the business taking graduate coursework and that I want to work for the company far beyond the completion of my graduate degree?

16 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 6,2023 at 8:47PM UTC

   I would be honest and say "this is a dream job for me. I'm confident I can handle both (have you been working somewhere else or otherwise fully committed on top of the grand school?, if so, give examples) but if not, my priority will be the job". That said, I have a soft red flag that this might be well over 40 hrs. and that's a recipe for burnout, grad school or not. If your grad school complements your work, raise that by saying something like "although I will likely need one day off 3 x a year for exams, since the schedule's out in advance and I would be using vacation days....".

2. AnonymousSeptember 6,2023 at 10:44PM UTC

   Run away. Any employer who does not see the value of your PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT brcause it will make you less available to them is going to be abusive or toxic and terrible. Your dream job will be available with a firm who actually cares about its employees. Don't take it.
   Also, a 3 month interview process is also a red flag. 6 weeks should be the absolute max, including time for their decision.

3. AnonymousSeptember 7,2023 at 12:46PM UTC

   THIS. RUN, OP, and don't look back. Finish your degree, and take the time to work for a company that actually values you.

4. Marcia AvrilSeptember 6,2023 at 11:05PM UTC

   Firstly, I just want to say that a 90 day interview process is absolutely heinous.

   With you being in school, is it possible to take a semester off and re-enroll in classes once you're better acclimated to the new role? Like take summer/night classes? Because if you are close to completing this program, I think you should see it through.

   Also, if you are granted this position, do you see yourself growing in this company and them properly compensating you with bonuses, raises, etc in the future without you having the graduate degree? Is that likely?

5. AnonymousSeptember 6,2023 at 11:59PM UTC

   Any company that has a three months interview process is abusing the candidate. This should be a red flag for you. You continue on with your education. In fact, if you'll be using the education in the job, they should be paying you for it. I say move on, but DO NOT QUIT your education.

6. AnonymousSeptember 7,2023 at 12:42PM UTC

   I'm currently finishing up my BFA (at the age of 49) and was offered my dream job at the beginning of this year. It was absolutely everything I was looking for. It was with my current employer, just in a different department, and was a graphic design/exhibit design position for the State Historical Center covering all state museums and trail wayfinding. I desperately wanted this position and was mentally halfway to working there already. It fit my Graphic Design major and Museum Studies minor perfectly.
   However, they were unwilling to guarantee that they would be flexible around my classes. They were willing to work around the remainder of my semester, but not going forward. I know they COULD, because my current department is happy to flex my time. It would've been a lateral transfer, so no additional pay and benefits. I chose to turn down the job. It broke my heart, but I couldn't walk away from my degree.
   But...I already have a full time job that meets my needs (just the work is mundane) and I know that they most likely will have another identical position opening up in a year or so due to a retirement.
   In your response, I would detail the specifics of what you are looking for (e.g. this program takes xx number of hours/week, you're able to do the majority of work outside of business hours, but will need xx days off a month). If you're willing to pause your graduate work for your probationary period, say that. I don't know that I would say you're willing to bail on your degree program (and I would not recommend that...no matter how "perfect" a job can seem from the outside, you don't really know until you're in the role). Just be clear about any concessions you're asking for, and any concessions you're willing to offer, and say you hope you can agree on a compromise.

7. AnonymousSeptember 7,2023 at 12:54PM UTC

   Any company that devalues education is a big NO and you should be cautious about this company. Their values are skewed and not supportive of promoting their workforce. I would never delay or give up my education to better myself for any job - perfect or not!

8. AnonymousSeptember 7,2023 at 1:32PM UTC

   Big red flag here! Your personal development means you have the ability to move around in your career as you see fit. Never give up your personal autonomy. Anyone or any organization, that sees your pursuing education as a problem will likely not be the best employer. It sounds like they are thinking you will be a flight risk? Ask yourself why any organization would feel this way about a professional candidate working on a graduate degree. Add this to the three month interview process, and the red flag really starts flapping around. “I am a professional who has a proven track record of consistently exceeding expectations, and my further education will only benefit your organization.” If they don’t think that is enough, consider it a bullet dodged! Imagine how you would feel if you left your program, this job turned out to be a nightmare, and you had to explain to the next potential employer why you haven’t completed the graduate degree they’d prefer. I think you know all this already, OP - trust yourself and your plan.

9. KatSeptember 7,2023 at 1:35PM UTC

   It may look like a "dream" job on paper, but this company is raising some massive red flags that you shouldn't ignore. They are showing that they're inflexible, indecisive (3 month interview process?!) and de-valuing your education. Why do you want to work for them? DO NOT give up on your degree program for this job. If you let them push you into quitting your program, that won't be the only concession you'll make over time. I doubt they'll be flexible with any vacation or leave requests. Will they pay you less because you don't have a degree? Will it effect your growth at this company? Most likely that is the case. Getting a degree is worth it long term for your career advancement and earning potential, not to mention your own self worth and accomplishments. Keep looking for a dream job at a dream company-this one sounds like a nightmare.

10. AnonymousSeptember 7,2023 at 1:41PM UTC

    What are their specific concerns? I can see if they'd be concerned that it could be tough for you to juggle attending school at the same time that you're trying to come up to speed on your new job, but outside of that it's a benefit to them if you complete your degree and they didn't have to pay for it, so it's sort of a red flag if they consider this a long term issue. Does it mean that they expect you to be available at all hours and they're worried you won't do that if you also have classes/work to complete for school?

11. Julie McGovern, EdDSeptember 7,2023 at 1:51PM UTC

    Never stop your education for even what seems like a dream job. That job may not be what you expected, but you will always have the benefits of your continued education.

    i say stop the process, not your degree program. You’re worth more than what this job is offering.

12. AnonymousSeptember 7,2023 at 5:48PM UTC

    Why do they perceive it as a risk? Have you asked them point blank? They should want to hire the smartest person in the room, and that might be you for feeding your education by completing a degree. Your response question to their concern should be simple.

    I am feeding my brain for a long career which I hope to continue for the long term and the company that I choose to get hired by will support my growth and want for growth just as they expect me to support theirs.

    End of story.

    If that doesn't squash it they are more concerned about your leaving than they are about your joining. Move on. The message is clear.

13. AnonymousSeptember 7,2023 at 8:02PM UTC

    I think the issue is that this has been a 3 month interview process?? This is telling you a lot about this place. They all can look so shiny from the outside. Get your degree. It will bring other dream jobs.

14. AnonymousSeptember 7,2023 at 9:55PM UTC

    "I believe I can balance my job and education."

    If they are going to be jerks about it, there's nothing you can do or say to make them not be jerks. You'd be dodging a bullet if they make that a deal-breaker. Perhaps their "issue" is that they plan on working you to the point of exhaustion every day!

15. Meagan PriorSeptember 8,2023 at 1:00PM UTC

    RED FLAG! Do not, I repeat NOT, forgo completing your education to pacify this employer, you will regret it down the road. Jobs come and go -even one you now think is your “dream” job - but your degree facilitates and follows you for your entire career!

16. Deb AllenSeptember 8,2023 at 1:18PM UTC

    Big Red Flag, no employer should want to hold an employee back from educational pursuits, the good one's offer to fund it.