Graduate school serves as an escape or easy choice for many students that lack direction or job opportunities. However, the decision to go to graduate school should be based on other factors and should not be a default option. Graduate programs are filled with students that went for the wrong reasons. Don’t invest your money and time on something that may not pay off.
Avoiding the Job Search
A job search is filled with rejection and uncertainty. It’s uncomfortable for anyone, but especially for recent graduates that must compete with more experienced applicants. Few employers are willing to train new workers, so true entry-level jobs are rare. This realization leads many students to continue with school, where things are more familiar and hard work is rewarded with good grades. Despite the appeal of an academic environment, one can only delay entry to the real world for so long. Going to grad school simply to put off finding a job is a bad decision that will cost you valuable time and money.
Lack of Career Direction
Rather than helping you choose a good career path, graduate school may bring you further in the wrong direction. Unless you’re sure that graduate school will lead you down the right career direction, don’t invest in an advanced degree. Once you’ve spent the time and money for a graduate degree, it may be harder to change career paths. Working for a few years might help you decide on a career path more than graduate school, and you’ll be earning money rather than spending it.
Graduate programs are filled with students that went for the wrong reasons. Don’t invest your money and time on something that may not pay off.
For more advice on success after college, read Getting from College to Career Rev Ed: Your Essential Guide to Succeeding in the Real World