Hello All,

Please I saw https://www.nairaland.com/2378290/5-things-should-considered-before thread and it gave birth to a lot of questions which I couldn't ask there because the thread got derailed. So intelligent, experienced people please help a brother out. Thanks.


This is my background:


Graduate (BEng) of a Nigerian Uni, in Engineering, 2:2. I have about 7 years work experience so far, with 2 years out of it in banking and the remaining 5 years at managerial level in public sector IT. 


I feel stuck in a rot, been on  the same level for 5 years, doing the exact same job, which is not even challenging anymore, very routine and just blah. Infact I feel ...meh The worst part is that there seems no prospect for change or growth in the near future. You know how public sector in Nigeria is. 


With the amount of effort I've put in and the commendations I normally get from my superiors and peers, I feel if it were in a vibrant private sector firm, I'd be far ahead of where I am now and also motivated to do more.

Lastly, I really don't want to be skipping work to run a business, as it's not really right, ethically and legally, neither is it exactly easy to combine both.


To get out of this, I've been thinking travel, so I recently got admission (MSc) in several UK universities:- 


Cardiff (not Cardiff Metropolitan)- Computing; 

York - Engineering Management 

Warwick - Service Design & Mgmt.

Robert Gordon - Project Management; 

Swansea - Advanced Computing; Portsmouth - Project Management;

Hertfordshire - Project Management


Now money IS an object. I have a little money saved (about 4million) which I want to use for several things. My fear is not to go attend an expensive University or school in a country that would make no difference whatsoever to my career and life. 


My questions are:-

1.) Does it matter what school I choose? Of the schools listed Warwick/York are the most top rated, but are there any advantages in schooling there? Easier job etc, 'Cos they are so expensive, £17,000 - £19,000!!! Followed by Cardiff with £17,000


The other schools are not really highly rated but their fees are an average of £13,000. 


2.) I know the PSW visa has been cancelled so getting work is almost out of it or very difficult. However I have, like I stated above, hands-on, technical & managerial experience in IT and some certifications, so how easy would it be to get work with these? I say this knowing that a lot of people who migrate to UK for masters do so almost after BSc with no work experience or without COGNATE experience. So for such people getting a job would be naturally harder.


3.) Should I just forget UK and face maybe US or Canada or even Australia? (I don't want Germany o, before una come derail this thread). Would it be easier to get proper work in US? Emphasis on proper.


The plan really is to spend maybe 3 years studying and working overseas before coming back to Nigeria. (I believe this country would be great in the near future and hope to be a part of it). So my pursuit of western education is primarily for the great knowledge and exposure it offers.


To this end I recently registered a limited liability company (consulting & technology) which I hope to face squarely on my return - i.e. should I travel. Then there's also the question of just forgetting foreign study/work and proceeding with my company here - but since it would involve consulting, I want to get higher, more respectable qualifications and exposure.


Finally, I'm not really cut out for things like impregnating a white chic just to get papers or doing very non-skilled jobs (after an MSc) which I wouldn't think of doing here. This is not to disparage those earning an honest living please.


I'm single (age is not on my side but marriage can wait ), male and have a very little sum saved (about N4 million which may be more by year's end). The only thing I'm not confused about is that I'm sick and tired of my present job.

 


Mature advice please.

I would advice you to go for Canada, there are better chances of you staying back after your studies. Plus Canada is much more affordable. It might not be easy to get your desired job after getting your Masters in the UK unless your plan will be to go back to Nigeria and do work in the private sector.

Can you share whats your monthly income please

4stylz:
Can you share whats your monthly income please

Just over N200k

Moana:
I would advice you to go for Canada, there are better chances of you staying back after your studies. Plus Canada is much more affordable. It might not be easy to get your desired job after getting your Masters in the UK unless your plan will be to go back to Nigeria and do work in the private sector.

Hmmm...ok though that's another process of getting good Canadian Schools with little time left. Thanks anyway

Moana:
I would advice you to go for Canada, there are better chances of you staying back after your studies. Plus Canada is much more affordable. It might not be easy to get your desired job after getting your Masters in the UK unless your plan will be to go back to Nigeria and do work in the private sector.

Hey how about study in the UK but proceed to work in Canada? How feasible? Pros, cons, any?

