Is Grad School In Your Future?
Picture it. You are in your senior year at university. That big graduation date is rapidly approaching. On the one hand, you are glad to finally be rewarded for the years of hard work you have put into earning your degree, but on the other hand, you are feeling somewhat apprehensive as the million dollar question flashes across your mind: “What should I do next?”
If this describes you, may I suggest that grad school could be in your future.
“But is grad school really for me?” The question triggers a lot of factors to consider. The decision is up to you, but here are some thoughts to consider:
- Evaluate your goals: Does the additional degree justify the extra time and money spent? Consider your reasons for wanting to earn this degree.
- Evaluate your interests: Does the prospect of conducting focused research towards a specific goal for a period of approximately two years appeal to you?
- Evaluate your motivation: Given that grad school tends to be less structured than undergrad, ask yourself if you are self-motivated and able to work independently in an environment of relatively little supervision.
“But should I go into grad studies right away, or take some time off first to work or travel?” Points to consider:
- Burn out factor: If you are tired of school and feeling drained, consider taking some time off from school before pursuing any further education.
- Money matters: Any student loans that need to be paid off? Working for awhile to save money first might be one way to go, or working while studying might be another option.
- Losing the ‘edge’: In some fields like physics and engineering, the longer the time spent away from school, the more techniques and skills one tends to forget.
- Experience: Depending on your situation and goals, you may wish to consider gaining experience by working for a while before heading back to school to further your education and career.
“But what should I look for in a grad school and prospective supervisor?” Again, there are a number of important considerations here:
- Reputation: At the graduate level, choosing a prestigious school if possible can be a fairly significant consideration.
- Scholarships: Check out the scholarship and teaching stipends offered by a variety of schools.
- Prof with whom you can get along: Remember you will be working very closely with your supervising prof for two years or more.
- Reasonable demands: If you contact a prospective supervisor and are told that you will be expected to labor away twenty-four hours a day seven days a week and are to focus on your research even in your dreams at night, perhaps you should consider finding another supervisor.
- Interesting subject matter: Since you will spend a lot of time learning and thinking about a very specific subject, be sure that you enjoy the material!
The decisions related to your program of grad studies are up to you, but given some careful forethought and investigation of the different options available, you can make these important life-decisions with confidence.
Peter is a Masters student at the University of Saskatchewan in sunny skies Saskatoon, SK, Canada. Copyright 2003 iamnext.com. May not be used without permission.
Related reading:
- Defining the purpose of your life can help with making decisions
- Goals: what are you aiming for?
- Finding significance in your work