Career Development

Pursuing a graduate degree allows an individual to obtain specialized knowledge or skills in either an academic or professional setting. In an academic setting, graduate students are often required to conduct some form of research in a particular area of study. In a professional setting, graduate students acquire knowledge and skills for a particular profession.

In either setting, there are three basic types of graduate degrees: Master's, specialist, and doctorate. A student can obtain a Master's degree in nearly every field; a specialist degree is usually in addition to a Master's program in order for an individual to obtain additional licensure or certification; and a doctorate program often requires an individual to pursue original research or practice their knowledge and skills in a professional work environment.

Making the decision to attend graduate school can be a difficult decision to make. Many students go to graduate school because it seems like an appropriate next step, but this may not be the case for everyone. In fact, the Cap and Gown Survey results for the Kalamazoo College Class of 2007 revealed that only 35 percent of the graduating class intended to attend graduate school starting in the fall. Moreover, 56 percent of the students indicated that they intended to find full-time employment. These statistics from your peers indicate that going to graduate school right after college is not the only option, but more importantly that you must really take the time to think about whether it is the right decision for you. The time, energy, and money that graduate school requires warrant some extra introspective thought.

Here are some questions to think about to ensure that you are making the right decision.

• What are my personal and professional goals? Is graduate school a necessary step in accomplishing my goals?
• What is motivating me to apply to graduate school?
• What skills and abilities do I possess that will prepare me to succeed in graduate school?
• Why am I choosing to go to graduate school? Is it because I am passionate about a certain field of study? Is it because I feel I have no other options? Is it because I am feeling pressure from others? Is it because I want to delay making a decision about my future career or job?
• Am I willing to invest time, money, and energy into a possibly intense academic setting for a prolonged period of time?
• Have I consulted others about my career goals (professors, employers, academic advisor, or CCD staff member) and how to best obtain them?

Should you decide to attend graduate school after thinking about the questions in great depth, it is best to think about whether or not you want to apply to enter upon graduation from Kalamazoo College or if you want to wait a few years before starting school again. Here are a few factors to consider when making this decision:

• Are you likely to "lose steam" and not actually apply if you wait?
• Are there other professional options that you would like to explore before committing to another 2-8 years in school?
• Loans from undergrad have better interest rates while you are still in school
• Are you feeling a lot of pressure from parents or professors that may be affecting your decision to go?
• Life circumstances (marriage, family, etc.) could make schooling harder at a later point

As you are contemplating the "to go or not to go" questions, the staff in the CCD is here to answer any questions you may have regarding the process. We can also help you in the decision-making process by assisting you in prioritizing and clarifying your own personal and professional goals.

Additionally, there are more resources on this site that will guide you on researching graduate schools, funding your graduate education, composing personal statements, asking for letters of recommendation and/or references, studying for and taking graduate entrance exams, and adhering to an application timeline.

Remember the CCD is here to help you in this process. Drop by the office during regular business hours to visit with a Career Advisor or schedule a meeting with a CCD staff member.