ExLaidback:


Hmmm...ok though that's another process of getting good Canadian Schools with little time left. Thanks anyway

arent you planning for 2016?

forget d uk

either go to canada or us or stay and work after your course work and move to the private sector in naija

other options are african countries or Middle east (for work)

Angola, Dubai etc

Your office may have a study leave option.. take it in so u have a leg in

ExLaidback:


Hey how about study in the UK but proceed to work in Canada? How feasible? Pros, cons, any?

i saw posts in the past from people who have done this before, cant remember which thread it was but i guess you can do that too. Not knowing how advisable it is for you to do it that way.

Anyway, go through the first threads on UK and Canada in this section. From other peoples experiences you should be able to decide on what to do

I am truly impressed by your plans and sincerely hope you will touch and transform many lives as we look forward to a better Nigeria.
From your post i can understand that you are morally sound (unlike the types tarnishing our image around the world) hence 4million will not be enough for you to run a Master's programme in any those countries.
I will advise you use your savings to grow your business and then start a family because you mentioned that age is not on your side.
If you are not in the academia don't rush to further your studies, do it when you will not be so much stress up financially.
Personally, i believe we shouldn't forget building our families at the expense of our careers.
Remain blessed.

Bro , you are on the right track ...
I will advise you to try schools in the United states because their tuition fees is low compared to schools in UK, AUSTRALIA.

ascaris:
I am truly impressed by your plans and sincerely hope you will touch and transform many lives as we look forward to a better Nigeria.
From your post i can understand that you are morally sound (unlike the types tarnishing our image around world) hence 4million will not be enough for you to run a Master's programme in any those countries.
I will advise you use you savings to grow your business and then start a family because you mentioned that age is not on your side.
If you are not in the academia don't rush to further your studies, do it when you will not be so much stress up financially.
Personally, i believe we shouldn't forget building our families at the expense of our careers.
Remain blessed.

I like what this guy said about family.For me its either you start a family now and then you can do masters part time in nigeria or should you still tink of travelling maybe you can get a 50% scholarship cos 4million won't be enough(preferebly in australia or canada).But whatever your decision, please think settling down now.

coolhamid:
Bro , you are on the right track ...
I will advise you to try schools in the United states because their tuition fees is low compared to schools in UK, AUSTRALIA.

US schools with low tuition? I've not seen any o, at least not the ones at the level of Warwick for instance. I think it was Purdue I checked and they were saying $60k for an MBA for STEM professionals. Haba! But I'll still reconsider US. How about getting work after?

ascaris:
I am truly impressed by your plans and sincerely hope you will touch and transform many lives as we look forward to a better Nigeria.
From your post i can understand that you are morally sound (unlike the types tarnishing our image around the world) hence 4million will not be enough for you to run a Master's programme in any those countries.
I will advise you use your savings to grow your business and then start a family because you mentioned that age is not on your side.
If you are not in the academia don't rush to further your studies, do it when you will not be so much stress up financially.
Personally, i believe we shouldn't forget building our families at the expense of our careers.
Remain blessed.

Thanks you sir, for the encouragement. I'm seriously considering the staying back option. Only thing is if one adds family now, that N4M go reduce to nothing quick quick!

Moana:
arent you planning for 2016?

The admissions secured was for 2015 actually, 2016 seems too far away o, but I guess one can always defer it. Meanwhile I'll check the threads on US/Canada as advised. Thanks!

pickabeau1:
forget d uk

either go to canada or us or stay and work after your course work and move to the private sector in naija

other options are african countries or Middle east (for work)

Angola, Dubai etc

Your office may have a study leave option.. take it in so u have a leg in

I REALLY don't want to come back to my company. If not there's no point leaving. Thanks though.

Not exactly especially when you consider the top schools.

But I recommend the US too because the UK has too many EU citizens ad options hence Nigerians have a hard time getting a job after studies

coolhamid:
Bro , you are on the right track ...
I will advise you to try schools in the United states because their tuition fees is low compared to schools in UK, AUSTRALIA.

I feel for you poster. I would say let the worse case scenario be your guide i.e. would you be ok financially and mentally if you are unable to secure a job in the first year(s) after the further studies? Does the risk of that justify you staying in a job that pays N200k with no prospect of promotion anytime soon?
Personally, I would recommend a top rated school especially given the price differential we are talking about. P.s. top companies tend to target top rated schools in their recruitment drive so why make things harder for yourself? Having said that, some top rated companies might not overlook your 2.2 even with the Masters.

