Attend graduate school or not? That seems to be a question many are pondering these days, from recent college grads to professionals facing the grim reality of our latest recession.
Individuals choose to pursue graduate schooling for any number of reasons. It may be required to maintain employment. It may be used as a means to enhance marketability and earning power in our dog-eat-dog job market. It may be needed to advance in a given field.
And, it may be that one has no other legitimate options. The job market is rough and can be depressing. Breaking into worthwhile employment can seem impossible and daunting. Grad school offers a glimmer of hope.
Of course, it doesn’t guarantee anything.
I recently earned a Master’s degree and throughout the process I often questioned my decision to jump head first into graduate school. I left behind a full-time job with benefits for a return to the classroom and the late-night cramming sessions, exhaustive projects and stresses over exams and presentations that go with it. It was a risk with which I was comfortable. I felt I had nothing to lose.
Two years after leaving a job that I enjoyed – for the most part – I find myself searching for what’s next. At age 31, I don’t have a full-time job. I don’t have a lot of money. But I feel as if I have a bright future.
If I knew two years ago what I know now about grad school, I never would have pursued a Master’s degree. Doing so requires sacrifices I wasn’t initially ready to make and, quite frankly, would not want to make again. I spent too many weekends with my head buried in books. My social life – not extravagant to begin with – disintegrated. I lived in my parents’ basement. I worked a job I despised. I pored over assignments for hours that I otherwise wouldn’t deem worthy of my time. I paid thousands of dollars – and will have to repay thousands more in the future – for the experience and diploma.
I clenched my jaw in anxiety and with determination through it all. I pushed through. I’m thankful for the last two years.
While I’m not certain just yet the effect a Master’s degree will have on my job marketability and earning potential, I am far better for having experienced the demands of graduate school. I now possess many vital professional skills and competencies that I was either short on or lacking altogether. I’ve found that my writing and communication skills have greatly improved. I manage my time better. I’m more organized. I feel more innovative. I think and analyze critically. I give into instant gratification much less. I am far more dedicated and persistent.
Even though I currently lack full-time employment and have no clear vision of the future, going back to school was worth it. When the next job does come around, I will now be equipped to prosper and advance.
The following are resources for those considering graduate school:
A Guide for Potential Grad Students: Should You Go To Graduate School?