Graduate School?

Are you thinking about going to graduate school? Here are some tips that I’ve learned over my years as a student. I encourage you to read this blog as you go through the process of becoming a potential graduate student. And, if you are already there, I wish you luck with your endeavors and I hope you are loving the program that you chose! Follow these tips if you are interested in getting a master’s degree or another degree in higher education:

1.     Prepare yourself; do your research.

• Graduate school is a lot of work and money. Do your research thoroughly. I chose Full Sail University not because I was afraid of the workload, but because I am intrigued by it. If you are going to choose graduate school, make sure the time frames and schedules align with your current work schedule and/or educational preference. I do not know how other colleges and universities schedule. But, from my point of view, I would advise you to research the course program that you are interested in on the campus website. Schools have a tab that takes you directly to their program listings, and some have descriptions on those courses. You can see if the classes are interesting to you and if you think you would succeed in the field you research.

2.     Do not rush to make a decision.

• Let the school choose you! Exercise your skills and abilities from your undergraduate degree to find the perfect graduate school program for you. Take the time to discover your “niche.” I learned this in my first month at Full Sail University. You must enable your mind and heart to fall in love with something, an occupation, career path, idea, a person. You can let your mind wander as you prepare for your next checkpoint in life. Know that you have the qualifications to get to where you want to go, so use those skills to get you into that next school. Be careful and remember that you have time!

3.     Do not sweat the small stuff.

• Always have a second option in case you do not get accepted into your desired college or university (I pray that this does not happen to you). However, do research on multiple schools – make a pros and cons list to weight the strengths and weaknesses of each school. This helps you understand what you like and do not like about each program. See what clubs and other events that the school has so you can get involved on campus. Which school has clubs you are interested? Do they offer help after graduation? How effective is their career development team? Asking yourself these questions can aid the decision-making process.

4.     Get involved and stay involved.

• There are always great opportunities to build your resume at local and school events. Get involved! Apply for that executive position. Submit that application. Perform that melody! You truly have the potential to be great, and these schools have a variety of campus events that would most definitely suit your career path. Staying involved on campus gets your name recognized and remembered by those who may not even know you, and those who may be more important than you think. Take advantage of the opportunities and amenities colleges and universities have to offer to get your career jump-started for the future.

5.     Network. Ask your professors AND your peers questions.

• Graduate school is the place to meet those who are interested in topics similar to you are. Whether it is science, music, television, or mathematics, your program has knowledgeable people who can answer your questions. Ask, and encourage others to ask you questions as well. It is important to maintain your undergraduate skills and make them even better when in graduate school. Persevere and stay on top of your readings and work; you should have no trouble attending and completing graduate school. Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. I know it sounds cliché but talk to those you would not usually talk to. Encourage those around you, because they are in the same position as you. It will make the process go by much swifter.

6.     Keep going! Never give up on your dream.

• The only person who should be able to cast doubt on your work/abilities is yourself. That is how it should be, and if that is not how it is, then it is time to make an adjustment! Only you should have the power over your own emotions. No matter what anyone says, follow your heart and believe that you can do all it is that you want to do. During this educational journey, it will get hard, you will want to quit, but you will not.

Thank you for reading, and enjoy your educational journey!

Sincerely,

Jasmine Woodings