ExLaidback:
Hello All,


Mature advice please.

If you are thinking of canada make sure you gpa is good like 3.00 or more.don't go and do pgd its just a waste.there are better countries than canada.I will also encourage to look for top schools.even if you study in the uk you can move to other countries.wherever country you choose make sure you get good grades.cuz no country will give you job just like that.all the best

fajigirl:
I feel for you poster. I would say let the worse case scenario be your guide i.e. would you be ok financially and mentally if you are unable to secure a job in the first year(s) after the further studies? Does the risk of that justify you staying in a job that pays N200k with no prospect of promotion anytime soon?
Personally, I would recommend a top rated school especially given the price differential we are talking about. P.s. top companies tend to target top rated schools in their recruitment drive so why make things harder for yourself? Having said that, some top rated companies might not overlook your 2.2 even with the Masters.

Yeah I completely see your point. For instance to be frank, I'm actually actively pursuing some scholarships because of the worst case scenario thingy. One cannot go and place one's live savings in an education without guarantee. If I get any of the scholarships, then even if there's no job after, I still have funds to pursue my own thing and sustain myself till something comes along.

Also the 2:2 has been a bit of a setback hence the need to get a very good grade from a reasonably top school. If not that the UCLs, and the Imperials no go take person with 2:2, that would have been my target.

However you don't think a price difference of £4k is huge?

ExLaidback:

Yeah I completely see your point. For instance to be frank, I'm actually actively pursuing some scholarships because of the worst case scenario thingy. One cannot go and place one's live savings in an education without guarantee. If I get any of the scholarships, then even if there's no job after, I still have funds to pursue my own thing and sustain myself till something comes along.
Also the 2:2 has been a bit of a setback hence the need to get a very good grade from a reasonably top school. If not that the UCLs, and the Imperials no go take person with 2:2, that would have been my target.
However you don't think a price difference of £4k is huge?

Nope £4k is not much if you consider the benefits you get for that price. Think in terms of your ultimate goal.

Preciousstones:


If you are thinking of canada make sure you gpa is good like 3.00 or more.don't go and do pgd its just a waste.there are better countries than canada.I will also encourage to look for top schools.even if you study in the uk you can move to other countries.wherever country you choose make sure you get good grades.cuz no country will give you job just like that.all the best

Thanks dear,

I guess the higher the school the better then? That's why the UK is still my first choice. You are more likely to get a top rated school in the UK that would take a 2:2 with less than £20,000 for tuition. Top US schools for instance start from like $50,000 (£31,000) just for tuition.

Thath's why I asked as per studying in the UK and moving to other countries to work for a bit. Maybe 2 years max.

fajigirl:
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Nope £4k is not much if you consider the benefits you get for that price. Think in terms of your ultimate goal.

Well, you have a point.

ExLaidback:


Hey how about study in the UK but proceed to work in Canada? How feasible? Pros, cons, any?

It's doable but all depends on different factors, I mean immigration programs in place by the time you graduate. Staying in Canada after studies is no longer easy and quite complicated now. From last I heard, people from outside Canada are finding it easier to migrate permanently than graduates (with little work experience) in Canada based on the express entry criteria and points table. The benefit to Canada over the UK is that you may be eligible for a 1 or 3 years non renewable work visa after graduation. If you decide to go to the UK, please make sure you attend a top university. As bad as people claim the economy is right now, my friends that went to Uni's like UCL, imperial, Aston e.t.c had no problems securing good jobs that would eventually lead to Indefinite leave to remain.

If you decide to go to Canada too, make sure it's a top uni(top two in each province with the exception of Ontario that has more uni's) or college(polytechnics Canada) as employers in Canada do use that as job requirements too.

Can't say much about the US and Australia, never worked or lived in both countries. Some friends have secured good jobs in the US after studies too but don't know how their visa stuffs works down there.

saxywale:

It's doable but all depends on different factors, I mean immigration programs in place by the time you graduate. Staying in Canada after studies is no longer easy and quite complicated now. From last I heard, people from outside Canada are finding it easier to migrate permanently than graduates (with little work experience) in Canada based on the express entry criteria and points table. The benefit to Canada over the UK is that you may be eligible for a 1 or 3 years non renewable work visa after graduation. If you decide to go to the UK, please make sure you attend a top university. As bad as people claim the economy is right now, my friends that went to Uni's like UCL, imperial, Aston e.t.c had no problems securing good jobs that would eventually lead to Indefinite leave to remain.

