The Sandspur

Issue date: 10/14/05 Section: Holt News

Dear Marian:

I am going to graduate in May and am thinking about going to graduate school. Do you have any advice for me?

Dear Juan:

Since you asked me for "advice" I need to let you know that "advice" is one thing that I do not offer in this column! Instead, let's examine some of the questionable reasons that I have heard for attending graduate school. You can decide if any of these reasons reflects your own feelings and motivations.

"Since I do not know what I want to "do" I think graduate school is a good option."

Are you considering graduate school as a way to postpone the inevitable? (Meaning having to find "gainful employment") If your answer is, "Yes!" I want to strongly encourage you to conduct some research before jumping into the graduate school application process. It's important to obtain clarity on your career direction before moving forward with plans for graduate school.

Once the research is complete, you need to ask, "Is an advanced degree really necessary for the roles that I have identified?" It is possible that your time would be better spent obtaining professional experience rather than a Master's degree?

Possible activities in this category might include volunteer work, community involvement and professional associations. Any of these activities can serve as a catalyst in obtaining clarity and career direction.

"My _________ expects me to go to graduate school."

Can you see the yellow caution light flashing over this one? Graduate school requires a huge investment of time, energy and resources. This commitment requires you to be motivated internally. The external forces just aren't effective in the long run.

"Graduate School will improve my job prospects."

Whether or not this is true depends on your field of interest. For example, if you want to be an attorney or a college professor an advanced degree is a requirement. For other fields, a graduate degree may not be the "preferred credential."

Only extensive research will give you the answers. I strongly recommend that you take the time to conduct research and interview professionals in your field. What are the educational requirements for the industry? Ask them about their own education.

What advice or recommendation would they give a recent graduate just starting in the field? As you conduct these interviews, you may discover that you are better off waiting for graduate school until you obtain some practical hands-on experience.

Juan, I want to encourage you to take the time and reflect on why you are considering graduate school. I promise that the time you spend in research now will pay off in huge dividends.

As I typically tell students, "Conducting career research is potentially the most life altering research project that you will undertake." Stand by for details how to apply to graduate school in next week's column.

Do you have a question for Marian? E-mail her at mcacciatore@rollins.edu. She guarantees that all questions will be responded to individually or in this column.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools