Three Reasons to Consider Graduate School

The decision of whether or not to go to graduate school can be intimidating for both undergraduate students considering life after college and alumni looking to further their degrees. Graduate school is an investment in both time and money, leaving many people to wonder if it will be worth it.?

I can understand where the hesitation comes from. I had the same concerns when I was in college. To hopefully make this decision easier for anyone who is thinking about graduate school, here are three reasons to consider it.?

Benefits Your Future?

Graduate school is one way to invest in both your career and academics. No matter what you go to graduate school for, it will give you the necessary skills to excel in your studies and career. Earning a graduate degree is a way to gain firsthand experience in your desired field so you can continue straight into it once you graduate.?

Your graduate degree will also give you an edge during the job hunt. It raises your qualifications and opens more positions up to you, which potentially means more significant income. Employers are more likely to prioritize you over other candidates, increasing your chances of landing a job that you want.?

Further Explore Your Academic Interests?

Graduate school allows you to explore your academic interests in a capacity that you do not during your undergraduate career. You gain firsthand experience in your field by conducting in-depth, personal research projects that pertain to your interests. As a bonus, if your research is admirable, it can gain you recognition beyond graduate school.?

You will also work alongside other scholars in your field of interest. Working with these scholars will expose you to new concepts and theories within your field, allowing you to grow your academic knowledge even further. You will begin to form a professional and personal network with these other scholars, whether they are other students, faculty, or professionals in your field, which can benefit you in your life after graduation.?

Graduate School is Accessible?

Many universities offer programs and incentives to make graduate school as accessible as possible for prospective students. Many universities offer entirely online graduate programs for those who do not have time to attend in-person classes. If you want the experience of in-person classes but have a day job, there are also options where classes are held in the evening.?

The cost of graduate school can also be intimidating, but many universities offer financial aid programs for graduate students. There are tuition stipends available and assistantships that can make the cost of graduate school more manageable–or even pay it entirely.?

These are just a few reasons I believe you should consider graduate school. There are a lot of great opportunities that come with graduate school, no matter what your interests are. There is a graduate program for everyone, and The Collins College of Business has some amazing options. If you are considering graduate school, I hope that you found this to be helpful!?