Deciding whether to attend graduate school can be a significant, life-altering step that requires a lot of research and thoughtful consideration. Grad school offers an opportunity to deepen expertise in an area of interest, conduct specialized research, enter the world of academia, or gain professional qualifications, but it’s not always a necessary step based on your career goals.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you weigh your options:
Ask if you need it. Figure out if a graduate degree is absolutely necessary for your desired career. Keep in mind the time, money, and energetic commitment it would take to complete your degree, and consider the return on your investment (ROI). Would going to grad school increase your job options? Speed up the promotion timeline? Increase your starting salary? These considerations can be industry dependent. Do your research and decide if grad school provides these benefits and more.
Consider your motivations. Are you passionate about a particular subject or career path that requires advanced education? For example, fields like law, medicine, and academia often require a graduate or professional degree. But even if the degree is not required for your desired career, you may still benefit from the added skills, networking opportunities, and specialized knowledge that a graduate program could offer. Think through the “why” behind your interest in graduate school and determine if it makes sense to go through the process based on what you’ve gathered.
Evaluate the commitment. Graduate school often involves years of rigorous study and research — it’s not an easy process, even for the most prepared and enthusiastic. You’ll also need to assess the financial and personal implications, such as tuition costs, possible time away from the workforce, and potential debt. A gap year or work experience might help you decide whether you're ready to make this commitment before you fully dive in, though it can be harder to return to school after being away for a while. Figure out the timing and decide whether you’re ready to make the commitment, both financially and energetically.
Do your research. Review the types of graduate degrees relevant to your field, whether it’s a master’s, Ph.D., or professional degree. Each option has different expectations and outcomes, so aligning your goals with the right program is key. Think about where you hope to land when it comes to your career and determine the type of program that will best help you get there. Then, explore the requirements for the programs you’re interested in and see whether you can meet those requirements by the application deadline. The timeline that we provide on our website can be a helpful tool to figure out your specific timing. Please note, however, that if you’re planning on applying to medical school in particular the timeline could vary.
Ultimately, grad school can be a highly rewarding experience, but it should align with both your career ambitions and personal readiness for it to be worthwhile. Hopefully these tips will help with your decision making, but if you need more information join us at our Grad School 101 Event at the Skylight Room in the Commons from 4:45-7:00 PM.
]]>Are you a South Asian student looking for a place to connect, share stories, and build new friendships? Look no further! Join Meghna and your fellow students at Chai Chats, a welcoming space where you can enjoy a free cup of chai while engaging in meaningful conversations.
Whether you’re sharing your own experiences or listening to others, this is a fantastic opportunity to build a community, celebrate your culture, and make new connections. Don't miss out on this chance to unwind, meet new people, and create memorable moments together.
[New Dates & Location]
Find us in Commons 331:
- Monday, October 28: 12:30 - 1:30pm
- Friday, November 15: 1 - 2pm
- Monday, December 2: 12:30 - 1:30pm
Name: Shubham Manoj Gengaje
Pronouns:He/him
Semester of Internship:Summer 2024
Major:Data science
Current Class Level:Master's Student
This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship
Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Amtrak
Location of the Organization (City, State):Washington D.C
Title of position: Demand Forecasting Intern
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
During my internship at Amtrak, weekly I had different tasks from data validation , data processing and preparing reports for the purpose of forecasting demand based on passengers or commuters load factor in different types of train. For these purposes, various factors were being considered such as demographics of a location, employment rate etc.During my internship at Amtrak, weekly I had different tasks from data validation , data processing and preparing reports for the purpose of forecasting of demand based on passengers or commuters load factor in different types of train. For these purposes, various factors were being considered such as demographics of a location, employment rate etc.
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I applied to this position via glassdoor. I applied around mid April and received a call from the hiring manager around mid May.
What resources did you use to find your current experience?
Handshake, Indeed
What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
I've enjoyed the hands-on experience of analyzing production processes and implementing improvements that have a tangible impact on efficiency. The collaborative environment and supportive team have made it a rewarding experience, allowing me to learn and grow in a real-world setting.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
My work on reducing process downtime and developing Standard Operating Procedures has significantly enhanced production efficiency and consistency. Additionally, implementing an inventory tracking system helped generate revenue and reduce waste, making a lasting impact on the organization's operations.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Start early, tailor your application to each role, and be persistent in your search. Make sure to highlight relevant skills and experiences, and prepare thoroughly for interviews to showcase your value to potential employers.
Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.
What I liked most about my position was the opportunity to see the direct impact of my work on production efficiency. The Career Center was instrumental in guiding me through the application process and preparing me for interviews, making my internship journey a success.
