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What advice would you give to working professionals who are going back to pursue a graduate degree after two years out of undergrad? #Spring25
About to be in a full-time graduate program for a masters in speech pathology.
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Cathy’s Answer
Hi Callie,
First and foremost, I commend you for returning back to school for your graduate degree as a working professional. I know that this wasn't an easy decision, and it took a lot of courage. Going back to school after some time in the workforce can be a powerful move, but it comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities.
I went straight through for my schooling, so I never had a break in between degrees, but if I were in your shoes, some of the things that I would think of are
1. Set your goals—eyes on the prize. As you're a mature adult, I feel that you already know what it is that you want to achieve and hence why you're willing to put in the time and work.
2. Leverage your work experience—Use the work experience that you have and incorporate it in the classroom. Use your day-to-day work experience and try to apply it to the subject matter/topic discussed in class.
3. Time management—This can be problematic, but managing your work and school time can be a challenge, so I recommend figuring out how much time you have dedicated to work objectives would help.
4. Network—Make friends and socialize. Be open-minded, and you never know what that one connection may lead to something positive in the future.
5. Take care of yourself—make time for yourself as well. At the end of the day, you're the most important asset. So don't overstress and enjoy the moment.
Warm regards,
Cathy
First and foremost, I commend you for returning back to school for your graduate degree as a working professional. I know that this wasn't an easy decision, and it took a lot of courage. Going back to school after some time in the workforce can be a powerful move, but it comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities.
I went straight through for my schooling, so I never had a break in between degrees, but if I were in your shoes, some of the things that I would think of are
1. Set your goals—eyes on the prize. As you're a mature adult, I feel that you already know what it is that you want to achieve and hence why you're willing to put in the time and work.
2. Leverage your work experience—Use the work experience that you have and incorporate it in the classroom. Use your day-to-day work experience and try to apply it to the subject matter/topic discussed in class.
3. Time management—This can be problematic, but managing your work and school time can be a challenge, so I recommend figuring out how much time you have dedicated to work objectives would help.
4. Network—Make friends and socialize. Be open-minded, and you never know what that one connection may lead to something positive in the future.
5. Take care of yourself—make time for yourself as well. At the end of the day, you're the most important asset. So don't overstress and enjoy the moment.
Warm regards,
Cathy
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hi Callie,
My husband was out of undergrad for FIVE years when he decided to go back to school for Occupational Therapy. It was difficult to get back into the swing of things and the amount of studying he needed. He did feel that having real-world experience helped him and allowed him to succeed in the program versus those who were coming straight out of undergrad.
We were lucky that I could work, and he just focused on school full time. If it is possible for you to go to school full-time without working, that will make things easier. If not, just be ready to schedule your time wisely to get in studying! It will be a lot, but it will go by fast!
What really helped my husband was making friends in his cohort. You will all be going through the same classes together and struggling together. Make friends so you can study together, cheer each other on and when you make it to graduation, CELEBRATE together. Have a good support system overall!
Be sure to use your campus's resources like the tutoring center, writing center, and career services.
Get to know your Professors- they are going to be there to help you through!
Overall, know that you got this! You are making your life better and going into a high-demand, high-wage field that will help change lives!
I wish you the best!!
My husband was out of undergrad for FIVE years when he decided to go back to school for Occupational Therapy. It was difficult to get back into the swing of things and the amount of studying he needed. He did feel that having real-world experience helped him and allowed him to succeed in the program versus those who were coming straight out of undergrad.
We were lucky that I could work, and he just focused on school full time. If it is possible for you to go to school full-time without working, that will make things easier. If not, just be ready to schedule your time wisely to get in studying! It will be a lot, but it will go by fast!
What really helped my husband was making friends in his cohort. You will all be going through the same classes together and struggling together. Make friends so you can study together, cheer each other on and when you make it to graduation, CELEBRATE together. Have a good support system overall!
Be sure to use your campus's resources like the tutoring center, writing center, and career services.
Get to know your Professors- they are going to be there to help you through!
Overall, know that you got this! You are making your life better and going into a high-demand, high-wage field that will help change lives!
I wish you the best!!