|
|
If You Can, Yes!Sep 05 '01 Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Go if you can, it can only help you grow as an individual personally and professionally. The question of whether or not to go directly to graduate school depends upon a number of factors. First off, I will state that I went directly to graduate school right after getting my undergraduate degree and I believe it was the right decision for myself personally. However, I will try to present both the pros and cons of the argument. Advantages The advantage of going directly to graduate school is that you are able to finish up your education earlier. For those who delay the decision to go, it becomes more and more difficult to start graduate school as the years go by. Friends who are currently working full-time and going to grad school part-time tell me that school is much more difficult once you fall out of the grind of going to class. Taking a five or more year break away from school makes the adjustment of going back that much more difficult. Not only that, it stretches the overall time to actually get your degree too. Also, having a graduate degree for your resume is a positive, especially in this more challenging economic environment. All things being equal, an employer will prefer the candidate with the stronger educational background and whether fair or not, the candidate with the masters degree will be in the driver's seat. If you are able to attend right after undergraduate study and attend on a full time basis, you will be able to obtain it much quicker. Those who attend after a brief interval of time away from school and who attend on a part-time basis will find the grind much more difficult in my opinion. Also, if you are unable to find a job that is not suitable for you, going to graduate school can be a great alternative. You can build yourself up to become a better prospective employee while gaining valuable educational knowledge, making yourself more marketable once you go on the job market. Disadvantages There are some disadvantages to going straight to graduate school. First, you may obtain your graduate degree and find out there was no job or economic benefit in getting it. It may not increase your overall career path. Second, some people after getting their degree are sick of school. They need a break from school. Third, economic necessity may not allow it. Earning some cash may be needed for your family so it is not possible to attend school right away. Finally, some companies pay a portion of your college graduate education if it is related to your job. This might make more sense as a result. Finally, the next level of education is not for everyone. The intensity of the courses is definitely "kicked up another notch" as Emeril Lagasse would say. The classes are tougher, more is expected of you, and more time is required for study. It is not easy in other words. In conclusion, there are actually many different factors to take into account when deciding whether or not you should go to graduate school straight out of college.  |
| Read all comments (2)|Write your own comment |
