Is Graduate School for Me?

This article is copied from Career Center Website of UC Berkeley.
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Is Graduate School For Me?

Before making the decision to go to graduate school, it's a good idea to look at what may be behind your decision. Here's some information to help you evaluate whether graduate school is the right direction for you now.

Why do you want to go to graduate school?

Reason:
I want to go to graduate school, but I don't know what for.

Help Me Decide:
Clarify your goals first by talking to a Career Counselor.


Reason:
I want a higher salary.

Help Me Decide:
Review salary information to see how a graduate degree would affect your salary.


Reason:
I'm stalling because I'm not ready to make a career decision.

Help Me Decide:
Make an appointment to talk with a Career Counselor.


Reason:
It seems like all my classmates are applying to graduate school.

Help Me Decide:
The decision to attend graduate school is yours alone; first explore careers that use your undergraduate degree.


Reason:
I don't feel like I have any career options - graduate school seems to be my only option.

Help Me Decide:
Be sure that your job search and/or career research has been comprehensive.


Reason:
I don't feel ready to enter the work world.

Help Me Decide:
Meet with a Career Counselor.


Are you ready to be a graduate student?

You'll need to be prepared to...


•Invest substantial time, energy, and money. Have you thoroughly investigated these costs?

•Spend the majority of the next 2-7 years studying. Will you be able to handle your living expenses during this time?

•Concentrate on a single topic or narrow range of topics for the next 2-7 years. Will you stay interested?

•Remain in school for several more years. Are you sure you don't need a break from school?

•Defer any career-related work experience. Or, would work experience now help you get into graduate school later?

•Initiate and carry out independent research. Are you comfortable with that?