Choosing a college is probably one of the first big decisions most people have to make in their life. As the school year is coming to a close it brings a whole new decision making process for those looking to graduate in May.
What to do after college?
Now comes the great debate, to find a job or attend graduate school. Data from a Federal Reserve Bank study in 2013 suggests that there are only a mere 27 percent of college graduates that have a job closely related to their graduating field of study. Although that seems to be a discouraging number, it doesn’t mean that no one gets a job after college. In fact in 2010 the number of graduates that had a job that required a college degree was at 62 percent.
“I have to attend graduate school. I’m a psychology major and criminology minor, if I don’t I absolutely can’t obtain the career I want,” junior Gabrielle Aiello said.
Graduate school is a two to three year commitment that a lot of people tend to struggle with. Not only is there the issue of deciding to attend, but along comes the choice in schools to attend. Although many graduate programs have the option to attend full-time or part-time, a majority of the courses have night classes. The question still remains, how will attending another few years of school affect you financially?
Typically graduate schools can cost the same amount as undergraduate programs, but just like any college or university tuition may vary. Is acquiring more debt going to reap reward upon graduation?
Unfortunately in today’s economy and job market that question can’t be answered. Due to the vast amount of career choices and the limited supply of jobs in all fields, there is no bullet proof test to determine if graduate school will pay off.
Another key factor that goes into graduate school is the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Board. GRE is basically a test you take in order to get into graduate school, much like the SATs or ACTs for getting into college. Some people see this as a deal breaker because they feel they don’t test well, or find it too nerve wracking to put their entire future in the hands of a test. The standard test has a cost of approximately $185, with additional costs for special requests.
At the end of the day the choice of whether to attend graduate school or to find a job right out of college has to be your own decision. There are many things that go into the decision making process and a few tips involve, looking around at different school; no reasons to jump right into something until you’ve done all your research. Check out the job market you wish to make a career, what types of degrees are they looking for and what is the success rate of such market. Don’t be afraid to seek help, when you don’t know what to do it is always best to talk to someone who understands your conflict. Career and Professional Development located in Grace Hall is an excellent on campus resource that deals with job-search strategies every day.
