The Secret to Getting Your Money’s Worth in Grad School
I loved grad school. I mean, I loved grad school.
I made friends, learned specialized skills and was propelled into a career I enjoy and make good money doing. It was one of my best life decisions ever, and I do not regret it one bit.
In fact, that very principle is sort of what this site is built around. Yes, it’s about spending/budgeting/finances, but it’s also about those things in relation to a girl with a master’s degree. When I first started writing here, I wrote about the top 10 reasons I think you should consider grad school, whoever you are and whatever your career goals. And I still think that those points are valid.
But, confession time: I have to admit I may have been more than a little biased about the experience. While my education was fantastic, I’ve encountered more than my fair share of nay-sayers; maybe you have, too. So what’s the difference? Why did I love school and get more than my money’s worth, but others regret their decision and debt?
I think I know the answers, the “secrets,” if you will to getting all you can from the grad-school experience. If you’re a student, if you’re thinking of becoming a student or if you just want to hear the other side of the great debate, consider these:
Secret #1. DESIRE
First things first: I never thought I’d go to grad school. I was shocked to get in and had sort of a shifting-eyes-back-and-forth mentality the first few weeks, thinking someone would tell me I shouldn’t really be there, and yes, there had been a mistake, thank you very much.
Why? It’s a long story, but primarily I’d gone to a small, not regionally accredited undergrad. I’d majored in education, not writing like I later realized I wanted to pursue. I had little experience in the field, and I felt so unqualified, so unskilled, so behind the pack.
When I found out I got into a school that would make me able to pursue my dreams, I could’ve cried.
Secret #2: TEACHABILITY
I went to every class I could, even to lectures I wasn’t required to attend. I took notes even when the material wouldn’t be on the test. I read every book we were assigned, studied hard for every test, pushed myself with every paper. I was there for real, with all my chips on the table.
Secret #3: ENTHUSIASM
At The Writer’s Coin recently, there was a discussion of the value of a library card versus the value of a college degree. Great points made, I think. Mostly though, what he’s saying about the value of a library card is what I’m saying about grad school: use it for all it’s worth. Even as a commuting grad student, I used computer labs, libraries, city parking. I knew the campus facilities and spent time learning about my professors. When I was job-hunting, I contacted every teacher I’d had at school, asking for contacts, references, advice. I met with someone in the career department. To me, this is using the resources in front of you.
So, there you have it, the secret to a valuable grad-school experience: college is what you make of it. The choice is up to you.
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9 Responses to “The Secret to Getting Your Money’s Worth in Grad School”
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I completely agree. I loved my time in law school, but I think it’s because I really wanted to be there, spent time talking to professors even after my class with them was done, took advantage of the research resouces I had (now that I am out of school I appreciate the free Westlaw and Lexis access I had even more) and participated in activities I was excited about without paying too much attention to what would help me get a job. For example, I wrote for a specialty journal rather than law review because I liked their mission and preferred their company. Because of those things I excelled at that journal in a way I might not have on a more “prestigious” journal and that ended up helping me with some potential employers than if I had been just a cog o law review.
Your tips are spot on.
Thanks for the nod! I agree though that you pretty much get what you put into it. I had a good but not great grad school experience but what I took away from it made it so worthwhile.
As someone who is hearing back from grad schools right now this was a very relevant post to read, thanks for the insight!
Oh Iagree. I can’t wait to go, although I can’t afford it!
I enjoy reading your blog. Would you mind if I link you in my Chicago’s Home Weblog sidebar at:
http://genopetroche.blogspot.com/ ??
Regards,
Geno
i love this post. just what i need right now. i used to have the desire to earn an mba degree and when i finally got in, i have lost that desire. i began to wonder why i wanted it in the first place and would i really benefit from it.
i think what i really need is to be there fo real just like what you said in secret #2.
FF: Almost went to law school, though I can hardly believe it now. I’ve heard it’s insanely intense, so you probably know even better than I do about diligence/desire/etc! Thanks for the comment!
WC: Wish there were a way to get college kids to feel the same way about making the most of the experience, right?
Jude: Cool! Best wishes to you!
Thanks, Gene. I do love your blog and am honored for the link.
Grace: That’s fantastic that you’re pursuing an MBA. Just between us, if I go back for a degree, that’s the one I’m eyeing.
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