BY: Taniya Frazier
How do you know which master’s program is right for you? Is it something so simple as taking a personality quiz or something more complex? What are your career goals? Your dream job will require a degree in a related field. You will need the experience to land the job. I want to be a Creative Director for Cosmopolitan women’s magazine. That is my dream. Students have to factor in tuition cost, location, accreditations, and probably the most important: how much you can make with that master’s degree.
You should pursue a degree in a subject that you enjoy learning about. It’s already bad enough that you have to stay in school longer, so make sure you’re doing something that you love. Make sure you’re getting a master’s degree for the right reasons. Is it necessary for your career or desired position? Do you plan on working while also being a full-time graduate student? Maybe part-time fits your schedule better. Whatever the case may be, make sure you can balance everything. I plan on working while pursuing my master’s, so I will be taking my courses online. Online classes fit my schedule and allow me to be more independent. My learning style thrives when I am able to teach myself and be hands-on. Consider your learning style when you are considering your desired degree.
You will have to decide if you plan on continuing with the material that you learned in your undergraduate curriculum or if you feel you would benefit more from learning something new. If you decide to study something new, it may require proof of experience or entry-level courses. Make sure you take some time to think about your future. Can you picture devoting more of your time and energy to that specific subject?
This isn’t a quick decision. This decision is very important for the success and financial growth of your future career. Take time to think about what you really want to pursue and be true to yourself. During my junior year, one of my professors told me to try and find ways to get my master’s paid for. Whether that be my future job paying for it, sponsorships, donations, or as much financial aid as possible, he said to get it done because it is possible to pursue a higher education without putting yourself in too much debt.