Making the Graduate School Decision
The decision to go to graduate school should be because you are committed to the idea after extensive self-exploration and research. The following is a list of several questions you may want to ask yourself as your weigh your options:
- Why do I want to attend graduate school?
- Am I avoiding making life-career decisions by continuing my education?
- Am I considering graduate school because I don't see any other career options?
- Am I considering graduate schools because "everyone else is doing it" or because of pressure from other expectations of me?
- Am I clear enough about my career interests to go directly to graduate school?
- Do I need a break from school?
- Do I know what I want to study?
- Am I clear about my short and long terms careers goals - and how an advanced degree will help me attain them?
- Have I researched my chosen career to determine the optimum timing for graduate school - i.e., does an advanced degree in my field require a prerequisite number of years of work experience? Would I be better advised to work a number of years before pursing the degree?
- Does my chosen field require an advanced degree? Will it make me more marketable in the future?
- Are there alternate routes to my career goals?
- Will a higher degree really affect my salary in my chosen career field?
- Could I get a fulfilling position in my chosen career field without an advanced degree?
- Am I ready to enter a program of study that will take me two or more years to complete?
- Do I like independent research?
- How will I finance graduate school?
- Am I willing to live on a limited budget for the next two or more years?
- Am I willing to dedicate the time and energy that will be required?
- Will I pursue an advanced degree on a full-time or part-time basis? Have I examined the advantages and disadvantages of each?
The decision to attend graduate school should be based on a number of factors. Our career counselors will be happy to help you sort through the important issues around your decision, as well as with the necessary preparation and planning.
For help making the graduate school decision, drop by during our walk-in hours, or contact us to set up an appointment with a career counselor.