Abdulwahab
Is graduate school recommended?
Is graduate school recommended? An MBA? Some other graduate degree or certifications? #college #business #finance #graduate-school #mba
7 answers
Stephanie Murnen
Stephanie’s Answer
Whether or not you need to go to graduate school completely depends on what type of field you'd like to go into, but for some it's required like:
- lawyer
-medical doctor/dentist
-research doctorate
-physical therapist
- physicians assistant
Some fields very strongly recommend a graduate degree and it can be difficult to reach one's full potential in the industry without it:
- Teaching
- Psychology
- Business management (MBA highly recommended)
In many other fields it's nice to have a graduate degree and many specific positions highly encourage it, but it's certainly not mandatory to get a job. Many people work for awhile in an industry to get some experience and then get a masters degree or doctorate in that field, or perhaps in a totally different field if they want to start something new. It will likely never hurt you to have a graduate degree, but it can be a very timely and expensive investment, so make sure it's worth it for the career path you want to take before investing in one.
Lynette Smith
Lynette’s Answer
It depends on what type of job you are looking for. In the Marketing field, where I work, an MBA is nice to have, but these days, we are looking more for people with skills and experience in marketing automation, analytics, social media, SEO, lead generation, content development, etc.
An MBA is a big investment in time and money, and you may not get a positive return on your investment, if you are starting out in the Marketing field. Plus, it is the type of program you can always begin, later, if you decide it will help advance your career. There are lots of MBA programs geared towards working professionals, and the company you are working for may even offer tuition assistance for an MBA program. Mine does!
Lynette recommends the following next steps:
I agree with Lynette on this one. All depends on your career path. For example, I have a BFA in graphic design and I took a few classes to learn how to code. After college I was able to work as a front end web developer and website designer. To accomplish that, I really focused my efforts on building a great portfolio. But that's all I needed to do to break into my field. However, take the time to weigh out what's necessary for you and how you can go about it.
Evin White
Marie-France D'Haiti
Marie-France’s Answer
I strongly recommend graduate studies. Nowadays, individuals can complete graduate degrees via online education. I completed an on-campus MSIS and online MBA. Each graduate study provided me with different set of skills, but equally beneficial for my career as an IT Project Manager and Business Analyst. Good luck.
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Is graduate school recommended?
The decision to attend graduate school is a significant one that depends on a variety of factors, including your career goals, financial situation, and personal circumstances. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether graduate school is recommended:
Career Goals: Some professions require a graduate degree as a basic prerequisite for entry-level positions, such as psychology, social work, or education. In other fields, such as business or engineering, a graduate degree can provide a competitive edge in the job market and lead to higher salaries. However, for some careers, a graduate degree may not be necessary or beneficial. It’s important to research the specific requirements and expectations of your desired profession.
Financial Considerations: Graduate school can be expensive, and students often take on significant debt to finance their education. Before deciding to attend graduate school, it’s important to consider the potential return on investment (ROI) of your degree. Will the increased earning potential and career opportunities outweigh the cost of tuition and living expenses? You should also explore funding options such as scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.
Personal Circumstances: Graduate school requires a significant time commitment, often involving long hours of study and research. It’s important to consider whether you are in a position to dedicate the necessary time and energy to your studies while also balancing other responsibilities such as work, family, or health.
Is an MBA recommended?
An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a highly respected degree that can provide a strong foundation in business principles and leadership skills. An MBA can be beneficial for individuals who aspire to management or executive positions in business, government, or nonprofit organizations. However, an MBA may not be necessary or appropriate for everyone. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether an MBA is recommended:
Career Goals: An MBA can be particularly useful for individuals who want to advance in fields such as consulting, finance, marketing, or entrepreneurship. However, for other careers such as engineering or healthcare management, a more specialized degree may be more appropriate.
Work Experience: Many MBA programs prefer or require applicants to have several years of work experience before enrolling. This is because MBA programs often emphasize practical applications of business concepts and rely on students’ experiences to enrich class discussions and projects. If you lack work experience or are just starting your career, you may want to consider gaining some professional experience before pursuing an MBA.
Cost: An MBA can be expensive, with some top programs costing over $100,000 in tuition alone. It’s important to consider the ROI of an MBA and weigh the potential benefits against the cost of tuition and living expenses. You should also explore funding options such as scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.
Program Format: MBA programs are offered in various formats such as full-time, part-time, online, or executive programs designed for working professionals. It’s important to choose a program format that fits your schedule and learning style while also providing the necessary resources and network for your career goals.
Other Graduate Degrees or Certifications
While an MBA is a popular option for business professionals, there are many other graduate degrees and certifications that can provide valuable skills and knowledge in specific fields. Here are some examples:
Master of Finance (MFin): An MFin is a specialized degree that focuses on financial theory and practice, including topics such as corporate finance, investment management, and risk management. An MFin can be beneficial for individuals who want to pursue careers in finance or related fields such as investment banking or financial consulting.
Master of Accounting (MAcc): A MAcc is a professional degree that prepares students for careers in accounting and auditing. A MAcc program typically includes coursework in financial accounting, taxation, auditing, and accounting information systems.
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification: The PMP certification is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates expertise in project management principles and practices. The PMP certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as project planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closure.
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Certification: The CFA certification is a professional designation that demonstrates expertise in investment management principles and practices. The CFA certification requires passing three levels of exams that cover topics such as financial analysis, ethics, portfolio management, and wealth planning.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
Elida Witthoeft
Elida’s Answer
I'm a journalist. I went to graduate school, mainly because I wanted a master's degree so I could teach later in my career.
I don't regret the decision for a minute.
Did I need a graduate degree for my primary work? No. But in my case, I felt like it really served as a kind of "finishing school" to my undergraduate studies. It allowed me to delve deeper into topics I was interested in, without the distraction of having to fulfill unrelated requirements.
Graduate school also exposed me to courses like statistics and polling, and taught me critical thinking and writing skills that I believe have helped my through my 37-year career.
I also think graduate school sends a signal to future employers that you're serious about your chosen field, your work, your training, your career.
Arthur Day
Arthur’s Answer
Based on your career choice I would recommend probably starting with a graduate degree and then perhaps look toward certifications to round out your resume and educational background. Hope this helps and Good Luck!!!
Todd Fischer
Todd’s Answer
Agreed with the other answers in that it depends on the field you choose. However, even in fields without the required graduate degrees (doctor, lawyer, etc.) it seems that an undergrad degree is the minimum, but the graduate degree is what you need to set yourself apart from the others. But you have to have a plan first, not just what field do you want to work in, but what part of that field where do you want to be. Make sure you talk to others in that field first to get information. Maybe even before you choose that field, talk to others in various fields to form a good basis for your decision. Good luck.