So you just received your bachelor’s degree and you are searching for work in the field you studied. Not long after this some relatives try to persuade you to attend graduate school because they feel that it will boost your chances of success. You ask yourself if this is necessary and you’re already saddled with student loan debt from your undergraduate years. When it comes to career advancement, there are times when graduate school is necessary but for others it is not. Here are some tips on deciding whether to attend graduate school.
Consider Your Motives
Think about why you want to go to graduate school. If your job hunt is not going well, it is not a good reason to attend graduate school because there are people with advanced degrees who still cannot locate a steady and well-paying job. If you hate your current job this is not a good motive in getting an advanced degree. Your desire for gaining more knowledge is also not the best reason to attend graduate school. However, if you plan to become a doctor, lawyer, teacher, social worker or a college professor, then graduate school should be considered.
Graduate School Has Benefits
One advantage of graduate school is that there is a chance of increasing your attractiveness to employers and your salary if currently employed. This is especially true if you are employed in a field that is high in demand at the moment and that will continue to experience more growth in coming years. For example, if you get a master’s degree in nursing, you will be able to work as a nurse or teach nursing. You may also experience a sense of gratification knowing that you succeeded in graduate school.
Can You Afford It?
Just because you want to pursue a graduate degree for the right reasons doesn’t mean that you should do so. If you’re still paying on undergraduate student loans and not earning the best salary now, you should postpone graduate school. Graduate school gets expensive and you don’t want to overload yourself with student loan debt. Maybe you can take some inexpensive online courses that can help you advance in your career.
In conclusion, getting an advanced degree is a huge investment but you need to be sure that it is the right decision for you. Don’t give in to pressure from loved ones but do your research and then make an informed decision.