Do This, Before Applying To A Graduate Program

Let’s make it simple – before applying to a graduate program, decide what job you want after graduation.  It will help you avoid a very costly mistake.  By doing this one thing, you will be able to more accurately determine the return on investment and plan your program to reach your goals.  Here is why…

First, it tells me if the degree is even needed.  I can’t tell you the number of times students have determined their career goal after starting a program and found out that the degree is not required for the field that interests them.  Not that a job is the only reason for a degree but it can help you determine the real cost of the education.

Next, if the degree is needed, it will help you to determine the specific classes you should take in your program.  You will be able to do a gap analysis to determine what experiences you are missing to obtain the position.  Through course work and internships, you will be able to fill these gaps and build your resume.

Second, students ask me all the time what the average salary is coming out of the program.  It doesn’t matter!  It is what the position you are seeking is worth that matters.  If you can tell me what you want to do, where you want to do it, and in what industry, I will give you an accurate salary range.  This in turn, helps you to determine your return on investment immediately after the degree.

Some of my students will even argue that it is a wonderful opportunity to explore your career options.  My response – super expensive way to explore options.  And, I find that most people get caught up in academic deadlines and are exposed to options presented in their classes, gaining very limited insight into their career.

A good example of why this fails is a recent student of mine discovered at the end of his program his ideal career through an alumni panel.  Unfortunately, he did not take the appropriate classes that would lead him to his destination.  So, he is now volunteering to get the necessary experience, while working in a job that is not his ideal path.  If he had just thought about it before starting, he would have had taken the right classes and participated in an internship to land the position he really wanted.

Finally, it will guide you on the best program to apply for your interests.  No secret, I work at a big name university and I will tell you – it is not always the best option.  It does lend prestige to your resume but bottom-line it is a degree like any other — to be checked off by human resources, as a requirement for the job.

So as graduate application season is now upon us, save yourself a lot of money, time and headaches by spending time to think about jobs that really interest you.