Go to school, earn your degree, find a stable job, and make a lot of money. This basic model sounds so easy and straightforward, but there are multiple avenues that can help us land the job of our dreams. After graduation from undergrad, students around the world are faced with the age-old question: “should I pursue higher education, or look for a job?” Both of these paths are beneficial for a multitude of reasons; it can just be challenging to determine which is the best option for you as an individual. Here are some pros and cons of each to help you consider your options:
Employment
Pros:
- Quick employment with real-world experience right off the bat
- Fresh perspective to bring into the field
- Portfolio building
- Network expansion
- More time to attend professional developments and conferences
Cons:
- Traditional full day of work
- Limited previous work experience
- Lower starting salary
- Lower qualifications = more challenging to climb the ladder later
- Loan payments start 6 months after graduation
Graduate School
Pros:
- Further education/certification opportunities
- Under-grad loan deferment
- Tuition assistance through graduate assistantships, research assistantships, and/or teaching assistantships, sometimes with a stipend
- Competitive salaries post-graduation
- Higher qualifications post-graduation for career advancement
Cons:
- Highly competitive atmosphere
- Work/school/life balance
- Fatigue from 16+ years of education
- Multiple year programs
- High cost without assistantship; may have to take out more loans
This decision is certainly a tough one, and I must admit: I have yet to select a path for myself. Rest assured that you are not alone in this decision-making process. If you need assistance, seek out some helpful resources or ask for advice from mentors in your life. Consider reaching out to another recent graduate from your degree program and inquire how they made their decision. Make sure to take your time and carefully consider every option presented to you. Don’t turn down offers too quickly, but don’t accept them too eagerly. Ask, think, and pray.