Related Links:

Other Stories in Business & Government:

Many college students are enjoying the best four to five years of their lives. The college years are all about freedom, partying, and studying. College is intended to help you build a better future. However, as college students enter their junior and senior years the question of what to do after college begins to be asked. Should they pursue graduate school right after college or wait? So what are these young and determined college students supposed to do?

College students who are looking to pursue graduate school must ask themselves one basic question: are they are sure about their career goal? Some students are inclined to work after they obtain their college degree and change their career goal after getting a feel of the work environment. Michelle Phillips, a psychology major at The College of New Jersey, believes that the decision to go to graduate school right after college, “depends on the student and whether or not you feel that you can handle graduate school right after you finish your undergraduate work.” However, some college students are able to handle graduate school after they finish but they wait to attend because they incur debt. These students tend to seek employment instead of advanced degrees.

Nonetheless, this is not a bad decision because they often find employment in major corporations that have tuition assistance programs as a part of the job’s benefits package. These particular programs allow employees to take courses and receive master’s degrees at nearby colleges and universities while they advance their careers. Numerous corporations provide 100 percent assistance for tuition and fees for credit courses. These programs enable employees to gain financial footing while earning a graduate degree.

In addition, if you have a weak G.P.A., then pursuing graduate school right after undergraduate school may not be a good idea. Instead, your work credentials can enhance your qualifications. Admissions offices of professional schools usually pay attention to your work background. If you are a college student and not quite ready to attend graduate school there are some advantages to waiting and choosing to work instead.

On the other hand, choosing to attend graduate school directly after undergraduate school can have some perks as well. Jasmine Bivins, who is currently a biology major at TCNJ, said, “If I take a year off from school then I won’t have the motivation to go back.” For many students who attend graduate school right away, one advantage is that you get it out of the way and you won’t have to worry about going back to school later on in life. Another advantage is that if you are looking for a career change because you were not happy with your undergraduate major then going to graduate school immediately is the way to go. Finally, the average worker with a bachelor’s degree will earn less money than someone with a master’s degree

Even though there are many advantages to either waiting or directly pursing graduate school after undergraduate school there can also be some drawbacks. For instance, students who choose to wait to further their education may not have the motivation to go back to school. Therefore, this may shorten the distance you are able to climb up the career ladder. Furthermore, those students who plan on attending graduate school right away may not really know if the particular career they are pursing in graduate school is for them. As a result, the student ends up wasting time and money.

The decision of whether or not to pursue graduate school now or later can be difficult. This is a decision that will ultimately determine your future. If you are a college student who knows what career you would like to pursue in life or a student who wants to become a doctor or lawyer then graduate school right away is perfect for you. However, if you are still uncertain of what career is right for you and you need a break from school then it is better for you to wait, work and continue to explore your options. Perhaps the expression that it is better to be safe than sorry may offer some advice to those college students who are still pondering the question of graduate school. Do the research and ask around to find advice on furthering your education. Remember, these are just suggestions and points to think of when considering grad school. So while you decide on the future keep in mind that the college years are supposed to be the best years of your life.