Should I go to graduate school?

Education is a journey that can be begun at any stage throughout your life thanks to the many options offered by colleges today. A graduate degree is just one of the elective roads you can take in achieving your career goals and professional dreams. One question many people find they ask themselves if whether graduate school is the path to get them to where they want to go.

Image credit: Pixabay

Why are you thinking about grad school?

Perhaps you have recently completed your undergrad and are looking to keep up the momentum. Or, maybe you are at a stalemate or unhappy in your career. It could be you want to try and advance in a current job or move in another direction totally. Whatever the reasons or circumstances are that brought you to this decision point, whether or not to go onto graduate school is a very personal choice. For some, it is a natural path, while for others it may not be the right one.

Graduate school is a significant commitment and, before taking the plunge, you want to be sure it is the right decision for you. Otherwise, it's a pretty costly mistake being an advanced degree requires a substantial investment of both time and money, so it shouldn't be a hasty decision.

How do you know if a graduate degree is right for you?

If you are considering pursuing an advanced degree, in any discipline, it's a good idea to first look at the advantages and disadvantages of attending graduate school. You should also evaluate your personal aspirations as well.

Goals

What you hope to achieve by going to grad school should probably be at the top of your decision-making process. For instance:

• Are you looking to continue your education to obtain a competitive edge in your professional life?
• Have you hit a hurdle in your current career and having a rough getting ahead? 
• Do you want to pursue an advanced degree simply because you love learning?
• Are you thinking if you go to graduate school, it'll be the path to your dream career?

Whatever the reason you have for considering graduate school, be sure you're willing and able to make both the time and financial commitments necessary to complete your targeted goal. Otherwise, it's a costly mistake on many fronts. 

Finances

Paying for a masters degree is bound to be a probable factor in your decision. Pursuing graduate school is expensive and a large debt can easily be accumulated. Are you willing, ready and able to take this type of financial obligation on? If not, then graduate school is likely not the right course of action for you. The good news is there are avenues you can pursue to help pay for graduate school. If the idea of an advanced degree is something you're really passionate about, you'll want to explore those options.

Time investment

Other important obligations are a consideration. Ask yourself if you'll be able to balance grad school with your work and family responsibilities? A graduate degree requires a solid commitment of time, just with the reading, writing and projects alone. If this sounds like it might be too demanding, either a part-time or delay of graduate school might be the better option.

Pursuing a graduate degree can be a great path, but be sure to first weigh the pros and cons before you commit. Graduate school is not for everyone. No matter what your decision is, it's a very personal one to make and one that shouldn't be made lightly.