After four years of college life, and holding an undergraduate degree, you are faced
with a big question. Do you begin your career and start paying off your education,
or do you find a graduate program that will take you to another level?
There is no set formula for this decision. What works for one student may not be
right for another. You had an idea about a career path when you started college,
and that idea may have changed. When deciding about Graduate school make sure you
consider both your academic and career objectives.
Going Straight to Graduate School
Certain graduate programs are best to enter immediately after finishing an undergraduate
degree. These include the more specialized areas of study. Pre-med majors, for example,
usually enroll in medical school immediately following college graduation. If the
ultimate goal is to become a doctor, then the quickest way to that goal is to obtain
an M.D. degree. In this case, a break between earning your undergraduate degree
and starting medical school typically doesn't work.
Getting Real World Experience Under Your Belt First
In many cases, working in the real world for a few years is a good idea. In fact,
there are some graduate programs that prefer their students have non-academic experience
in the field before enrolling.
Specifically those who wish to pursue an M.B.A. often work in their area of interest
for two to four years before going back to school. Certain classes in an M.B.A.
program will seem much more relevant and informative if you have the kind of real-world
experience that helps clarify the lessons and theories being taught. Another advantage
is that more and more businesses today will pay for the employee's graduate school
fees.
Some companies require the employee to promise (in writing) to work for that company
for a set number of years after the attainment of the degree. So from a financial
point of view, having an established relationship with an employer that is willing
to help defray the costs of a graduate education is very beneficial.
Deciding That You Have Had Enough School
For many, graduate school is just not the right option. Some fields simply do not
call for any sort of advanced degree.
It is important to remember that graduate school will always be there, and that you
always have the option to go back if you choose. The most important thing to
remember is that there is no shame in not going to graduate school. The key is to
do what is most suited to you, your career, and your goals. Just make an informed,
mature decision, and the rest will likely follow.
Always remember if you have a question about anything on this site, feel free to drop
us a note at outreach@ismloans.org and
we’ll be happy to answer or elaborate on an item that is confusing or unclear.