At some point in your college career you must decide what you want to do after graduation. For some, their intended profession will dictate that further schooling is necessary (doctor, lawyer, psychologist). For others, they may still be wondering if graduate school is right for them. Here are a few pointers to help you make the decision.

Should I consider going to graduate school?

It would be a good idea if you:

• want to work in a profession that requires post-secondary education
• wish to further specialize in a field of study for career advancement
• are very interested in a particular area that may not be related to your major in college and have the resources to devote to further education.

It might not be the best idea if you:

• are trying to delay your entry into the “real world”
• don’t really know what your career goals are
• are already burned out with school and don’t feel like putting in the effort.

Is it better to work first after graduation and then think about graduate school or go straight from undergrad to grad?

Work first if:

• You would like to get some real-world experience
• Your graduate program requires some related work experience
• You need a little time to recoup finances and motivation

Go to graduate school now if:

• You are absolutely sure about a certain field  and need a graduate degree to pursue your dream job
• You have been awarded grants, scholarships, or graduate assistantships that will help with the cost of graduate school
• Your study habits are now at their peak and you desire some form of higher learning

How will I pay for graduate school?

Look into whether you qualify for the following options:

• Student Loans: contact the financial aid office of your prospective school for policies and procedures regarding financial aid.
• Fellowships/Scholarships: be creative with the ways you search for these opportunities. These will often require a high GPA from undergrad and high scores on entrance exams.
• Graduate Assistantships: Some may include teaching, research or administrative positions. Many schools will offer tuition waivers plus a monthly stipend for students in these positions.
• Employer Sponsorships: some employers will actually pay for you to continue your education. Most of the time you will continue working for them and going to school at the same time.

Consider going to graduate school full-time vs. part-time:

Full-time

• You can complete your degree sooner
• You can commit 100% to your education
• If you want to make a quick dramatic career change

Part-time

• You can take a manageable coarse load
• Work income can help pay for educational expenses
• You can juggle family responsibilities while completing your degree
• Employer may pay for all or part of your graduate degree

What are the next steps if I decide that graduate school is right for me?

• Identify your true strengths, interests, and values to decide what is right for you.
• Research potential schools that offer programs you are interested in
• Make a timeline for required application materials and entrance exams
• Investigate creative ways to finance your degree
• Ask professors, mentor, advisors, and supervisors to serve as references for you
• Write a statement of intent and have it critiqued by a career coach
• Apply and then weigh acceptance into various programs