If you decide to go to Canada too, make sure it's a top uni(top two in each province with the exception of Ontario that has more uni's) or college(polytechnics Canada) as employers in Canada do use that as job requirements too.

Can't say much about the US and Australia, never worked or lived in both countries. Some friends have secured good jobs in the US after studies too but don't know how their visa stuffs works down there.

Hmmm... Nice analysis. The type of School seems to be of great importance then. I may need to try harder to get better schools then. Thanks!

@OP: I will advise you to do some research into schools in the UK which are regarded as leaders in your field of specialty. As good as Imperial college, Queens college e.t.c sounds, these universities are not jack of all trades. Most universities have a niche area of specialty which they are known for e.g. Uni'Sunderland (as lowly as it sounds) has an excellent reputation for Pharmacy. I googled top universities in UK to study engineering and came up with a list of 10 names which may not sound particularly attractive, but these universities are UK leaders in their area of specialty.

When you have started your course, you should start immediately applying for jobs in the UK based on your qualifications and experience. Engineers (especially IT experts) are highly-sought after in the UK, and it's a field mostly dominated by Asians. There are some umbrella specialist job agencies which will sponsor a Tier 2 work visa for you on agreement to be paid an outrageous commission from your wages whilst working with them. IT engineers with these agencies earn a starting rate of as much as £500/day as a self-employed contractor.

Do not restrict your job search to the UK, apply also for the highly-skilled visa for Australia. You will need your Bachelor and MSc qualifications assessed by the Engineering governing body in the Australia, who will now give you a go ahead if all looks fine. To be honest, an Engineer with a good MSc degree from the UK plus donkey years of work experience shouldn't find it difficult getting a job in most developed countries.

claremont:
@OP: I will advise you to do some research into schools in the UK which are regarded as leaders in your field of specialty.

Engineers (especially IT experts) are highly-sought after in the UK, and it's a field mostly dominated by Asians. There are some umbrella specialist job agencies which will sponsor a Tier 2 work visa for you on agreement to be paid an outrageous commission from your wages whilst working with them. IT engineers with these agencies earn a starting rate of as much as £500/day as a self-employed contractor.

Do not restrict your job search to the UK, apply also for the highly-skilled visa for Australia. You will need your Bachelor and MSc qualifications assessed by the Engineering governing body in the Australia, who will now give you a go ahead if all looks fine. To be honest, an Engineer with a good MSc degree from the UK plus donkey years of work experience shouldn't find it difficult getting a job in most developed countries.

Wow! What an encouraging piece, I hope these are 2015 realities and you're not being overly optimistic. All the same thanks.

When I was checking for schools, I initially just went with those members of the Russell Group, though I did check for some leaders in Engineering too.

As per those bodies who will sponsor a tier 2 work visa, I don't get, is it while you're still studying or after? If it's while you're studying, what of the 20 hour/week work limit?

claremont:
@OP: I will advise you to do some research into schools in the UK which are regarded as leaders in your field of specialty. As good as Imperial college, Queens college e.t.c sounds, these universities are not jack of all trades. Most universities have a niche area of specialty which they are known for e.g. Uni'Sunderland (as lowly as it sounds) has an excellent reputation for Pharmacy. I googled top universities in UK to study engineering and came up with a list of 10 names which may not sound particularly attractive, but these universities are UK leaders in their area of specialty.

When you have started your course, you should start immediately applying for jobs in the UK based on your qualifications and experience. Engineers (especially IT experts) are highly-sought after in the UK, and it's a field mostly dominated by Asians. There are some umbrella specialist job agencies which will sponsor a Tier 2 work visa for you on agreement to be paid an outrageous commission from your wages whilst working with them. IT engineers with these agencies earn a starting rate of as much as £500/day as a self-employed contractor.

Do not restrict your job search to the UK, apply also for the highly-skilled visa for Australia. You will need your Bachelor and MSc qualifications assessed by the Engineering governing body in the Australia, who will now give you a go ahead if all looks fine. To be honest, an Engineer with a good MSc degree from the UK plus donkey years of work experience shouldn't find it difficult getting a job in most developed countries.

£500 per day?and someone said it on a social media platform and people were like its a lie.hmmm...

ExLaidback:



Wow! What an encouraging piece, I hope these are 2015 realities and you're not being overly optimistic. All the same thanks.

