IS GRADUATE SCHOOL RIGHT FOR ME?

Many students make the decision to attend graduate and/or professional school upon completing their undergraduate studies. For some career choices (i.e.: becoming a doctor, lawyer or psychologist), graduate/professional school is the only route to receive training for that field. For other industries, graduate studies might be helpful but not necessarily needed. Overall, there are many factors one should consider before deciding if graduate school is the right decision for them.

When deciding whether graduate school is the right decision for you, there are several factors you should consider.

1. First, if you are considering graduate school as the next option because you are unsure of next steps, consider taking one of our Career Assessments.

These assessments will provide more information regarding your interests, skills and possible careers that align with both. While a career assessment cannot determine your “perfect career” it can serve as a roadmap for you as you navigate your path after graduation.

2. Second, be sure to research your possible career options based on your field(s) of interest. While graduate/ professional school is required for some industries, that is not always the case. Using the University Career Center resources such as What Can I Do With This Major, Occupational Outlook Handbook, and O*Net will provide you with more information regarding the type of education that is required to access a specific career.

3. It is important to note that some students might not find graduate school appealing because of their undergraduate academic experience. One of the biggest differences between undergraduate and graduate studies is that graduate school is often (although not always) much more focused on a specific topic.

4. It is not advised for students to attend graduate school to simply delay entering the “real world.” Consider the implications of how these 2+ years in a program may delay your personal, professional, and/or financial goals. Make sure that obtaining this degree will help you achieve your desired career and goals rather than hinder you in those pursuits.

Read more about applying to grad school, evaluating acceptances, and more in the Graduate Student Career Guide!