Ask HN: Masters or Startup?

  • Interesting question! But without having a goal in mind, it's hard to comment on it. If you have some goal that you're shooting for regardless of which of these options you choose, and it's just a question of which option will be better for that goal, then explain what the goal is. If you don't have a clear goal, then I don't see how you can compare them.

    If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, then you have an opportunity to be involved in a cool startup that's closed to most people. And a the same time, you would probably be overpaying for grad school compared to most people. So choosing the startup would be playing to the strengths of your position imo.

  • What do you hope to get out of masters? After a few years in the industry employers stop caring much about your school and degree (unless it's PhD, that sticks for life). Work experience is a lot more valuable than another degree.