5 Reasons Why Graduate School is Worth the Effort was originally published on College Recruiter.
Young graduates standing in front of university building on graduation day. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
Earning a degree is almost a necessity in today’s technology-filled world. But, is just earning a bachelor’s degree sufficient? Some say no and feel a master’s degree is necessary while others feel graduate school is a waste of time and money. Here are five reasons why graduate school may just be worth the effort.
1. Increased Value
As valuable as a baccalaureate degree may be to you and your job, earning a graduate degree holds more value. Many companies today are increasing their educational requirements to nothing short of a master’s degree. Earning a graduate degree not only increases your worth to potential employers, it can also provide you with a sense of pride, accomplishment and confidence. The good news is employers are often happy to help pay for your graduate studies. In fact, over 50% of employers in the USA already have a tuition assistance program in place. Simply consult your H.R. department to see if this is a viable option for you.
2. Can Open New Doors
Although your current job may have only required a bachelor’s degree, earning a master’s degree can open many doors for you towards other jobs that the company might offer. When companies post job openings, they often end up hiring individuals that don’t meet all the requirements because there are so few applicants. Having a master’s degree can help you beat the competition.
3. Cost Effective
After four years of college, students are often ready to put all their new-found knowledge to use on the job. They often intend to come back to graduate school in a couple of years only to discover that the cost has become almost unaffordable. Attending graduate school now rather than later makes sense not only from an educational standpoint but also makes sense economically.
4. Less Chance of Unemployment
Companies are making cutbacks, unemployment has reached some really high numbers and you can’t really predict who will or won’t get unemployed. However, statistics indicate that the unemployment rate is lower for people with graduate degrees than it is for those without a graduate degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the higher the degree level, the lower the unemployment rate.
5. May be Required By Your Employer
Many careers require at least a master’s degree, and if you want that particular career, you’ll have to attend graduate school. It can be tough to attend graduate school once you’re already in the job force. Many students today pursue a master’s degree online. It allows them to earn the degree and continue to work.
There is no such thing as having too much education; however, attending graduate school should be a personal choice. It should also be a choice that’s made based on your career aspirations, your financial situation and your long-term goals.
Author Bio
Karleia is a freelance blogger. Click the following link to pursue a masters in higher education online.