Should you work before going to grad school?

Are you a recent high school student who is considering graduate school? Well, before you dive headfirst into academia, have you ever considered working for a bit? 

Well, you should because NACE’s report says that nearly 91% of employers have stated that they preferred candidates who had work experience.

Based on the various schools of thought, we have listed the pros and cons for you. So, go over the points, think about them, and make your decision.

Advantages of work experience:

1) Gain valuable work experience

Working before grad school can provide valuable work experience and learning skills such as time management, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. It can also enhance your competitiveness when applying for grad school and can help you stand out in the job market later on.

2) Financial benefits

Graduate school can be an expensive affair. Consider working and saving to lessen the financial burden and increasing scholarship opportunities. 

Many companies offer tuition reimbursement programs for their employees, which can cover a portion or all of grad school expenses. This can be a boon for you.

Moreover, research has shown that graduate degree holders with prior work experience earn a median income of $73,000, compared to $65,000 for those without work experience.

3) Career clarity

The experience can help you clarify your career goals and help you make informed decisions about your career. 

According to Gallup’s report, graduates who felt a sense of purpose in their job had a higher probability of aligning their work with their interests, values, and strengths, as well as gaining insight into what type of work they enjoy. 

4) Improved time management skills

Work experience can teach valuable time management skills such as meeting deadlines, project completion, progress tracking, and multitasking. Familiarity with the fast-paced professional world can also help students understand their curriculum and the purpose behind each business management tool.

5) Enhanced skills and knowledge

Working before grad school provides hands-on learning opportunities and knowledge that can benefit future careers and insights into industry trends that can help you succeed in your future career. 

6) Networking opportunities

Networking can help you build relationships with people who can provide guidance and support as you navigate your career and with opportunities in your field of interest.

Staying connected is crucial because 23% of individuals submit resumes through friends or former colleagues. Referrals are highly valuable, underscoring the importance of networking for discovering new opportunities. 

Disadvantages of work experience:

We know the benefits of going to work before starting grad school, but there are also some practical drawbacks to consider. 

1) Difficulty in adjusting to academic life

If you have been out of academia for a while, balancing studies and work may be challenging, impacting your performance and resulting in lower grades. 

2) Potential mismatch between career and grad school

The job you take may not align with your career goals, which could lead to a mismatch between your job and your studies. This could impact your focus and performance.

3) Financial pressure to continue working

If you are working to fund your higher education, you may feel financial pressure to continue working during grad school. This can be a hindrance.

4) Narrowed Career Options

Working in a specific field before grad school could limit your career options after completing your degree. This is because you may be seen as more specialized and less versatile in the job market.

5) Delayed Career Goals

Spending extra time in a non-academic field may put academic or research-based career goals on hold or push them forward.

So, should you go straight to grad school or gain some work experience first? Well, take a moment and complete this quiz. It will help you determine the best course of action.

 Source: Ellevate Network

Each student comes from a different background and has unique needs. However, putting your nose to the grindstone, putting in the hours, and seeing how the real world works before diving into your higher education can help you develop skills, clarify your career goals, and provide opportunities that will be invaluable in your future career.

As a result, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. Whatever you decide, make sure it is in line with your objectives.

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