[bhofmann]

When I see CVs with masters degrees I can't help thinking "this person has been more interested in academic study than real world experience". I value the latter more. Some formal education is good to see, but I've seen too many masters students who can't cut it in a real world situation.

[StudyAnimal]

Well these part time, distance learning postgraduate degrees are usually professional degrees, so intended for those wanting to use the knowledge in their work rather than academic degrees, for those wishing to study further. They actually require and are normally integrated with actual real world experience.

My professional masters required me to actually do things at work, things that I wouldn't have done otherwise, and write about it, and turn it into a project etc.

Sure academics with academic Masters degrees look down on them, but then there are a lot of people, like you, who recognize that academic achievement is not an indicator of being able to get things done.

These professional masters are an ideal middle ground.

To be honest though, if I could have gotten interesting real world experience in the field I was interested in, I probably would not have considered the degree, but it was a chicken and egg situation for me unfortunately. In order to get a job where I could get experience, I had to have experience. So I started the degree, then switched to a job that was half way towards the area I wanted, and because I needed to do a project my employers were more willing to let me take on some work in the interesting area I wanted to work in. By the end of it, I had both real world experience, and a degree recognizing that experience. Without starting that course I still don't see how I could have broken in to either area.

[dagw]

I think it depends very much on what position you are hiring for. If you just need someone who can hack out RoR apps, then sure a Masters degree might be unnecessary, but if you need someone to do work on cutting edge engineering or science problems, and actually solve new problems, then a relevant Masters degree is a very valuable background to have.

[pgbovine]

wow, i hope no Ph.D.'s apply for a job at your organization, or else their resume will probably be thrown directly into the trash bin ;)

[petercooper]

Would someone who quit school at 16 with A-grade experience catch your eye more than a postgraduate with C-grade experience?