Grad School Overview

Some people go straight to graduate school after college while others choose to gain a few years work experience first. Still others may not have considered grad school until an unexpected period of unemployment or the desire to change career path makes it a sensible option.

Career Placement

Whether or not a Masters is right for you may depend on the overall competitiveness of the field you wish to enter. In some cases, a Masters may be a requirement for even entry level positions as is the case with many positions within the United Nations.

In other situations, a Masters may not be stricly necessary but getting one may make you stand out from a crowd of applicants who have only a Bachelor’s to offer.

Sometimes, when there are simply no jobs to be had after completing the Bachelors and it would be better to sit for a Master than to be ungainfully unemployed. At least you are using your time constructively instead of just treading water.

Career advancement

Some people feel like a Master will better their skills or significantly increase their network. Additionally, many employers value advanced degrees and reward people who complete their graduate studies with higher level positions. Master degree holders are typically considered more knowledgeable with a greater network. Many companies actively encourage their employees to get a master and even sponsor them. So if you are considering a career change, make sure to check with your employer whether they will sponsor the program.

Career change

A master degree sometimes means a new opportunity to get started in a new field. Many employers have a separate admission process for master candidates, which mean you can get a chance to start fresh in a new industry. Whether you are an investment banker now seeking a career in teaching or a teacher looking to start a career in finance, getting your master can give you a second chance.

Desire to Learn

Sometimes getting a master is purely personal and pursued for the sole purpose of learning more about a particular topic of interest. Due to the relatively high cost of obtaining a master and significant time commitment, getting a master strictly for intellectual growth requires a certain level of financial flexibility.

There are hundreds of master programs in almost every area one can think of. Though not all programs are available at every school, with a bit of research and some due diligence you should be able to find the program that is right for you. You will also need to decide on whether to take a part time program which is usually completed in 4 to 6 years but can be faster with a combination of evening, weekend and summer classes or fulltime, in which case you can even be finished in two years.

Part-Time program

 Advantages:
- More scheduling flexibility, makes it easier for people working full time
- Easier on the wallet for those wishing to pay per classes
- Candidate may qualify for employers sponsorship

Disadvantages:
- Not available at all schools
- More difficult to make the most of networking opportunities
- Usually takes longer to complete than a full time program

Full- Time program

Advantages:
- Available at most universities with a master program
- Ideal to establish strong networks
- Only takes about 2 years to complete

Disadvantages:
- Requires students to follow a full schedule, less flexibility
- Cost is higher, which might be an issue for those wishing to pay per classes
- Usually not sponsored by employers