Stay in the School Groove
One school of thought says it's smart to pursue an advanced degree program while you're still in "school mode." In fact, National Association of Colleges and Employers' (NACE) 2006-07 Career Services Benchmark Survey found that 21.2 percent of bachelor's degree graduates of the college Class of 2005 opted to forgo the job market for the short term to pursue graduate school, which they ultimately hope will pay off in the form of better starting salaries.
The statistics support that notion -- in 2004 master's-degree holders earned an average of $74,602 per year compared to bachelor's degree holders who earned $51,206 per year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
"Going to graduate school immediately after college was the best thing I could have done for my career," says Erica Camilo who earned a full scholarship and stipend to teach at Boston University in order to earn her master's degree in corporate public relations.
Camilo credits graduate school -- and the work she did at a PR firm during her studies --with giving her not only additional training but the ability to focus, find her professional style, and hone a new level of sophistication.
Real World First, School Later
On the other hand, many people do not achieve a firm grasp on their goals until they have some career experience, says Ben Baron, vice president of graduate programs at Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions.
"Many people make the decision to return to graduate school after working in 'the real world' for a while, as they have developed interests over the years that may have nothing at all to do with their undergraduate education," says Baron. "A graduate degree is necessary training for a new field."
Catherine Bianchi, MBA director of graduate admissions at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, agrees. "Not everyone is cut out to pursue an advanced degree right out of an undergraduate program." She adds, "Nor should every student pursue that advanced degree. A careful evaluation of one's skill sets will help determine whether now is the right time to pursue that advanced degree."
For Matthew Karsh, who attended the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado, taking a hiatus of several years from his engineering background was just what he needed to realize how much he missed it. Eleven years after earning his bachelor's degree, Karsh decided to continue with his education in pursuit of a position in biomaterials research. His ultimate goal is to earn a doctorate and teach.
"Professors liked the fact that I know how the real world works," he says, especially when it comes to responsibilities such as "the ability to motivate, show initiative, think independently, and work independently without someone telling you what to do all the time. Not every 23-year-old has these abilities and that can be a detriment in graduate studies."
A Means to an End
Baron explains the decision to go to graduate school is not a goal, rather, "It's a means to an end." He advises doing some homework before applying, whether that entails visiting a campus to meet with an admissions officer or talking with a professor.
Additionally, Baron believes that the need to advance your education depends on the occupation. In some professions, the lack of a graduate degree can be an obstacle to promotions and a higher salary.
When considering enrolling in a graduate-degree program, consider the questions Carnegie Mellon's Stewart suggests all prospective students ask themselves: "Can you achieve your career goals with your current level of education? Do you need additional knowledge or credentials to pursue the career path that you want? Evaluate whether an educational investment is worth it is to fully understand the career opportunities that result."
