To Graduate School or Not to Graduate School?

As the senior year commences for millions of hopeful undergraduate students, many of you may ask, ‘What is the next step? What do I do?’ Where do I go?’ This can be the most stressful of times – but also one of the most exciting. Seriously, I promise! But, like many, those in the environmental fields, marine sciences, and marine conservation game have the old-aged question: work or graduate school? It’s a loaded question—and definitely a personal decision that is ENTIRELY different for everyone.

After my undergraduate degree, I went straight into my master’s at the age of 22 – packed up all my things and headed out. I had been pretty set on graduate school since I started undergrad and was very much still locked in the “school zone”. Honestly, I don’t even think I looked at job opportunities. I was very much in the myopic thought of needing to stay “on track” and thought working a year would put me behind. (All utterly bogus as, today, at the ripe age of 35, after ten years of employment, I just returned to school for a Ph. D.…but we’ll get there).

I had a wonderful time at graduate school – I got an excellent education and hands-on research experience and met some of the best of friends (I miss you guys!). So, no regrets. But, thinking back to my senior year of undergrad, I had NO clue what I was doing or what to expect. I didn’t understand the concept of a research thesis or peer-reviewed journals. So, things were challenging. I also didn’t know what I wanted to do other than ‘save ocean animals’ (which my M.S. helped narrow down, phew!). So, the first question to ask yourself is, ‘What are your goals’? And those goals should not be guided by what you think you should be doing but by what you want to be doing. There is no correct answer, and there are LOTS of moving pieces.

Some excellent advice I have gotten is…. ‘What’s your dream job?’ and ‘What are the degree requirements for that job?’ Environmental job opportunities can take many forms–some requiring certain degrees and others not. It all depends on what you want to be doing. In my previous line of work (a federal employee), a good chunk of individuals had a master’s degree, whereas I would say far fewer had Ph.Ds. Those who didn’t have master’s degrees did have an impressive line of previous experience. So, graduate degrees can give you an edge and are something to consider, but by no means the only path.

The next question is, should you go straight out of undergrad if you decide to go to graduate school? My answer to current undergraduate seniors is, why not leave your options open? I think professors like work experience because it shows that you have taken the time to consider and target your interests, but many master's students come directly from undergrad. So, maybe start identifying a few professors you would like to work with. Reach out to them, see if they are taking students, etc. Simultaneously, maybe start looking at job prospects. You still have time, and your mind may change on all sorts of things - so this way, you're not pigeonholed into one or the other. The world is your oyster – pun intended. If school is what you’re up for, there are so many great schools out there, so have some fun looking! And remember, it is about your advisor. You want an engaged advisor whose interests align with your own! Don’t pick a school or advisor just because!

But, if you decide grad school may not be your cup of tea right now, no rule says you can’t go back 1, 2, 5...or hey, 10+ years later like me 😊. You’re probably thinking, ‘What the heck…why?’ – trust me, I do that, too - it wasn’t easy to start over. But I’ll tell you – I did it because I wanted a change. I had a great gig but was ready for something new and wanted to continue following my passions (and was very much inspired by our previous scholarship winners).

So, do what’s right for you—no one else—but make informed decisions. I know not great, but that’s the best advice I can give.

And remember, we’re always here to chat and help!

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