Do You Really Need a Graduate Degree?

Credential inflation seems to be the thing these days.  Secretaries now need bachelors degrees, and middle managers all seem to need an MBA.  If you want to become a doctor, clinical worker, lawyer, or other professional, you don't have a choice.  You must have a graduate degree for those particular fields. You cannot apply for license without a professional degree.  However, for the great majority of degrees a graduate degree is not necessary.  

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Graduate degrees help to reinforce existing analytical and problem solving skills.  Graduate programs will also help to improve your grasp of professional concepts and terminology.  You should find a program that has some kind of fieldwork based learning which will improve your skills the most.  If you already work in the field, it's doubtful that you will learn enough in the classroom to justify the energy and the cost.  If do not work in that field, and you would like to get a job in it, graduate school may be a good way to open doors. 

Do NOT go to graduate school because you don't know what to do with your life.  It's very, very expensive, and you still may not like the field that you have chosen.  Go to graduate school because you want to learn more, and you have a genuine passion for the field, even if you don't plan on making any money in it.  Many twenty year olds are now attending graduate school straight out of college because they just don't want to do with their lives.  They are afraid of starting an entry level position because they feel the job is beneath them, or that they want better.  Don't make this rookie mistake.  You can pay your dues now, or pay them later.  Everyone needs to start from somewhere.  Employers are more forgiving to entry level staff during their first two years of employment.  It's doubtful they will be that forgiving when you are 26 with a graduate degree and no work experience.  After spending a few years working, you can reevaluate whether or not you want to continue with school.  You will have a better idea of what is needed, and how you can fill that need.

A graduate degree is not a replacement for real world experience, networking, and ambition.  If you are smart, hard working, motivated, and intelligent, you should have no problems excelling in the work force.  There are too many people that just aren't any good at their jobs.  They are careless, unmotivated, irresponsible and down right lazy.  Getting a graduate degree will not help them until they re-evaluate their goals.  Don't fight the losing battle of keeping up with the Jones.  If the person in the next cube is getting a graduate degree, it does mean you have as well.  Do what is right for you, and your situation.