Yet another one to let go

As hard as any decision-making process is, it helps to jot down the reasons before progressing with a decision. 

The first and foremost, unfortunately, for a development professional is the funds. Not even having 10% of the non-EU fees to pay for the course. That being said, it is still THE cheapest of all the courses that I got admitted to. As a manager, I need to see the Return on Investment on the fees. Well, it doesn't seem bad considering the fact that the course is from one of the best universities in Ireland. But, once out of Ireland, and seeing the global perspective, the reputation of the university isn't on par with the so-called famous universities. Nothing against the university, but it is important that the university is famous. IRMA, which ranks as one of the highest in my heart and mind, is unfortunately not as famous as it ought to be. And that only makes my existence in a far off land very hard. Hence, when a reason for doing a course is for global acceptance, it is important that the course is equally famous. Also, Public Policy is unfortunately not as pampered as the Smurfit School. That also makes it a little less appealing. 

Next, I already have a masters or post-grad diploma, so doing another master - grad diploma, though indicates my interest towards a more technical stream, it is important to accept that my interest is more on making myself internationally employable. That brings to the more practical aspect of networking. Here, the college does get a bigger hand at promoting networking. It would take more determination and proactiveness on my side to strive for a better network. 

Now, my change in visa status. In the last 4 months since my Stamp 1g change has taken place, I got shortlisted to IKEA, Allianz, Facebook, Aidlink and Trocaire. And attended EPIC training. Which, are definitely major milestones compared to the responses that happened in the last one year. I also made connections with people. This is what is giving me the hope to let go of a university seat and banking on my previous experience and education.

The way forward is to knock doors for volunteering positions. 

All this is wishful thinking. but what if this doesn't work. Well, what if the course doesn't work. This level of uncertainty cannot be answered for. 

 

There is something which keeps bothering me from within, if you don't take a step forward, you will never move. I am not sure if the step forward should be to take a course and study or to knock some more doors. 

I am at a point where there is no right answer. But, there is no wrong answer either. A university seat might definitely fast pace my career from the current status quo with little to worry about for a year.  With 33 years on this earth, I am not in a position to take a chance with others savings. I am desperate to prove my worth for what it is in a foreign land, no matter how uncertain it might be.