BIG PLANS

I've been looking up Masters programs on the internet these past few days. Getting a Masters degree is the only item on my short term goals that I have not crossed out yet. And with the recent promotion that I got, I think it's high time that I pursue my Masters now. So far I've shortlisted UP and DLSU as my prospect schools. As for finances, my dad said he'd be willing to pay for my tuition. So I guess the rest is up to me. I can do this. I just have to manage my time so I can work AND study at the same time. My friends from work suggested that I avail the Graduate Education Assistance offered by the company so I read the guidelines in our Business Management Manual.

Here are some of the things I read there...

"The company can, at its discretion, provide financial assistance to qualified employees who shall enroll in graduate degree courses on the basis that such courses will enhance the employee’s performance and capabilities with ultimate benefit to the company...

Graduate degree courses shall be obtained from the Department of Education, Culture & Sports (DECS), or reputable accredited educational institutions such as U.P., Ateneo, De La Salle U.S.T., etc.

The company shall subsidize 70% of the full entrance, tuition and other required miscellaneous fees of the qualified employee at the start of every semester.  The remaining 30% of these fees shall be shouldered by the employee but shall be refunded upon finishing the entire course on schedule as prescribed by the university.  

A failing grade shall not warrant a refund.

Performance rating of no lower than Satisfactory Rating for two (2) consecutive years prior to the application of this program.

The company shall shoulder tuition, registration and miscellaneous fees (laboratory fees, and others).  However, the company shall not refund books and other incidental expenses such as transportation and meal allowance.

The employee shall be contractually bound to serve the company for at least one (1) year upon completing the course, or subject to the approval of the General Manager.  The service agreement shall start at an agreed specified date at the end of the last semester

If the employee decides to resign before the service agreement ends without completing the entire  course, he shall pay in full the total amount of the tuition fees and related expenses paid by the company.

Inability to complete 50% of the program requirement at the end of two (2) years shall mean forfeiture of the grant, and shall pay in full the total amount of the tuition fees and related expenses paid by the company.

Employee shall attain a passing mark in each academic subject enrolled to refund tuition cost for that particular subject.  Incurring a grade of “below average” or “failed” shall mean cancellation of the grant."

I think their terms are reasonable:
1. No failing grade. All I have to do is pass my subjects and then that's it.
2. I have to stay at least 1 year after I get my Masters Degree
3. Study at UP or DLSU. Right now I'm leaning towards DLSU and I think our president would like that since he's an alumnus of the school. And since the office is moving to Sucat, it would be closer compared to UP. I think.
4. Performance rating of no less that Satisfactory in the past 2 years. I've had consistent Very Satisfactory rating in all my appraisal so yey!
5. Complete 50% of the program requirement in 2 years. I think this won't be that hard to accomplish. I just have to manage my time properly so I can balance everything; work, school, family, friends and of course some ME time.

Aaahh! I'm very eager to get back to school! :)