OPS Newsletters
As a parent, being informed about the options your student has after graduation will allow you to provide support, advice and understanding for them. Often a graduate will have a very difficult decision to make: whether to go on to a graduate school or to go straight into the workforce to begin his/her career. The information compiled below comes from a variety of professionals who advise that either choice is acceptable, depending on your student’s chosen field.
The Ups and Downs of Graduate School
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Having a master's degree often leads to better-paying jobs and more interesing work.
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In many professions, an advanced degree is required to work in the field.
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In applied disciplines, where students are trained to do a specific job, students are often encouraged to gain experience before enrolling in a graduate program. This helps applicants decide whether they are suited to their chosen careers.
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If a student chooses to go to graduate school, this should happen because he/she truly enjoys the chosen field and wants to make it a career, not because he/she does not know what else to do or is waiting for something better to come along.
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Even if your student finds a good job after graduation, they can still attend graduate school part-time. Be aware, however, that some schools may use faculty with less teaching experience for their part-time curriculums. Look for schools that have the same professors teaching both part-time and full-time programs.
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If your student has difficulty with graduate school and must withdraw, he/she may have trouble applying to other graduate schools in the future.
The Ups and Downs of Entering The Workforce
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Working for a year or two can help your student become more settled emotionally. He/she can still take a graduate course or two to see how these programs actually feel, or do volunteer work in a field they may consider for further study.
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Getting a job may be the answer if your student is "burned out" on school or is still unsure of what field to pursue.
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New research has shown that employers are hiring far fewer college graduates than a few years ago, and some students feel that going on to graduate school will help them "sit out" the bad job market.
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Some college graduates may want to take time out to enjoy life before making serious career decisions. Your student now has the time to travel, read, explore and engage in other activities he/she might not have had time for during the undergraduate experience. Taking a year or two may lead to clearer thinking and will give them the maturity and direction they need to choose a career that will pass the test of time.
Whichever choice your student makes - graduate school or work right after college - parents are an important emotional (and sometimes financial) support throughout this transition. Listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and encouraging students to make the right choice for them will help both parties feel successful.