Education
Gripping the Realities of Graduate School A
ccording to a 2009 study by the U.S. Census Bureau, less than 5 percent of
the U.S. population has a graduate degree. The post-recession economy has placed increased pressure on job-seekers and working professionals to join this minori- ty and gain a leg up on the competition. However, many prospective graduate stu- dents still need assistance in deciding whether they should attend graduate school. “In today’s competitive job market, candidates need to add value to their pro- spective employer’s business and tell them exactly how they intend to do it,” said Nelly C. Leon, M.S., senior career advisor at DeVry University. “Many would argue that master’s degree holders are more pro- ficient at delivering that value.” Nevertheless, before prospective grad
students begin forecasting the potential salary and prestige an advanced degree may bring, it is important that they con- sider why they want the degree and how they will utilize it to get ahead. “Some students want a graduate degree
to help them launch their own business, while others are more concerned with ac- celerating their career trajectory or be- coming a better manager,” said Eddie R. Wachter, Ph.D., dean of academic affairs at DeVry University. “Potential graduate students need to decide how their desired degree will help them become a more competent and respected leader.” It is imperative that professionals con- sider the following: „ How will a graduate degree help me? Many job-seekers aspire to earn a graduate degree without analyzing the most-needed skills in their industry. A graduate degree, in itself, does not bring opportunity. It is important to gauge where a graduate degree will be beneficial and how it should be utilized.
„ What type of graduate program do I need? Program offerings are a vital component of this decision. Prospec- tive students should ask themselves the following: Do I need to work
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full-time while enrolled? Do I need a school with year-round evening and weekend classes as well as flexible online degree options so I can finish quickly? Schools such as DeVry University give students the chance to earn a master’s degree on a persona- lized schedule without affecting their lifestyle.
„ Will my graduate education pay off? Many job-seekers neglect researching how long it will take them to pay for their education. While some employ- ers offer tuition reimbursement pro- grams, many graduate students pay for their own education. Earning a gra- duate degree must benefit the student both professionally and financially.
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„ How will I balance my schedule? Ba- lancing responsibilities is challenging without the added pressure of pursu- ing a master’s degree. Prospective students should establish a support system to help them balance the de- mands of higher education. Prospective graduate students need to
honestly weigh all of their options and motivations while deciding whether to pursue a graduate degree. However, with proper planning, a graduate degree can catapult professionals to new career heights, reveal exciting growth opportuni- ties and give young professionals and their business a clear competitive advan- tage.
Source: NewsUSA The Black E.O.E. Journal
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