How to Decide if Grad School is Right for You

Entering graduate school is a major step in life, one requiring tremendous commitment both in terms of your time and finances. But graduate school may not be right for everyone, or even necessary depending on your professional goals. Here are some key steps to help decide what’s best for your future.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Outline your professional goals for the future. If graduate school is something you’re considering strictly for professional advancement, take the time to clearly define what your career goals are, including identifying the job title of your dreams.

2. Study the background of successful individuals and people in your target job. If you work with people who are already in the position you aspire to, ask them whether graduate school was a part of their professional path forward. Also read about successful people, identifying what steps they took to success.

3. Consider whether you were a good student as an undergraduate and whether you’re likely to apply yourself in graduate school.

4. Study job postings for your desired future position. Read classified advertisements for the career you aspire to, identifying requirements outlined by employers.

5. Clearly identify what skills you are lacking. Many colleges and universities offer intensive certificate programs that provide learning opportunities focused on a narrowly defined subject area. If you need just a few more skills to move forward professionally, a graduate degree may be overkill. A certificate program can be a satisfactory option that doesn’t require investing nearly as much time or money.