Is Graduate School Right for You?

By: Bree Blair

Have you been thinking about graduate school? Are you still not sure if it would be a good fit for you? I don't know about you, but thinking about even more school after this is a little frightening to me. With big commitments, making the right decision is extremely important. Here are some tips and questions to ask yourself to make sure you're making the best decision possible for your future!

What is your ultimate career goal? If you have a career in your mind that you know you would love waking up everyday for, then it's worth the time to see if it requires graduate school. If it does, then graduate school would be perfect for you because you have a strong reason behind your decision. Although it may be a lot of work, it will be well worth it in the end to be able to wake up everyday with the career you have always dreamed about! On the opposite hand, if you lack motivation, it may be too much to take on. Sure, many people have ideal jobs in mind, but not everyone is willing to do whatever is necessary to get there. If you are having any doubts or lacking passion in that subject matter, then there are plenty of other options for you; graduate school just might not be the right one.

Another thing to consider is the dreaded F word: finances.
You may or may not already have an amount of money on your loans to buy a mansion, but you're about to pile on even more. If you have plans to move into a new home right after graduating undergraduate studies while still attending graduate school, you might want to rearrange your plans a little bit. Unless you're a millionaire- then it's fine. Graduate school is an investment of not just your time but your money as well, which is why it is so important to make sure you're passionate, confident, and ready to take it on.

 If you're thinking about taking time off before going to graduate school, you might want to look a little more into your ultimate career. Is it easier to advance within the company if you have a graduate degree? If so, of how much importance is that to you? It's a lot to think about all at once, but it is really helpful in the long run. Talking to current employees who are a part of your ideal company could also be very beneficial to you. Learning about the experience of others, especially those whose paths you are interested in, can give you a new insight as to what you should be accomplishing. Lay out your options, follow your passions, and choose what is best for you!