Does a Graduate Degree Make Sense for You?

It’s no secret that unemployment has been rising over the past couple of years and those who are lucky enough to still have their jobs are concerned about keeping them. One of the businesses that are thriving in the midst of all of this is academia. That is, graduate school programs. Employees are either looking to start an entirely new career or prove themselves worthy of advancement in their current fields. If you’re among them and are considering going back to school here are some things for you to consider first:

1. What kind of work do I want in the future? Depending on what kind of business you are currently in; grad school may or may not elevate you up the corporate ladder. If, however, learning a specialty would remove the glass ceiling, going forward with graduate school can finally move you up the ranks. If you’re ready to move on to a different field, graduate school is definitely one way to make yourself stand out from the throngs of unemployed. In either case, be clear on your reason for making this commitment and decide if you want to obtain a specialty, advance your area of study or receive certification of some kind.

2. What are the costs involved? The last thing anyone wants to do in a tough economy is go deeper into debt to pay for schooling. If you have a cash reserve or think that you’ll qualify for a grant, fellowship or scholarship, that’s a different story. You could always ask your current employer if they offer tuition reimbursement if you intend on staying in the same area of study. If you have decided that this is the time for you to change your direction, perhaps you should consider getting an entry level job at a company that offers financial help for education before you start.

3. How hard will it be to be accepted into the program? In the best of times, securing a spot in a highly-coveted grad school program can be challenging. It stands to reason that during a difficult economy there are more people than ever trying to secure a stronger economic future for themselves and their families. You can increase your odds of getting accepted by having some related work experience under your belt before you apply.

4. What are some of the logistics involved? For example, will you be able to stop working altogether and focus entirely on a full-time grad school program or would part-time make better since so that you can continue to work? Do you recall what kind of student you were in your undergraduate work? If studying didn’t come easy for you, you’ll want to make sure that you have the time and space in which to focus.

With an increased workload and financial burden, one way to make graduate work rewarding is to choose an area of study that you are passionate about. That way, you are enjoying the process in addition to looking forward to a rewarding future.

Shelly Clark is an education writer who specializes in higher education topics which include online degree programs, student loans, online college scholarships, and online graduate programs.

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