5 questions for a current master’s student

Olivia Armstrong is a second semester PR graduate student at Boston University’s College of Communication. She holds a B.B.A. in Marketing from The College of William & Mary.

Why did you choose to go to graduate school directly out of college?I chose to go straight to grad school from college primarily to get it out of the way. I knew that eventually a master’s degree would make me more competitive for management and upper level positions in the PR field. Since I knew I needed a master’s for all of these reasons, I did not see much of a point in waiting.

How is being a master’s student different than being an undergraduate?A master’s program requires the student to be more of a self-starter than college did. Many assignments are not as explicit and strict as they were in college. There is much more room to put your own spin on an assignment, while still being within the class standards. There is also much more reading than undergraduate, but there is also more application. A lot of my grad school work thus far is eligible for a portfolio, whereas my undergraduate work was not.

What has been the most significant adjustment in attending grad school?The biggest adjustment between grad school and college has been learning how to balance the rest of life on top of the increased workloads. Initially, there was an adjustment with just moving to a new city. Since then, the balance of managing a household, making meals, networking, and working three jobs has been a challenge.

How do you feel your advanced degree will impact your career?I think a master’s degree will certainly give me more credibility in the field. I have seen data that show long-term salary and promotion benefits. I’m hoping that proves true. Overall, I think the master’s degree has prepared me to be able to develop a specialty. It has also helped me with PR strategy and not just entry-level tactics. I feel more than prepared for the workforce – much more than I did after college.

What advice do you have for undergraduates thinking about pursuing a master’s?Undergraduates considering a graduate degree should weigh all of their options. I wouldn’t advise going straight to graduate school to study in the same area of an undergraduate major. I went from Marketing to PR. They are similar, but still different enough that I am learning new things. Undergraduates should also evaluate what the expectations are in the field. Some degrees, such as an MBA, prefer work experience before program entry.

Interview has been edited for brevity.