NICOLE TAYLOR / Scroll
Mitch Hegerhorst, a senior from Renton, Wash., is found studying for the MCAT.

Furthering education one way or another

Choosing between school and employment

Jennifer Freeman FRE05015@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

Graduating presents new choices for students, one of which may be graduate school.

When deciding whether to pursue grad school or not, students should first know whether their chosen career requires a graduate degree.

Some careers, such as nursing, do not, while others like law do. And some grad schools want you to have job experience before attending grad school.

However, a graduate degree does not guarantee higher pay. It depends on the industry.

“I like to think of a graduate degree as a ‘value-added’ degree,” said Kent Barrus, director of academic advising at BYU-Idaho.

It is also important to learn as much about the field as possible by reading lots of literature, job shadowing and participating in internships.

Academic advisers also suggest students consider other factors including effort, time, money, the pressure of the job, family life and place of residence.

“I always tell students that the worst thing that could happen is not that you don’t get into medical school, but getting in and then hating it,” Barrus said.

The Career and Academic Advising Center is one source that may address some of these concerns.

“We have resources here. We want them to feel more comfortable in coming here for information on grad school,” said Sid Ahrendsen, a career explorer and testing specialist in the Career and Advising Center.

Another resource is visiting a satellite center for your college. These are listed on the www.byui.edu/CareerServices.

Satellite centers help guide students in their studies and are now working on finding more information about grad schools for their particular field.

“I don’t think as many students know about these [satellite centers] as they should,” said Forest Turner, a senior from Logan, Utah, who works as an intern in the Career and Advising Center.

Once the decision to attend grad school has been made, students should prepare for their entrance exams.

An important part of preparation is to take practice tests to become familiar with the format.

The work and knowledge from undergraduate studies are important as well.

“Doing well in your undergraduate course work will prepare you for the content of the tests,” Barrus said.     

After considering all these factors, students then make their decision.

“I have always been taught that education is something you can take with you. And the prophet has said to get as much education as possible, so that is what I am doing,” said Stephanie Hill, a senior from Rexburg.

Hill plans to attend grad school in two years, after certifying in interior design.

While grad school fits for some, others have different goals.

“For me, grad school just didn’t feel right. I am happy with my University Studies degree. I think it is more valuable to be well rounded, as my ultimate goal is be a mother. Everything else is just a side preparation to that,” said Liz Fletcher, a senior from Orem, Utah.