When I was checking for schools, I initially just went with those members of the Russell Group, though I did check for some leaders in Engineering too.

As per those bodies who will sponsor a tier 2 work visa, I don't get, is it while you're still studying or after? If it's while you're studying, what of the 20 hour/week work limit?

I'm not sure we are allowed to post links here without being banned, but just google 'IT engineering jobs, UK daily rate/day' and you will find jobs for between £400/day up to £600/day depending on experience and specialist certifications. I think it helps if you have the industry standard world-class certifications on top of your MSc degree. The work agencies will sponsor you after your degree i.e. if you do get accepted by them. I always see them advertising online on certain immigration sites (some of them are scams though).

I'm not in the Engineering industry, but I hope someone in the industry can proffer more light on this area.

Preciousstones:


If you are thinking of canada make sure you gpa is good like 3.00 or more.don't go and do pgd its just a waste.there are better countries than canada.I will also encourage to look for top schools.even if you study in the uk you can move to other countries.wherever country you choose make sure you get good grades.cuz no country will give you job just like that.all the best

How is Canadian PGD a waste ma?

claremont:


I'm not sure we are allowed to post links here without being banned, but just google 'IT engineering jobs, UK daily rate/day' and you will find jobs for between £400/day up to £600/day depending on experience and specialist certifications. I think it helps if you have the industry standard world-class certifications on top of your MSc degree. The work agencies will sponsor you after your degree i.e. if you do get accepted by them. I always see them advertising online on certain immigration sites (some of them are scams though).

I'm not in the Engineering industry, but I hope someone in the industry can proffer more light on this area.

I took time to do some reading up on previous threads related to studying in the UK. I discovered that while it's possible to get those contract jobs stated, it's only after one's studies.

obiaguna:


How is Canadian PGD a waste ma?

Seen a lot of debate about this. I think the PGD doesn't really give you any great advantage after spending the time and funds on it. You may do PGD and still be struggling to get good masters in the same Canada. According to the thread, it's even more difficult to get any meaningful employment using the PGD.

ExLaidback:


Seen a lot of debate about this. I think the PGD doesn't really give you any great advantage after spending the time and funds on it. You may do PGD and still be struggling to get good masters in the same Canada. According to the thread, it's even more difficult to get any meaningful employment using the PGD.

"Meaningful Employment" very key oo. I get it now, thanks.

There are so many options in life.. There are options beyond just pouring money into education.. There is the aspect of going independent in business and also search out another job while working on this one.. Something to keep your head looking beyond the daily grind of monotony..

I am approaching this from a personality point of view. Maybe your personality is rooted in a spirit of adventure or at least diverse experiences in life.
Do you know that in USA, people quit $200k a year jobs and more to do nothing but wander aimlessly using their savings.. They even dare to go until they are broke.. Some are now working in health food Grocery stores and they have backgrounds as professors, corporate managers and so one..
The key is to find themselves and understand what will keep their spirit feeling fulfilled at a minimum rather than pacing a treadmill with no direction or change of scenery...

Many people in USA and beyond are sacrificing money for inner satisfaction.. They learn that no matter how much they earn, it doesn't satisfy them to be in a stagnant setting for their better years in life... They would rather be poorer with the ability to wander and experience more random things.. They say the hand that is full of wood to sell, cannot be open for the opportunity to carry gold to sell when gold presents itself..

Maybe poverty is more brutal in Nigeria, so that will affect things, but honestly, i am one of those who cannot be bridled into monotony.. I would rather work on a farm or fish in the river or ocean and live simple and exposed to natural scenery and wonder despite a lower financial station..

Make your decision for school and work abroad , or business or to stay, but what may be the root issue will always be there no matter what education gained and no matter where it was attained.. You could find yourself abroad after schooling with a job offer that earns you $200k a year and still feeling that sense of monotony and no change or progress..

Nigerians are always taught to solve their problems with education towards better employment versus experience towards self fulfillment which can lead just as well to self employment that then offers employment to a new generation of workers who have that itch of fulfillment in themselves also.
From rags to riches makes many a rich men fear not rags, because from the rags ,they found riches.. A Japanese CEO of a multi billion dollar company, reduced his salary to a regular workers salary during the company's financial struggle.. He went back to rags to help the company be rich again.. When the company returned from the depths, it was a triumph and he was able to benefit riches again due to the company he sacrificed for...