Whether you’re preparing for the final semester of college or you graduated years ago, the overwhelming question of whether to attend graduate school may occupy your mind. There’s no easy answer. You’ll need to spend some time considering your career goals and determining if an advanced degree could help you attain them. Here are some things to keep in mind as you decide if grad school is for you.
Identify Your Goals
The first step is to figure out your long-term goals, both professionally and personally. If you’re looking to become a doctor, lawyer, or professor, you’ll absolutely need to go to graduate school. If this is the case, start researching programs and schools that interest you, and think about how graduate school will affect your personal life. It’s important to recognize that some aspects of your life may have to be put on hold or adjusted while you’re in school.
If your goal is to work in an industry like nonprofit or pharma, you may not need an advanced degree. Take time to explore various fields and career paths. Once you’ve identified what most interests you, find specific companies where you would like to work and keep an eye on their job postings. Understand the requirements of various positions and compare them to your own experiences and skills. If they mesh, great. If not, you may need to consider an advanced degree or focus on gaining more experience in the workforce.
Not sure what you want to do? Then it’s definitely not time to go to graduate school. Instead, focus on learning more about yourself. Graduate school will always be there if you decide to go.
Grad School Is Not College
You may think that graduate school is just an extension of college, with large lectures, multiple tests, and long days. In reality, most grad programs operate very differently from a bachelor’s program. Graduate students typically have one area of concentration, as opposed to undergraduate students who are encouraged to explore multiple areas. Grad school also tends to dive deeper into a subject, with the expectation that you learned the fundamentals in college. If you’re excited about a particular area of research, graduate school may provide the opportunity to do the higher-level work you couldn’t in college.
Dollar Sense
For most students, attending graduate school comes with a financial implication. While many schools provide scholarships or financial assistance, they may not cover things like books, commuting costs, and living expenses. Take a careful look at your personal finances and consider the affordability of the program.
If you’re graduating with significant college loans, make sure going straight to graduate school won’t put you in further debt. For those who are already working, your employer may offer tuition assistance, significantly lessening the financial burden. Understanding your current finances — and your options — is imperative in making an informed decision.
Talk It Out
Remember, you’re not completely on your own. Talk to your friends, family, advisors, and colleagues. They know you best, and they have experience and knowledge to share. Perhaps they can recommend programs or provide contacts to add to your network. Also reach out to the various programs you’re considering and ask for more information. Seek out current students or recent alumni to learn what to expect.
Deciding if graduate school is right for you is a big decision. Make sure you give yourself enough time to think it through. How can an advanced degree help you? Why do you want to continue your schooling? Do you have the financial means? Graduate school is not “one size fits all” — make the choice that’s best for you.
Is Grad School Right for You?
Everyone’s educational path is personal and unique. Don’t get bogged down in what your classmates are doing, but rather focus on what makes sense for you, your career aspirations, and your wallet. We asked some college counselors for their advice when it comes to choosing grad school or work experience.
What factors should students consider when weighing post-graduation options?
It’s most important to know your goals and understand what you want from an advanced degree and why. Do you need this degree for the field you’re in? Will this degree make a difference in salary potential or job security?
You have to consider the time and effort it takes to complete a graduate program — it will be challenging, and your life may be more complex than when you were an undergraduate student. Children, a home mortgage, a partner, and a full-time job can add stress and obstacles to obtaining your degree. Consider all aspects of your situation when deciding to pursue an advanced degree.
You may need to consider relocating for your graduate program and perhaps leaving a full-time job and a steady income. You may be able to secure a research assistantship or teaching assistant position, but the pay will likely be limited. Keep this in mind if you have any financial obligations.
How important is the job market in weighing the grad school decision?
The job market should play a part in your graduate school decision, but it shouldn’t be the only factor. Many Indigenous students plan to work for their tribal communities, and tribal nations are typically welcome students with skills. The question to keep to ask yourself is “where can I be of most service to my tribal community?”
What financial assistance is available for graduate school?
Native Forward, the American Indian College Fund, the Cobell Scholarship, and of course AISES have excellent scholarships for graduate students. Also, some tribes provide funding for graduate students, so this is a good question to ask about with your tribe’s higher education department.
