Work Experience vs. Education

[ABurlo306]

Hi there,

This is my first post so I'm sorry if it's not in the correct section/layout! I'm an IT student looking to move to Canada in the somewhat near future once I've completed my education; with this in mind, using the official CRS calculator I have 2 options which are:

1. BSc IT + 3 years work experience (Total: 441 CRS)
   
2. MSc IT + 2 years work experience (Total: 456 CRS)

Which would be the better option? The only limiting factor is that I would like to keep the total amount of time to 3 years whichever I choose, so either 1 or 2 are viable options whether that is me studying an extra year or working an extra year. I'm not sure which would be the wise option in the long run however. Any input is greatly appreciated!

- Adam

 

[roastedpeanuts]

In my opinion, if you have the money and interested in a masters, do the masters as it gives you a high score that almost guarantees ITA vs 441 where you might need to wait for a while until you get it.

Also, once you move to Canada, a year of foreign work experience won’t add much value as you will be taking a small step back career-wise as someone who does not have a Canadian work experience.

 

[roastedpeanuts]

Also, if you’re not going to apply anytime soon, you should look into studying french if you’re interested in the language. Knowing french could add a lot of points to your CRS score!

An alternative would be if you do not want to do the masters is get the work experience + study french. If you study hard for two years aside your work experience, you could get the CLB 7 score and an extra ~45 points with your bachelors only!

 

[ABurlo306]

In my opinion, if you have the money and interested in a masters, do the masters as it gives you a high score that almost guarantees ITA vs 441 where you might need to wait for a while until you get it.

Also, once you move to Canada, a year of foreign work experience won’t add much value as you will be taking a small step back career-wise as someone who does not have a Canadian work experience.

Also, if you’re not going to apply anytime soon, you should look into studying french if you’re interested in the language. Knowing french could add a lot of points to your CRS score!

An alternative would be if you do not want to do the masters is get the work experience + study french. If you study hard for two years aside your work experience, you could get the CLB 7 score and an extra ~45 points with your bachelors only!

Thanks for your input! I would be able to go for a Masters so if it puts me at that much more of an advantage it’s probably worth it. Not sure if I’d be able to go for French though, I’d love to learn it but I’ve not had a good track-record in the past at school with foreign languages haha. Wise information though, thank you!

 

[roastedpeanuts]

Yes a score of 456 helps you get an ITA definitely faster than 441. As you may have noticed in the past draws, the score is frequently under 456.

Good luck!