As soon as I committed to attending Anderson University for my undergraduate degree, I started agonizing about where I would go to graduate school. (I am many things; chill is not one of them.)

Ultimately, my agonizing led me to Duke Divinity School, where I study theology of the arts. My path to graduate school was not a straight line, and I still can’t guarantee how the journey will end, but I can certainly share my train of thought with the hope that you might feel less alone in your struggle.

Without further ado, here are the 3 questions I asked myself (and my classmates, my professors, my parents, and my neighbor’s dog) before committing to attend graduate school. 

1. What are my values for this next season of life?

As you prepare to graduate college and start something new, you are entering a new season of life. What that season of life looks like is completely up to you, and all of the options can seem overwhelming. By deciding on your values for the next few years, you can set some parameters for what options you’re considering.

For example, when I graduated from AU, one of my primary values was remaining with the community I’d already built in my 4 years of undergrad. I struggle with too much change at once, and I knew I didn’t want to move somewhere new immediately after graduation. This led me to only consider local or low-residency graduate programs, which narrowed my scope and made it easier for me to choose. 

Alternatively, one of my college roommate’s greatest values in her post-grad life was working with an expert in her field. There are very few historians studying the medieval period, and she knew she wanted to gain in-person experience researching and studying. This led her to select a program across the country in Texas that aligned with her values. 

Or, like my husband Jared, your primary value after graduation might be gaining experience in your field. He took a job in tech at a company he loves and he is learning more about the industry every day. Graduate school might be right for him one day, but it does not currently align with his values. 

Your values for the next season of your life might include staying close to home, working with a faith-based organization, having a flexible schedule, or being able to work from home. No matter what matters to you, there is sure to be a program or organization that fits your preferences. 

2. What is the expectation for someone in my field?

The second question to ask when considering whether to attend grad school is more industry-specific. Different fields have different expectations for what degrees an entry-level employee should possess. For example, another one of my roommates graduated from Anderson and immediately enrolled in law school. An undergraduate degree alone is not enough to practice as a lawyer, you need to obtain a Juris Doctorate degree. Therefore, her choice to continue her education was simple.

I chose to enroll in graduate school for similar reasons. I hope to teach at the college level one day, and most college professors hold terminal degrees in their field. I knew that, if I wanted to teach, I would need to continue my education. 

If the expectation for a professional in your field, especially an entry-level professional, is that they would hold a graduate degree, then it might be wise to enroll in graduate school.

If a graduate education is your next right step but you don’t have the time or money to commit to a Master’s degree, then you might want to consider pursuing certifications in your field. Certifications at the graduate level can be a great way to increase your value as an employee without breaking the bank. For example, Anderson University offers certificates in Coding and App Development, Healthcare Management, Human Resources Management, Online and Mobile Learning, Organizational Leadership, and Supply Chain Management and Logistics. 

3. How will a graduate degree affect my career outcomes long-term?

The final question to ask before enrolling in grad school has to do with your future. Some graduate degrees are not necessary for obtaining an entry level position, but nevertheless set you up to excel in your career. For example, a graduate degree can set you apart from other candidates when applying for promotions or leadership positions. Additionally, graduate education can be a great opportunity to broaden your skill set. By expanding your knowledge base beyond only what you studied in undergrad, you become a more well-rounded candidate who can compete in various fields. 

To learn more about how a graduate degree will affect your long-term career outcomes, meet with someone with more experience in your field. Many professionals are happy to share advice with those who are just starting out, and their wisdom can be invaluable in your decision making process.

Ultimately, the decision concerning whether or not to pursue graduate education is a highly personal one. It can be difficult to discern your next right step, and Anderson University has tools to help. 

A career counselor at Anderson University’s Center for Career Development (CCD) would be happy to meet with you to discuss graduate school and other options. To schedule an appointment, click here.

The Center for Career Development has also created a guide for students preparing to apply to graduate school. To access the guide, click here. 

Additionally, The CCD is hosting an event helping students with their graduate school applications on Monday, February 17th! The event will feature Dr. Tori Dalzell from AU’s Graduate Writing Hub. For more information, keep an eye on the Center for Career Development’s Instagram page!

If, like me, you value remaining with the community you’ve built throughout undergrad, check out Anderson University’s graduate programs here. Many of these programs are also available in a hybrid or fully remote format, and may have options for you to continue your education at Anderson University without reapplying. For example, Anderson has a program for students to obtain their Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degree in only four years. For more information, talk to your advisor.

No matter where your journey takes you, we will always be cheering you on. We are proud of you, Trojans!