"Why go to graduate school?" was one of the questions that got me and some of my classmates thinking in our final year of undergraduate studies, and till this day, it remains the question on many students lips even after undergraduate degree due to the uncertainty of whether graduate school is truly the most ideal approach to accomplishing career goals.

The thoughts of tuition fees, other expenses, additional length of time out of employment can make applying to graduate school a not-so-easy choice to make. Therefore, it is fundamental that your purpose and motivations to go to graduate school are immovably established.

Below is a rundown of eight of the most widely recognized motivations to go to graduate school, which should enable you to choose whether applying to graduate school is the best step after undergraduate degree.

1. Invest into your future:
Although it's not entirely important to have a firm perspective of your future career before applying to graduate school, it certainly makes a difference. This is because graduate school is more like an academic version of professional training, empowering students to graduate with all the right knowledge and preparing them to hop straight into their desired careers.

Whichever way, anyone applying to graduate school should see it as an investment in their own potential and not just as a means to defer the end of student life.

2. Get more than a qualification:
While a great part of the value of an undergraduate degree is in the qualification itself, the most vital motivations to go to graduate school might be more for the professional abilities you'll acquire and the personal development you’ll undergo in preparation to enter the world of work.

Also, you'll make valuable networks with fellow graduate students, academics, and professionals that will serve to keep you in the field and, more importantly, employed.

3. Get noticed in the job market:
Today more than ever, more people are going to graduate school, and as a result of this, an undergraduate degree alone can at times fail to get you the desired recognition alongside more highly qualified candidate.

At entry level in some  industries, particularly when up against applicants with Masters and PhDs, bachelor degree holders are struggling to appeal to employers because modern day university education is increasingly seen as a rite of passage than a luxury.

4.  Pursue your interests in-depth:
During undergraduate degrees, most students have the opportunity to study modules and classes of personal interest, however, a graduate degree does this to a much greater degree through specializations. You will be required to conduct individual research along with set study topics so that you can develop your thoughts and ideas as regards whatever interests you deeply.

Also, going to extracurricular activities and gatherings, listening to guest lecturers and speakers, and making presentations in conferences and seminars are opportunities that graduate school presents to make you diverse and multidisciplinary, as well as to have a good grasp of your interests.

5. Add to the world's knowledge:
You will need to know your subject inside-out if you're somebody who desires to make any professional or academic contributions to the world through it. Graduate school helps make that possible, particularly for STEM subjects or other very specific fields.

Undergraduate studies gives you the chance to understand existing information in your field, graduate school gives you the chance to add to that information.

6. Making Connections:
Graduate school is quite different from undergraduate studies in various ways. While undergraduate life is broadly connected with socializing, cramming alone in the library, and sleeping late, graduate school is a great deal more about connection with fellow graduate students, academic and non-academic staff members, and other people professionally

So, in graduate school, you’ll have to sharpen your “relationship building abilities” and network like a pro. Not only will you be making professional connections, as a graduate student you’ll be making good friendships as well. The nature of graduate school makes finding motivated, focused and mature friends a little bit easier; The truth is, these grad school friends could be the ones you end up sticking to for longest. Networking is something many of us must do to get our feet in the door.

7. Get academic recognition:
Graduate school presents a platform to explore and research ideas and theories. If you conduct any exceptional research during your degree, odds are high that you'll be recognized for the accomplishment by the academic community – maybe through conference presentation or  publishing in a journal.

Global recognition is also a prospect for the individuals who proceed with their research after graduation, and it’s a perfect stepping stone to becoming an important expert in your field of interest.

8. Work with the best:
At graduate school you'll be surrounded by leading scholars in your field, including both academic and non-academic staff, guest lecturers, and fellow graduate students.

When working with people who inspire us, it’s easier to stay motivated and work harder. In addition, you will also have access to fantastic resources and latest technologies used in your field.

Whatever your motivations for going to graduate school is, the evidence is there for all to see: whether you choose to measure it in financial terms, career benefits or your own personal development, graduating with the qualification will make a difference in you for the rest of your life


Are you a graduate student or an aspiring graduate student? What are your motivations for going to graduate school? Please leave your comments in the comment

This post was first posted on our website www.scholarpreneurs.com