I'm 2 months into a 6 month entry level GIS job - a temp gig with potential to hire full-time.

Work environments all well 'n good, and pay is what's expected of entry level (livable, if I didn't have to worry about insurance). Pay would increase by a minimum of 2 digits plus a suite of benefits if hired on after.

I got the job offer the same week I received an acceptance letter from a 12 month Masters in GIS program for Fall. I put the offer in my back pocket - planning to take the job until it was time to start the program. Made sense at the time. During the interview process I was told point blank it was boring work, but my only thoughts were (1) the job was good to get experience to bolster the coming education and (2) I don't want to live home anymore.

Since starting the gig, my leads and the site manager have kindly made it clear the Masters won't open many more doors in the field of GIS (at least analyst-wise). Other interviews and digging around GIS forum threads state just about the same. All have pointed to re-focusing education toward a field of interest.

SO, I've got a respectable way to relieve myself from a monotone duty early, but to a place that isn't supposed to help me in the long run according to those in the field.

My take on the pickle:

- It has applicable coding courses that are tailored to GIS, but in languages I can take anywhere (Python, R, SQL)

- It's a one-year program for a Masters

- The last semester is an internship (meaning more experience)

- Everyone has an opinion

Given the company knows my plans, I don't expect a job offer whether I attend the masters program or not - at least better to assume so at this point.