Should I go to Grad School?
So you’re wondering whether graduate school is right for you?
The answer to this question depends entirely on you.
It could be that you need a graduate degree as a basic qualification for your desired profession. For example, some social work positions require a master’s degree, while others do not. However, regardless of the profession, a master’s degree or even a PhD will give you a real advantage.
You will first need to do some research to find out what credentials are required for the professions that interest you. A good way to do this is to talk with people in the field.
Many people now say that a master’s degree is the new undergraduate degree. So you may decide that a graduate degree would give you a leg up over undergrad alumni. This could improve your chances of landing a job in your career of choice or open up a number of additional options in other areas.
Employers are looking for well-rounded individuals not just experts on a specific topic. In its Employability Skills report, the Conference Board of Canada suggests that skills such as communication, problem-solving, managing information or teamwork are necessary in almost any job. Graduate school helps you further develop these skills, and more.
At Carleton, we offer a series of workshops just for graduate students that helps them to develop their professional skills and enhance their employability. There are workshops on subjects such as: project management, team building, communication skills, how to use social media, time management, giving effective presentations, etc.
While pursuing your undergraduate degree, you may have become interested by a particular area of research. If so, you might want to pursue a graduate program in order to focus on solving that burning research question. Or, if a thesis or research essay program is not for you, you may want to explore a course-based master’s option.
Carleton’s grad school is one of the most experiential in the province. Different programs offer options such as field work, internships, co-ops or practicums within the private and non-profit sectors. Employers look for this kind of direct experience when they review your resumé. Also, when you graduate, you can call on contacts you make during these work placements to network and look for work.
A graduate degree may be the right investment for your future!
For a complete listing of Carleton’s graduate programs, visit our website.
Application Insider provides prospective students with a series of tips on how to apply to graduate school. The series is based on Carleton’s application policies, but the information can be useful in all graduate school applications. You can view the complete series here.
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Sunday, September 29, 2019 in Application Insider, News
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