Grad School or Work? How to Decide
If grad school is something you’re curious about, you might be weighing two common life paths post-graduation: going directly to graduate school versus gaining some work experience.
Both options can yield positive outcomes, but how do you decide?
Consider the following factors as you think through your next big move.
Know Your Goals and Gauge Your Interest
Are you clear about your long term goals? How interested are you in the discipline you are considering for graduate school?
If you have a strong and dedicated interest in a topic or if further schooling is required in the line of work that you seek to enter – it may make sense to continue directly to graduate school after earning a bachelor’s degree.
On the flip side, if your interest is hazy or fledgling, then entering the workforce may provide you with the information you need to make a later decision about pursuing a graduate education. Working after college is a great way to learn more about your strengths and interests. Because of the cost of grad school, it’s not exactly the best place to go if you’re completely uncertain about what you want to do.
What is driving your decision to steer towards graduate school? Are there outside influences on your decision making process?
Be honest with yourself about the role outside voices play in your decision making. Are they supporting your goals or pushing you in a direction that you have no ultimate drive to pursue? Seek quiet to meditate and listen to yourself.
Gather More Information
Have you researched career options? Do you need a sounding board?
Before making big decisions, sometimes we need a sounding board to help us articulate and sometimes challenge our thoughts. In addition, career assessments are a great way to create vocabulary around what it is you want to pursue.
Take a career assessment to help define your values, interests, skills, and abilities.
Undertake informational interviews to understand what a career in your potential industry might entail.
Speak with your college career center advisor or schedule an appointment with Dr. Robinson for her Career Strategy Office Hours.
Survey Your Finances
How is your financial outlook?
It might make more financial sense to enter the workforce first, especially if you have a job offer that will assist you in paying off loans more quickly.
If your current financial situation isn’t concerning, then research which graduate programs produce higher salaries for graduates and consider the investment.
Can you get funding for graduate school now? Check out the following resources for funding opportunities:
Ultimately, Either Decision Can Lead You to Success
If you have considered your genuine interests, goals, and funding, then be content with the decision you make. Focusing on the choice minimizes the effort that will inevitably be required to make any option succeed and diminishes our sense of agency and ownership. You are in control, feel empowered to make the most of either route you take. Your success depends on your next steps forward.