Grad school can seem like a viable option for many, and you may have even heard from several people that, in order to have more success in the job market, a master’s degree or higher is required. While that claim cannot be confirmed or denied, specializing in a specific field could be helpful in narrowing down career options and positions, especially for those in the arts and sciences. That being said, I have heard many people say they want to go to grad school to continue being a student, as they are not ready for the “real world” yet (I have been guilty of thinking this way too!). But grad school is not something to jump into if you are not ready. It is a huge commitment—one that should only be taken on if you truly desire it and believe it to be necessary and beneficial.
The best thing you can do is research. Search for people who have your dream position on LinkedIn and review their educational background. How many of them received a graduate degree? Is there a pattern between those who work at the company and their educational journey? Look at job postings and descriptions that interest you and see the trends in degree requirements. Research the trajectory of your ideal career path and assess whether a master’s degree would be beneficial in elevating your career in the field—or if it’s possible to do so without one. Additionally, research any grants, funds, or scholarships that you could apply to, as sometimes the biggest hurdle for students wanting to pursue higher education is finances.
Having a clear understanding of the specific position you want is extremely beneficial when making a decision and may require you to be selective with roles in your field. Is the role you are after something you are passionate about? Would you be okay with going through additional schooling to get there? It is important to reflect and consider what your aspirations are. Many students also prefer to work before going back to school, which is a helpful option. Having a job, internship, research experience with a professor, being a teaching assistant (TA) for a class, etc., can give you decent exposure to your field and inform you of other possible options and routes to take.
Remember that a master’s degree is not the only form of education you can pursue after undergrad. There are certificate programs, bootcamps, courses, and other initiatives that may be better suited to your career goals instead of committing to 2+ years of school. There is no right or wrong answer to the looming grad school question that undergrads seem to face as soon as they start college. It is a matter of what makes sense for your circumstances and goals. As arts and sciences students, specializing in a field is often key to landing the right job, and more positions than you might think require a graduate degree—so developing a clear understanding of your future goals is essential.
If you decide that grad school is not right for you, that’s okay too—know that no path is linear or the same as anyone else’s. There is also no “right” time to go to grad school, and you definitely do not have to attend right after completing your undergraduate studies.
As always, Starr is here to assist you navigate the process and make the best decision for yourself! All you have to do is schedule a graduate school advisement and career advisement appointment. Additionally, given the financial costs of attending grad school, we strongly recommend visiting Baruch’s Office of National & Prestigious Fellowships to identify potential funding options if you decide grad school is for you.