Should I work before going to grad school?

If you’re a junior or senior in college and thinking about life after graduation, this is a question you likely have asked yourself. While continuing your education and going directly to graduate school may seem like a comforting and secure alternative to applying for jobs and joining the “real world,” there are some distinct advantages to taking some time off and working before pursuing your graduate degree.

Those advantages include:

• Career insight. You’ll gain a better-focused and newfound understanding of the type of career field that most interests you (or does not interest you – still valuable information!). Graduate programs are much more focused than undergraduate degrees and thus graduate admissions officers often seek out applicants with a career focus as well.
• Strategy. New insight into your desired career field will allow you to tell a better and more compelling “story” in your application. A tighter story will allow the admissions committee to understand why this field and this program matter to you — and will help you articulate how you would contribute meaningfully to the graduate program.
• Work Experience. A job will allow you to continue building your résumé and skills. Some graduate programs will require or strongly recommend that their applicants apply with a minimum one to two years of work experience. You’ll satisfy their requirements while building your skill set – and likely become a more competitive applicant in the process.
• Professionalism. Working after graduation will allow you to continue building your soft skills, including maturity, communication, time management, leadership and teamwork. These skills are also certain to help you in an interview, should you be offered one.
• eltters of recommendation. Some graduate schools prefer that one letter of recommendation come from an employer or other professional reference. Letters of recommendation should always speak to your professional qualifications having strong letter from an employer can be a great advantage in the graduate admissions process.

Lastly, we cannot forget money! If you are planning to attend a doctoral program, chances are you’ll receive full funding to cover tuition plus living expenses. If you are attending a master’s degree program, though, you will likely have to pay out of pocket (loans – not grants – are generally available). Saving up to attend graduate school will literally pay off in your future as a graduate student.