TO TS,
I mean it is really dependent on circumstances...
Just an example... and May I say first, it might not be possible to have someone with this kind of a career path... just an example for illustration purposes.
Example 1
An office boy in Apple. Works really hard, gets the notice of Steve Jobs who notices that he has biz acumen and promotes him to supervisor. In 4 years, he rises up the ranks and becomes director of marketing. However he decides to go back to school and because of his work experience in Apple, he gets a offer by Harvard to do a masters.
Example 2
An diploma holder works in a normal company for 4 years.. rises to manager. Decides to take up the offer of one of those institutions at Parklane or Peninsula Plaza for a masters course.
End of the day both have a masters.... who will get employed?