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5 Signs You Shouldn't Enroll in Graduate School
By Bridget Kulla, edited by Kathryn Knight
September 03, 2008
There are good reasons to go to grad school – to pursue an interest you’re highly engaged with or to take the next step necessary to meet your career goals. There are also bad reasons to go to grad school. Think twice about earning an advanced degree if one of your primary motivations for going to grad school falls into one of the following categories.
1. You’re not thrilled about your current job.
It’s easy to fantasize about leaving your less-than-dream job and going to graduate school. If your motivation for going to graduate school is more to escape your unfulfilling job than because you want to pursue an interest that you are passionate about, you should reconsider. Rather, assess whether it’s your job or career that needs a change.
2. You’re having trouble finding a job.
You’ve sent countless resumes, sat through dozens of interviews, and still haven’t been offered a job that excites you. If you lack valuable experience, it may take time to land a job in your field. An advanced degree won’t necessarily solve all your employment issues. It could be more worthwhile to continue your job search.
3. You really like academics.
You like taking classes, you like interacting with other students and professors, you even like studying. Just because you enjoy being a student, doesn’t mean pursuing a career in academia is the best idea. If you enjoy academics but don’t have a clear sense of what you want to study or what your chances for a fulfilling career in academia are, take time to weigh other options.
4. Everyone’s doing it.
Your roommate is sending in applications, your old lab partner just finished their first semester at grad school — it seems like everyone is earning an advanced degree. You may not have been considering graduate school before, but now it seems like you’ll be left behind if you don’t. Are you making a mistake entering the job market? Probably not. Enrolling in grad school right now might not be the best decision for your career and academic goals.
5. Your parents want you to go.
Many parents take an active role in their children’s educational and career decisions. Your parents’ influence may be subtle or could be more in-your-face, but don’t let them decide your future for you. Figure out whether the career you’re considering — and the advanced degree that goes with it — is your idea or your parents.’
EmilyS2245
over 1 year ago
I wish I went from undergrad to graduate school right away, my BA was useless and I can't be in my field (Eldercare) without a Master's. This year I wanted to work to save up money, but all I could get were retail jobs and that's barely covering my expenses, let alone saving anything for grad school.
So, yes, my reasons to go to grad school are 1,2, and 3, with a little bit of 5. 4 just proves that they were right when they decided to jump into grad school.
eagle1sdc
over 1 year ago
That's all well and good. But what if your Masters IS your first degree. I was admitted into a graduate program after 20 years working in my field of study and some undergraduate credit. For me, this will change my life and take me to the next step in my career. Is that such a bad idea?
BamfoA
over 1 year ago
its amazing these same reasons are the ones pushing me to grad school..omG..can u then come out with the top 5 reasons to enroll...
samihala
over 1 year ago
Well the reason I am going with is due to reason # 1 I am not thrilled about my job. I also realized that my undergard degree is completely worthless_ especialy these days when the competion is ever stronger.
Beacongrown
almost 2 years ago
But what if the reason I can not find a job is because I don't have a graduate degree. a lot of the jobs I am interested in require an advanced degree.
NyaepuN
almost 2 years ago
I am going because of #2,4 AND 5. I graduated in December and I have been applying at different companies and I still can't get a job. It is so furstracting.
CT512
about 2 years ago
Sooo...you're saying...
1. Not being satisfied with your current career
2. Not having the skills to either find work or rise in the "ladder"
3. Personally engaging and enjoying difficult academics
4. Being competitive in an increasingly competitive market
5. Your parents being a willing safety net
..are all reasons to think twice about a graduate education? Where black college graduates in many areas have more difficulty finding work than whites with only a high school education?
Clearly, life's been good to you, the article's author, and whomever agrees with this. Frankly, certain communities shouldn't hear this, and considering that much of the educated talent will be coming from Asia during this next century...American students shouldn't pay this much mind either. That is...if you want a job after your education's completed, or some skills to find a career that allows you to save for retirement given that Social Security with fizzle in the next 25 years.
Education is never a bad thing...taking the wrong advice, on the other hand, always is.
MarquiseV
over 2 years ago
Many continue just to avoid paying prior school loans!
PheniasB
over 2 years ago
The world is being developped through knowledge
RobertRwangP
over 2 years ago
I really love research in my field,but the scholarship is not forth coming to we African graduates, any chance i will not mind.
NilsaD
over 2 years ago
Reasons 1-3 are why I chose grad school. I was out of a real job for a year, the industry I worked in was diminishing rapidly (construction) and temping was not making my career goals a reality. I chose a one year graduate program as a way to ride out the recession and build my credentials. I mean, if I'm going to be broke and unemployed, I might as well be broke, unemployed and getting a grad degree. The projects I have worked on and my internships during grad school have BOOSTED my qualifications ten-fold. I now have an extensive portfolio of work that I can show potential employers. You accomplish more in grad school than just getting a degree, the work is generally more specialized and that's why a lot of employers will waive a few years experience in lieu of a graduate degree. I have applied to a few jobs and have gotten called back for interviews, something that was not happening before. So overall I believe it was a good choice, even if for the "wrong reasons".
CurtH16
over 2 years ago
And the TOP 5 reasons to go to grad school are??