This year I have seen many friends either get accepted into grad school, graduate with a Master’s degree, or announce the start of their journey as graduate students. What an amazing and exciting time! Congrats to you all!
I remember when I was accepted into American University; I was inundated with so many emotions. Excited. Terrified. Concerned. Intimidated. Thrilled. Determined… And to think this is my final fall semester before graduation. WOW! Time certainly flies by in school (and in life).
With all the wonderful news being shared by friends beginning and finishing their journeys as graduate students, I thought a post dedicated towards graduate school would be fitting.
The number one question I ALWAYS get when I tell people I am pursuing my Master’s degree is, “How did you know you wanted to continue your education?”
That question is one I think most people continue to ask themselves even after accepting their offer to attend graduate school. When I am up late studying, writing 20+ page papers, or reading 100+ pages a few times a week… I cannot help but wonder why I did this to myself. Seriously, I often consider throwing in the towel. You know, even when finishing school feels impossible, I try to remember that the reason I am continuing my education is because I love to learn.
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When I say I love to learn, let me clarify that I love to learn about a specific topic. I highly doubt I would continue my education in algebra or calculus. I left that back in high school where it belongs. When it comes to topics revolving around communication, though, I jump for joy. That is why I chose to study Strategic Communication.
Aside from my desire to learn, there are several other reasons why I felt ready and able to attend graduate school. Here are a few you can consider when asking yourself if you should start this next journey in your life.
- Financially speaking, I wasn’t exactly ready… but I was able. Listen, money sucks. I think we can all agree on that. I recommend speaking with your employer (assuming you have one), and see if they offer incentive opportunities or tuition reimbursement. If you are unemployed, ask about financial aid or scholarships. You can also chat with the schools you are considering about job opportunities for graduate students. Several of my friends are grad assistants for their respective sports teams, RAs, tutors, etc. There are options. Be willing to find them. If you aren’t willing to make it work, then you aren’t ready.
- I wanted to do it. That sounds so childish, I know. “Because I want to!” Think about it though… if you really want to do something, why shouldn’t you go for it?
- What are your career goals? If you want to be a psychologist, you have to continue your education. That’s a no-brainer. Other careers may not exactly require a master’s degree, meaning the time spent out of work could harm your marketability. No experience = no hire. In my case, experience is pretty imperative when trying to land a job. That is why I chose to attend school full-time AND work. It isn’t impossible, people. Trust me. I did it for a majority of my time so far at American. I will admit that I am not working right now, though. This is NOT because of school. My surgeries forced me to take a leave of absence. I intend to be working again as soon as I am able.
- I want to start a family sooner rather than later. If you want to attend graduate school, starting a family may have to be put on the back burner. Personally, I do not believe I could juggle parenthood, working full-time, and graduate coursework. I knew that if I wanted to be a mom before the age of 30, I needed to complete as much schooling as possible to reach most of my career goals. Fortunately, I found the love of my life, got married at 24, and I am almost finished with my degree. When I decide to start having children, I will not feel like I have to choose between my educational goals, my husband, and my babies. Does that make sense? TLDR: I wanted to be as accomplished as possible before putting on my mom hat.
- Momentum, Momentum, Momentum!
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Having momentum is helpful. Starting graduate school immediately after receiving your undergraduate degree will help you remain in that “student mindset.” Instead of allowing myself to fall in the rut of waking up, going to work, then coming home and doing whatever I wanted… I forced myself to remain on a student schedule. I recommend going for a Master’s degree as soon as you receive your undergrad degree if possible.
- Fewer Obligations. I would say this reason goes along with reason number four (starting a family). My number of obligations immediately following my undergraduate degree was basically zero. Aside from choosing to work full-time, I freed myself of commitment in order to focus on my next degree. I know many people who knocked out graduate school while raising a family and having many obligations, as well. Power to those people! I don’t want you to feel like doing that is impossible. For me, it was just unlikely.
- Mo’ Money. Hahaha, okay this is meant to be silly. Honestly, though, a perk to continuing your education is you are likely to have greater earning power. As enticing as this reason is, it shouldn’t be the only reason. That is why I put it last on my list. Money is helpful, sure. But it isn’t everything. I truly believe that. If you are happy where you are, then that is okay! Making six figures doesn’t make you better than a person who works part-time at Starbucks.
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Every person has his or her own reasons for attending (or not attending) graduate school. Continuing my education was something I knew I wanted to do since high school. I loved the idea of being proficient in a topic that truly brought me joy. Eventually, I want to teach at the university level, so I intend to have the necessary degrees and ample experience as a professional in order to provide my future students with the best education possible.
Being unsure about graduate school is okay! It isn’t for everyone. Just because some of your friends are attending, that does not mean you have to do the same. Do what will help you grow as a professional, student, and person.
Completely unwarranted life lesson from a married woman #25: There are other options out there for people who want to continue education! If two more years of schooling doesn’t sound appealing to you, or it is not a viable option at this juncture of your life, consider certificate programs. These are often more affordable options and just as marketable sometimes! (Don’t forget to ask your employer if they pay for these programs, too.)
