Why I said ‘No’ to grad school – for now
Posted on April 28, 2009
When you enter that final sprint of your final year at university, you’ve likely already come across the question of graduate school at least a dozen times.
From your counsellor, professors, peers, friends and family – this last one’s always the kicker!
The funny thing is you will have probably already made your decision by the time you turn the corner and have that final sprint in clear view due to application deadlines, approval processes, admissions, etc.
What I detested most about this process was the fact that I had to decide about grad school before I had even graduated. Did I want to keep that plush security net of education? Or, was I willing to rough it?
In reality, there were other factors I took into consideration: time, finances, job experience and overall willingness. With this simplified checklist in mind, I reviewed what I knew to be the next big decision of my life. (Photo credit: Danielle Lorenz)
I chose to rough it.
I finished the fourth year of my undergraduate degree exhausted. I was done with school and all of its affiliations. The absolute last thing I wanted to do was to return for another year (or more).
The key determinant in that decision: change. I wanted and needed it. To be away from the classrooms, textbooks, academic expectations and the like promised to be refreshing – and it was.
Luckily, I was aware enough of my own desires that I was able to succinctly state that grad school was not the right option for me.
In reality, there were other factors I took into consideration: time, finances, job experience and overall willingness. With this simplified checklist in mind, I reviewed what I knew to be the next big decision of my life.
Willingness – Going back to school was a less-than-attractive prospect, so I wasn’t willing.
Job Experience – Depending on the university and the program, previous job experience was a prerequisite which, at the time, was a quality I could not boast.
Finances – I had no money of my own left because it had all gone to my undergrad. Loans were always an option but an additional stress I was not looking forward to shoulder.
Time – At least a year, probably more if I wanted to pursue a more reputable degree (in either Business or English) and, without trying to, I had circled myself back to ‘willingness.’
I was suffering from academic fatigue. I wanted out and I was lucky enough to be offered an amazing marketing job that changed my perspective of it all.
If you’ve been reading my previous articles, you know that I was a victim of recession layoffs. So, that “amazing job” I just mentioned is no more. I have found a new one, though, and I’m still learning but without a textbook in front of me.
Time away from school has bestowed me with greater appreciation. And, oddly enough, I do see myself going back some day. (Where do you see yourself in the next five years? – a golden interview question!)
Will I be:
Simren Deogun, HBA, MBA
or
Simren Deogun, HBA, MA (English)
I guess you and I will have to wait and see…
This article was written by Simren Deogun
8 comments
I think you made the right decision (and it seems that you're aware of that as well). So many students go to grad school because they don't know what else to do. Especially in this economy, many students are turning to grad schools because of how scary the job market seems.
In reality, real life experience is irreplaceable, and it is exceptionally clear in your article that you've massively benefitted from it, even if you are still deciding to ultimately go back to grad school.
For some reason, even before I started university, I always thought I would go to grad school. I've always loved learning. I feel comfortable in a classroom, especially in smaller groups.
However, there are good reasons why I never pursued it and you've outlined most of them here. There's no way I could carry any more student debt than I already do without having a nervous breakdown. And I realized the work I want to do will not become more lucrative if I go to grad school. It's all about, as Lauren said, that real life experience.
And, as I've gotten older, I've come to enjoy doing rather than learning about things. We're all still learning, we're just not paying tens of thousands of dollars to do it and often it's much more rewarding.
Hi Simren,
Thanks for this article. It ironically came at the right time for me where I am deciding whether to go to grad school or not. And as correctly pointed out by you, my decision of going to school is based on the fact that i don't know what to do next. I had the perfect job and the perfect career path planned and it all just blew up and so the next alternative seems like grad school. However as decision time gets closer, I have been debating whether to pursue further studies or not. Regardless thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I'm glad I could help, Saloni. When we're new to our careers, I think the grad school decision is increasingly difficult. We are ultimately uncertain about what the future could hold and that's scary. And just think about where most of us have been for at least the last 16 years — in school!
Weigh out your options Saloni and follow your instincts. I've learned, like Lauren has said, "real life experience is irreplaceable" AND your instincts are usually right.
When I graduated, I was more than ready to leave the scholastic environment for a while. I just needed a break.
To be honest though, I always thought at some point I would be back in school doing an MBA, but after entering the workforce and finding a great fit I am unsure if it would be the right decision.
I am learning more about business in the workplace than I ever could in school…you should really examine your situation before committing the time and money to go to grad school.
Where do I see myself in 5 years? That's a tough question !!!!! Much like Daniel I became somewhat allergic to what he calls the "scholastic environment" towards the end of my lengthy run at Dalhousie University. Training to become a Political Scientist had become emotionally draining. Like Daniel I NEEDED a break. As a kid my passion was golf. I wanted to continue to grow my mind and continue in the safety net that being a student provided, however I wanted to study something that ACTUALLY interested me. So, I decided to continue my eduction in more of a niche capacity. I recently graduated from The Golf Academy of America with a degree in Golf Complex Operations. My point is this. Sometimes people get caught up in the three letters behind their name. Whether it be MBA or PHD they strive for the status that these letters provide. In the end they've taken out loans, given away three years of income, and still aren't sure what they want to do. I guess I feel like you should make sure that the program you choose is going to put you in a position to be more attractive to the potential employers you are seeking, and also help lead you towards a defined career path. In today's economy, be sure to evaluate exactly what benefits going to graduate school will provide before diving in head first.
Hi Saloni,
I replied to your comment a couple of days ago but it seems to have disappeared! I wanted to say that I understand how difficult this decision can be. When we are new to to our careers it can be hard to decide whether we're ready to pursue the workforce head on or opt for further education.
Ultimately, you should listen to your instincts (I've learned that they ARE more often than not the right way to go). And what Lauren has said is correct — "real life experience is irreplaceable" — so don't give up on that perfect job if that's where your heart is. Weigh out the options and use TalentEgg as a sounding board!
Great advice Nolan. Those 3 letters have a lot of power and are marketed to be more attractive to both prospective students and employers. I think what I've learned from opting to work is that if I do go back to school it'll be about acquiring those 3 letters for myself first and everyone else later.
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