After graduating college and starting your new adult life, it feels like you’re constantly questioning decisions to make sure you’re on the right track. Is this the right job for you? Should you move? Should you go out of state to see the Jonas Brothers on tour? But one of the hardest post-grad decisions has to be whether or not you should go back to school and get another degree, either if it’s a secondary bachelor’s degree or entering a master’s degree program.
Getting a degree obviously takes and a lot of money, time and work, so it shouldn’t be a decision taken too lightly. Before you spend the money on classes and cute school supplies, there are a few more questions that need answering to determine if this is the right choice for you.
Could it benefit your current career path?
If your career goal requires another degree, such as a masters degree or doctorate, then going back to school is absolutely a necessary step. Go ahead and get your applications ready! Going to grad school may make it easier to find a job, too. It shows you have an advanced understanding and passion for your department. You can qualify for higher-up positions, better salary and more opportunities in your field.
Earning another degree could also be beneficial if you’re looking to change your career path.
Do you need the degree, or do you just want to improve a skill?
If you need to learn or improve a specific skill for your career, then sure, going back to school is a great opportunity. It can also be an excellent chance to network with peers and educators in your field. However, there are always other alternatives to enhance your abilities, such as independent classes, certificate programs, or online tutorials.
Personally, I always want to improve my video editing skills. To do so, I’ve watched and read tutorials online to teach me different editing effects and how to get better on my own time. YouTube and Skillshare are excellent (and let’s be honest, way less expensive) sources of information that you might need.
Is it something you’re passionate about?
Real talk, it’s a waste of time and money for you to do something just because you feel like you have to do it. If it’s not something you’re excited to learn or can see yourself doing in the long run, then you don’t have to go back to school. Sure, you may not be excited to go to classes full-time again, but if you’re passionate about the subject and the doors another degree can open, then it’s worth it.
Even if your dream job doesn’t require another degree, but you’re so passionate about a subject that you want it to play a bigger impact in your life, then it’s worth the time and money you’re putting into what you care about.
Are you ready to go back to school?
Here’s some more real talk: getting your undergraduate degree is difficult (and expensive) enough. You might not be mentally or financially prepared to go back to school just yet.
You might have other things you want to cross off your list before you get another degree. This could be your chance to start your side hustle or travel. If you feel you’re not ready for another round of higher education, but still want to learn more about your field, you can apply for an entry-level job or internship, too.
Earning another degree could help out your career in the long run, whether it’s required or not. But it still may not be the right path for you, considering what you want out of it. So it’s important to take the time you need to figure out if it’s the right choice for you. Hopefully, you take the time to consider what path is best for you and your career.