Here are some tips from the Career Center to help you with your decision.
- If you are finding that your current job is unrewarding, an advanced degree can help you transition to another career—whether your interest is out of desire or necessity. In some disciplines, having a graduate degree is necessary for getting a position.
- If you find it difficult to keep up with advancements in your field, consider graduate school to enhance your knowledge or to develop additional expertise. Graduate degrees can help you advance within your career and open up a wider array of career opportunities to maximize future earning potential.
- Just out of college? You may already have debt from your recent education, and may want to postpone the decision to attend and not accumulate more debt. Consider spending a few years getting relevant work experience first. Some graduate degree programs may require it.
- If you are currently working, explore employer incentives because some larger corporations have funds set aside that will pay partial or full fees for qualified employees. Some schools might even waive your tuition or give a living stipend in return for taking on the work of a teaching or research assistant.
- Commitment and dedication to school may create relationship strains and will take 2–7 years of your life. It takes time and money to attend graduate school, including researching schools and programs, as well as studying for and taking the exams many schools require. Some programs require a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) as part of admissions, along with a personal essay and application.
- In addition, an advanced degree may make you overqualified. During an economic downturn, having an advanced degree could be a liability. You might hear, “sorry, you’re overqualified.”
Coming up with a plan for getting into graduate school isn’t easy. The Career Center advisors can help you navigate the decision making and preparation process. In addition, attend the fall Graduate School Workshop series where you’ll get help with writing personal statements, get test taking strategies for the GRE exam, and learn about financing options. Register for all or any of the five workshop sessions. Sessions are free; but you must pre-register. To guarantee a seat, register online or call (309) 438-2200. You can also attend the Career Center’s Central Illinois Graduate School Fair on October 3 on campus.
Completing a graduate degree has many rewards. However, attending graduate school is not for everyone. If you decide graduate school is the best decision, make sure you’re ready.
Learn more by visiting the Career Center at CareerCenter.IllinoisState.edu or at (309) 438-2200.
