Graduate School: To Go or Not to Go?

Graduate School. To go or not to go? That is the question. And one I hear asked more frequently as of late. Nothing sends people to graduate school faster than a dip in the economy.

So what’s your answer? Well, maybe the better question is, what’s your intention?



To go?

Graduate school is a great option for people who need the degree and/or increased knowledge to pursue their selected career path. In other words, the graduate education is serving a purpose. The purpose could be to advance in a particular field, to obtain required credentials, or to receive specific training. Some people also just have a basic love of learning, and the process itself is worth their time and expenses.

Or not to go?

Avoiding the job market is probably not the best reason to go to graduate school. Neither is delaying your career decision-making or putting off your student loans. I’ve often heard people say they’ll go to graduate school first, and then decide afterwards what they want to do. Wouldn’t it make more sense to explore your options first, either through research or direct experience? You could then determine whether or not you actually need the graduate degree and more specifically, which degree best serves your career goal. Otherwise, you may finish graduate school and still be at a point of indecision. Only now you have graduate loans to pay, too. And you might even feel restricted in doing something that will directly apply your new degree.

Graduate school can open many doors and truly be a rewarding experience. So do your homework to ensure that it’s the right program, at the right time, and for the right reason. This is not to say that you won’t change your mind once you’re in graduate school. Chances are your career path will evolve throughout your study (and your life for that matter) based on experiences that you cannot currently foresee. However, the clearer and more intentional you are before going into it, the more likely you are to maximize the experience.

Take these two examples:

1. The Case of Miguel

As Miguel approached the end of his undergraduate study, he began to get nervous. What was he going to do after college? His grades were good, and he was an active student leader, but he hadn’t really taken the time to identify and explore his career options. Miguel’s family suggested he go to law school. Although Miguel didn’t really enjoy his summer job in a law office nor was he very intrigued by the work of attorneys, he liked the idea of obtaining a “higher” degree. He figured that whatever he decided to pursue, a law degree could provide the prestige and income he was seeking. Miguel applied and was accepted to law school. During his three years of study, he just went through the motions. He attended classes, studied hard, made good friends, but was never really energized by the profession. Now Miguel has finished law school, has passed the bar, and is still wondering, “What am I going to do?” He is a hard worker, which is why he is so frustrated by his current lack of motivation.

2. The Case of Maria

During her undergraduate study, Maria began thinking about the “next step” after college. She was intrigued by the legal system and really enjoyed her two summer internships at a law firm. She decided to conduct informational interviews with several attorneys in order to gain more insight into the different specializations of law. When applying for schools, Maria researched each school she was considering in order to determine which ones might best fit. She even connected with current law students at these schools to gain their perspectives and learn about their experiences. By the time Maria was ready to apply to law school, she felt confident in her decision. She was excited about getting started and spent the next three years participating in professional associations and student leadership opportunities within her program. She even carefully chose internships that would provide her with relevant experiences and networking opportunities. Now Maria has finished law school, has passed the bar, and is working for a firm, which truly embodies her values and interests in the legal field. It’s hard work, but she loves what she does.

Now these examples are not to say that Miguel is doomed for life or that Maria is the perfect role model for everyone. They merely represent two of the many approaches to career planning.

The moral of the story? Think about “why” before “how.” If you’re not sure why, maybe you need more time or more experiences before making a decision. And if you make a decision with which you are not happy, it’s not too late to re-evaluate and move in a different direction. You might be surprised as to how a seemingly “bad” decision at the time can end up serving you later. Maybe not in a way you had imagined but probably in a way that better suits you.

For more information about graduate school planning, visit Peterson’s Planner.