“Should I go to Graduate School?” It’s a question that I get many times when I am working in the Career Center or doing a workshop. So, what is the answer to this hot button question? The answer is…..it depends. Faced with this current economic crisis, many students understandably feel pressure from a shirking job market and consider attending graduate or professional school as an alternative to finding a job. However, that is often not the best answer, going to graduate school is a huge commitment of your time and money, and there are many factors to consider before taking the plunge. But still, many students wonder if how to determine if graduate school is a good option for them at this point. Every time I get this question from a student, I encourage them to conduct EXTENSIVE research about the field and the programs they are considering, and to then take these specific steps:
1. Research to figure out what type of professional school interests you, and the associated career field you wish to pursue. Is a graduate degree required for entry into this field, and/or will it help to make you more competitive? Sometimes this is not the case….
2. Research the application & admissions requirements and any other logistics i.e. number of letters of recommendation, deadlines, standardized testing, statements of purpose, etc.
3. Network - Conduct informational interviews, go to Career Fairs and workshops, or talk to professors and family in the field. This will help you learn more to determine if graduate school is a good fit for you.
4. Talk to a career counselor to help you with your decision
Many students want to go into graduate school to avoid a declining job market; however, they do not realize that this is no easy feat, and often a risky investment. Therefore it is very important to figure out what is best for you and your career goals, both now and in the future . Ask yourself: What am I really looking for in my life and career? The Career Center has many resources available for students to help them network and talk to Cal alums, such as the @Cal Network which connects you to professionals for advice and informational interviews.
The Career Center also has tools to help you figure out your career interests via the Strong Interest Inventory and additional assessments. But ultimately the best resource that is available to you is our diverse team of counselors. They can help you decide if professional school is really what you want, give you helpful tips on how to creatively expand your job search, such as utilizing your Facebook or Twitter status to indicate that you are looking for a job in a certain field. So now armed with this information, when you are out there looking for a job and start wondering if graduate school would be better, remember the four steps that I mentioned, and Good Luck!!
Post by Kimesha Thomas, 4th year ISF major
So now armed with this information, when you are out there looking for a job and start wondering if graduate school would be better, remember the four steps that I mentioned, and Good Luck!!
Posted by: eve isk | June 19, 2009 at 11:35 PM
I encourage them to conduct EXTENSIVE research about the field and the programs they are considering.
Posted by: cheap darkfall gold | October 07, 2009 at 06:49 PM