Author: Roshini Sanakkayala, Graduate Assistant & Career Coach
“Should I go to graduate school or enter my career field after graduating?” This is the common question among soon to graduate undergraduate students. The difficulty in answering this question remains within each individual's ability to understand what they want to accomplish in their personal and professional lives. As a graduate student myself, the journey of deciding to pursue higher education was both challenging and exhilarating. Let us embark together on the pros and cons of going to grad school versus pursuing work opportunities after graduation.
Let me first address the elephant in the room that is on several of our minds, “In this difficult job market, is it better to just get my masters before trying to find a job?” Although it might seem more advantageous to pursue a master’s instead of grappling with the current job market, there are several components to consider before making that decision. Let’s break down the differences between choosing to do a master’s and choosing to work after graduation.
Master’s After Graduation
Pros to pursuing graduate studies:
- Gaining more specialized knowledge
- Networking with people in your field
- Potential promotion when entering the job market
Cons to pursuing graduate studies:
- Delay in gaining experience in your field
- Financial burden; might not be able to work during the semester
- Not knowing what to specialization in
As the Northeastern University Graduate Programs article points out (Northeastern University Graduate Programs, 2024), limited or no work experience can lead to uncertainty about which aspects of your career you find most enjoyable and rewarding. This lack of clarity may leave you unsure about what to specialize in when you decide to pursue a master’s. But if you are confident in your chosen path, it can enhance your resume and position you for competitive roles.
Financial considerations are another crucial factor in deciding to pursue a master’s according to The Princeton Review’s (The Princeton Review, n.d.) article on grad school. Think about how you plan to fund your education and whether you’ll work during the semester—whether through internships, part-time, or full-time work. Keep in mind that some may find it challenging to balance work and study, depending on the program's demands and duration.
Networking is one of the most significant benefits of pursuing a master’s degree. Graduate programs often provide ample opportunities to connect with peers, faculty, and industry professionals. These connections can lead to mentorships, internships, and job opportunities after graduation. Engaging with fellow students can foster collaboration on projects and expose you to diverse perspectives and expertise.
Professional Work After Graduation
Pros of working after graduation:
- Entering the career field right away and gaining experience
- Being able to make and save money
- Opportunity to learn what you like and don’t like in your field (honing in on your preferences)
Cons of working after graduation:
- Stagnation in career advancement
- Networking limitations
- Not being able to return to school if you wanted to in the future
As the Northeastern University Graduate Programs article summarized (Northeastern University Graduate Programs, 2024), working in a professional role related to your degree after graduation can provide valuable insight into the typical tasks you'll encounter and the challenges involved in managing them. This exposure can reinforce your reasons for choosing this career path or may even convince you to change it altogether, helping you get closer to a fulfilling professional journey.
Another important aspect to consider is the potential for stagnation in career advancement. It’s essential to think beyond entry-level and mid-level positions and consider what qualifications are necessary for higher roles in your field. While starting to work immediately after graduation can provide a steady income, ask yourself: will you be able to continue receiving promotions and advancing in your career, or will you eventually need to return to school to qualify for those higher-level positions?
As you approach graduation, focus on your future success, making sure to consider where you’d like to be down the road, not just your immediate outlook. The journey ahead will be bumpy and unique for everyone, but taking the time now to reflect on your long-term career aspirations can set you on a path toward greater fulfillment and achievement and your future self will thank you for it.
Reference List
Northeastern University Graduate Programs. (2024, July 10). Should I Work Before Grad School. https://graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/should-i-work-before-grad-school/
Princeton Review. (n.d.). Should You Go to Grad School Right After Undergrad? https://www.princetonreview.com/grad-school-advice/should-you-go-to-grad-school-right-after-undergrad