How to Make the Most of Graduate School

Recent undergraduates often wonder if graduate school might be a wise investment. Many argue that an advanced degree will bring higher lifetime earnings, career advancement, greater responsibilities, and other benefits. It may do that, but there are also many costs. Here is some advice based on more than a decade coaching young people about their career and graduate school.

1. Don’t go to graduate school unless you have a clear goal. I’ve seen too many people pursue education beyond a bachelor’s degree without seriously considering why they are going and how they will use their degree. Graduate school is not a place to explore new horizons and “find yourself.” If you are unsure of your career path, it will benefit you to gain experience in a field instead of accumulating debt and knowledge you may or may not use. I almost went to NYU to study political science right out of undergraduate, but I’m glad I didn’t because I didn’t have a plan.

2. If you pursue graduate studies, consider working a few years first. Work experience will complement your graduate studies because you can better understand theory when you have several years of practical experience. I started a Master’s degree at George Mason University in nonprofit management after more than five years of experience in the field. Many times I was more engaged in the curriculum than students who had no work experience.

3. Do something outside the classroom to supplement your learning. If you do continue studies, find others who are undertaking a similar course or activities that contribute to your learning. Seek practical projects and study subjects to use in your current or future job. While studying nonprofit management, I was able to analyze the organization where I worked to present a strategic plan and measurement framework.

4. Target your studies on the most beneficial subjects with strategic advisors. If you do continue studying, find a professor you like at a compatible university instead of attending any college without knowing the faculty with whom you will work. Through networking and research, find professors who have a broad network that can help you land a job in their field.

Each field is different and each person has a different career path. This advice may or may not be applicable to your personal situation, but it should help guide your thinking about graduate school.

Roger Custer is executive director of America’s Future.