Is Going Back for a Master’s Degree the Right Choice?
You made it through four years of college and proudly earned your bachelor’s degree. Now, you are trying to decide if you should return to school and continue your education in order to earn a master’s degree.
You are wise to ponder this decision carefully. As you know, attending a university is not exactly cheap, and it takes a lot of time and dedication to attend classes and study for tests while possibly also working and taking care of a family.
Before you apply to graduate school, consider the following points, as well as some words of advice if you do decide to pursue a Master’s degree..
You Want an In-Demand Career
Maybe you graduated from college five years ago and have been diligently working in your chosen field since then, only to find that much of your job is now being done by automation and/or artificial intelligence. To stay relevant and employable, the Harvard Business Review says it may be a good idea to return to school and select a major that is likely to lead to jobs that are in high demand — and not likely to be taken over by equipment.
You Don’t Like Your Current Job
You were really excited to graduate from college and begin working, but now you really don’t like your job. It is not uncommon for young college students to feel pressured into choosing a major that turns out to not be a great fit. You will be a lot happier and fulfilled if you learn things that truly interest you and you have a career that you like. You may find that going to graduate school for a master’s degree will allow you to do just that. Think carefully about what topics get you excited, what careers you could be passionate about and then choose a degree program based on whatever you decide.
You Want to Make More Money
If you want to earn a higher salary, earning a master’s degree may be a good way to achieve this goal. Notice we said “may”—there is a difference in how much an advanced degree will boost your pay. For example, a graduate degree in music, library science or counseling might not make that much of a difference in your yearly salary, but studying for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree should pay off — literally. This degree can help increase your salary by as much as 60 to 150 percent — just one of the many reasons to get an MBA. If business truly interests you, applying for an MBA program would be a great decision.
Tips on Making It Through Graduate School
After thinking about it very carefully, you have decided to apply to graduate school. While you are excited about these new chapters in your educational and career life, you admit to being a bit nervous about being able to handle the workload and costs.
As Fast Web notes, it will help to stick to a budget and put any extra money you receive towards your bills. Take advantage of the professors’ office hours when you are feeling confused or overwhelmed in a class, and also reach out to your advisor, who might be able to advise you on grants and/or scholarships you can apply for.
Congratulations on Your Advanced Degree
Going to graduate school is not something that you should decide on a whim, but there are many valid reasons to apply. From changing careers to one that is more relevant, finding work you love and/or making more money, there are a number of great benefits to earning your master’s degree.
