Are you wrestling with the question of whether to go to graduate school or get a job? Don't pursue further study only because you don't want to look for a job. Years of commitment in a Master's or Ph.D. program require a strong interest in the subject area. You need to feel the program is an investment in your future. You may also find that you become overqualified for the job you want. Unless the positions you are interested in require advanced level education (e.g., Psychology, Scientific Research), make sure you have adequate experience in the work world first. This is helpful for two reasons: some graduate schools require work experience prior to enrolling in their programs, and some employers will not hire anyone without experience especially when having to pay a premium for an educational level they do not want. An option that might work out better for you is part-time study. Some employers partially fund costs for employees continuing their education. Your studies may seem more interesting and relevant, especially if your projects have a real-world application.
When it is time to consider graduate school, research information and speak with knowledgeable people. Interview professors on campus about their alma mater. Entering the wrong program or the wrong school can delay the achievement of your goals. If you want to work with a particular company and you know they hire graduates from only 1 or 2 schools, then you need to get your credentials from one of those institutions. If the work you would love requires a special graduate program, but it is offered in a location you don’t want to move to, are you prepared to settle for second-best type work in your career by choosing an alternate program and school? Your reputation upon graduation is as good as your advisor’s. Therefore, choose your school, program and advisor very carefully. What debt level are you prepared to carry at the end of your studies? Are you able to find studies that will also fund you? What is the record for graduates in obtaining their desired employment? If you are interested in obtaining an academic position, how many years of post-doctoral study would you have to undertake?
Job markets fluctuate. It is very difficult to predict what positions will be available in 5 to 10 years. You need to keep a balance between the work you care very deeply about and how you are going to earn a living within your chosen field.
Go back to your Career Objectives section in Step 3.3.1 and review the information you had for your short-term goals, medium-term goals (2-5 years), and long-term goals (5-10+ years). For each objective, begin to think about the preparation required, in addition to your current credentials:
Courses - university, technical, marks required
Skills- level of proficiency
Training- equipment, procedures
Additional Experiences - through summer, co-op, internship positions, by volunteering, or by taking interim (or stepping stone) employment
How much time and money will it take, and when would you like to acquire the prerequisites needed for the work defined in your Career Objectives section?
To continue with the next section, Step 3.5, click here.
