With graduation on the horizon, many of you are struggling to decide if you should stay in school to further your education or take a break before pursuing a graduate degree. There is no simple answer, I think it could go either way depending YOU and your circumstances.
So which advice would I give you?
You should stay in school!
Late Bloomer: Perhaps you got a late start, and took time off after high school to travel or work. This life experience may have given you a greater appreciation for your education; however, it came with the challenges of being a more mature student, struggling with the life and work balance. In this case, taking time off could be a “sand trap” where you easily get caught up in the day to day, and postpone the education and training you’ll need to get ahead or realize your dream.
Specializations: If you are going into a profession which requires certification, licensing, or practical training (teaching practicum, internship, etc), it can add anywhere from 6 months to two years to your educational training. If you’re eager to get to work, then you should consider going directly into a graduate program.
Time and Money: These are essential elements for an education so if you have the time and money, you should consider going directly into a graduate program. Once you are out in the world, working and paying bills, access to time and money will only decrease.
You should go and take a break!
Undecided: Graduate school is about honing an expertise. If you are not exactly sure which profession you would like to be an expert in, then you may want to consider taking time off. You can use that time to get your feet wet in your field of interest, gain some experience, and research professional and educational opportunities and niches.
Life Experience: Perhaps you went straight from high school to college or university, and feel as though there is some life out there you need to live. I think the more you understand about the world, life, or your intended profession, the more impact your graduate education will have.
Once in a Lifetime: Sometimes life offers us a rare opportunity to experience something new, unique, or less likely to happen in our lives. If you’ve been offered one, I’d consider taking it. One thing I’ve learned in life is that most of those opportunities don’t come twice, and the older you get the more rare they are and they more challenging they are to accept.
If you choose to take a break, I strongly encourage you to have a plan so that whatever you do with your time off can be used to develop your graduate school application. For suggestions scroll down to read the 5 tips in the Graduation Looming? posted earlier.
Whichever road you take, be sure to seek counsel from a trusted friend, mentor, or family member so you consider all of the alternatives and options.
Whichever road you take, be sure to seek counsel from a trusted friend, mentor, or family member so you consider all of the alternatives and options.
Leave a Reply