MU officials discourage hiding from job market

Students who will graduate early are concerned about job availability.

By Krissy Tripp

Published March 3, 2009

Graduate school is looking more appealing to students who might be scared to enter an uninviting job market. Also appealing to those who are able is graduating a semester early, saving tuition expenses and entering the workforce as soon as possible.

Associate Dean of Journalism Brian Brooks said it depends on the goals of the person. In the world of journalism, some jobs such as science and health writing might need more background that can be attained in graduate school, but not all jobs need that specialization.

"If you can get a job, I think it makes a lot of sense to go to work and get an MBA at night," Brooks said. "I don't think it's smart to be going to graduate school just to go to graduate school. You should position yourself to do something the other masses of journalism graduates cannot do."

Graduate School Associate Dean George Justice said obtaining a graduate degree is always a valuable option regardless of the economic situation because those with graduate degrees will find better jobs regardless of how hard it is to find jobs.

Justice said those who do have the option of graduating early could look into certificate programs that can be as easy as 12-15 hours and completed during the last semester.

He also said if students are able to graduate early but are considering graduate school, they can claim post-baccalaureate status and take different graduate classes before committing to a program.

"I think the most important thing is commitment," Justice said, "You have to be committed to doing the work for the courses."

Student Success Center coordinator Amanda Nell stressed the importance of entering graduate school for the right reasons because finding out what you want to do after spending time and money on graduate school is a waste of resources.

She said needing a professional degree or being passionate about continuing education is a good reason for going to graduate school, but hiding from the job market is not.

"I know it's scary to be in this economy," Nell said, "I think it's more important students are running to graduate school and not from the job market."

Nell also said graduating a semester early depends on the natural cycle of recruitment and their job field but, most importantly, when they began their job search.

She said the job search can take six to eight months and students should be prepared with strong resumes, cover letters, interview attire and interview skills.

Nell said if early graduation is an option, students could also look into double majoring or finishing a minor, but ultimately the decision to enter the work force or go to graduate school depends on career goals.

For example, a student might want to go to graduate school for public relations, but work experience may be more beneficial in that field. Also, spending a year or two in the work force and not in college might help make a student's goals more clear and help their decision about whether graduate school is a good option.

Junior Nicky Mades decided to graduate a semester early and is making decisions about going to graduate school or law school. Her 24 dual-enrollment credits from high school made it possible for her to graduate an entire year early, but after discussing her options with her parents, she decided to double major and will only graduate one semester early.

She said one semester will help her save $10,000 and help pay for her two study abroad trips.

She said the economy did weigh on her decision.

"For me, I was really considering waiting a semester and taking extra, more fun classes, but the economy changed that plan and I focused entirely on my majors," she said.