I did an MS in CS with a thesis. I was not at a top tier university. I would recommend going on for the MS at least. It was fabulous in its own right, well worth the delay entering the workforce.
It was also a great way to figure out that I did basically enjoy CS research, but I'd need to feel a real burning sensation to spend the time on the PhD and get hired at the Google lab. Tenure-track seems to be for masochists only.
After the MS I took a fairly good job, then 18 months later moved on to a top tier company. You can probably go right to a top-tier after CMU and a master's.
It was also a great way to figure out that I did basically enjoy CS research, but I'd need to feel a real burning sensation to spend the time on the PhD and get hired at the Google lab. Tenure-track seems to be for masochists only.
After the MS I took a fairly good job, then 18 months later moved on to a top tier company. You can probably go right to a top-tier after CMU and a master's.