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Lately I've been seeing a lot of my peers talking about studying for the GREs, picking our graduate programs, applying to them, and so forth.
And here I am...who dropped grad school as an option when I decided not to pursue the career path I wanted to before.
I'm thinking...is it just me or does it seem like everyone is doing something grad-school related??? I posted a Facebook status about it, and a few of my friends bascially replied that grad school has become the new college?
When did this happen??? Now I'm unsure of what to do since right now I have no idea what degree I would get, and right now I'm just as unsure of what my career plans are.
I don't know how much basis that grad school is the new college. I'm practically finished with my grad program and it seems like continuing education vs. anything "special".
I think currently a lot of people are probably considering graduate school because the job market is so bad. In some cases it's not a bad plan; if you get a great funding package and emerge in a couple of years with an advanced degree and no additional debt, for example. That's only if you know what you want to do, though.
If you don't know what you want to do DON'T go to graduate school. Save it for down the road when you do know what you want (if it's necessary).
I don't think it's the new college, it's probably just more your set of friends/colleagues. I am in grad school now, in my mid-40s, after years of a different career and then staying home to have kids.....it took me a while to come to the point of truly knowing what I wanted to do. I had attempted grad school 15 years ago in a different field, and am glad I didn't pursue it. The time and money spent on it wouldn't have been wise.
Grad school became the new college when the opportunity for advancement and the starting salary for college graduates became the equivalent of high school graduates.
Lately I've been seeing a lot of my peers talking about studying for the GREs, picking our graduate programs, applying to them, and so forth.
And here I am...who dropped grad school as an option when I decided not to pursue the career path I wanted to before.
I'm thinking...is it just me or does it seem like everyone is doing something grad-school related??? I posted a Facebook status about it, and a few of my friends bascially replied that grad school has become the new college?
When did this happen??? Now I'm unsure of what to do since right now I have no idea what degree I would get, and right now I'm just as unsure of what my career plans are.
It happened when we dummied down college because we decided everyone should go to college. Today, a liberal arts degree isn't much more than a high school diploma in the 1950's. So, everyone gets more education to set themselves apart. I'm, seriously, thinking about going back for a PhD because I don't feel my masters sets me apart. It seemed everyone had a masters or was working on one when I was an engineer and now that I'm teaching, with continuing education requirements, everyone either has or is working on a masters.
Look on the bright side. We've created lots of college teaching jobs and job security.
When a BS/BA became easier to attain do to greater financial award packages master's degrees became the new college. Hate to say it, but so many people have a BS/BA now they don't mean as much. A lot of employers will hire you with a BS/BA, but you are requires to attain your master's with in so many years, usually 3. I understand making college affordable to everyone, and I think it's a great idea. However there is the law of supply and demand. With the number of people out there with a BS/BA they are less valuable.
Uptown Urbanist hit the nail on the head. It's all about the poor economy. There are less jobs so people are going to grad school to (1) make themselves more competitive, and (2) wait out the recession. Whether grad school is right for you depends on your major and personal finances. Don't go to grad school because you see a trend of others doing it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by uptown_urbanist
I think currently a lot of people are probably considering graduate school because the job market is so bad. In some cases it's not a bad plan; if you get a great funding package and emerge in a couple of years with an advanced degree and no additional debt, for example. That's only if you know what you want to do, though.
If you don't know what you want to do DON'T go to graduate school. Save it for down the road when you do know what you want (if it's necessary).
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