03. Reading Group #3 What is the value of graduate school vs entering the work force?
Introduction
As college students analyzing the work force, we get to see all the different expectations and past experiences from others who are employed. However there isn’t just one simple choice, which leads to the question, “should we attend graduate school or jump right into working?”. Schooling can provide specialized knowledge that can open doors to higher end positions and large payment, however that’s just the surface level as these are not guaranteed benefits. There are many prohibiting factors like finance, time management, and interest. Whereas jumping into the force would miss out on that chance, but may save you from problems that can be caused by graduate school. With our majors being creative arts and design this can be even trickier when our work itself is such a contributing factor to employment. This won’t give a direct answer as everything is dependent on a person’s decisions and accessibility, and can be controlled by industry connections as discussed last class.
Readings
- In a Tough Job Market, Is Grad School the Best Bet? Without Better Data, It’s Hard to Say By Jeff Strohl (from Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce)↗
- The Benefits of a Master’s Degree in Today’s Job Market by Tamar Shulsinger (from Northeastern University Graduate blog)↗
- Grad School vs. Work by Beth Loell (from UMASS Lowell Career & Co-op Center)↗
Optional Material & Shorter Advice Column Questions
- Grad School vs. Work: Weighing the Pros and Cons by Nate Taylor (from Barton Associates)↗
- Three Designers in a Trench Coat by Elizabeth Goodspeed (from itsnicethat)↗
- Welcome to the entry-level void: what happens when junior design jobs disappear? by Carly Ayres (from itsnicethat)↗
- Don’t ask questions you can find answers to online by Kat Wong (from itsnicethat)↗
- You’re not in exile, you’re on the forefront of a change” by Katie Cadwell (from itsnicethat)↗
Email Exchange with Sara Duell
What did graduate school offer you when entering the work force?
The connection between gradschool and work force wasn't that clear cut for me. I had already worked as a designer and senior designer for 10 years before deciding to go back to school. The focus for me what to develop my own visual research and practice (which grad school helped me with enormously!). Among my cohort now, I don't feel like any of them (regardless of age) are getting jobs that they wouldn't have been able to get without an MFA.
Do you see drastic difference between designers who further their education compared to other you haven't?
No. Not in terms of marketability or skill. Only in terms of having a more rigorous personal practice.
Why do you think there is a lack of representation of graduate school in design?
Do you mean a lack of people having gone to grad school? If so no. I think too many go to grad school thinking they "should" but don't have to.
Questions
- What are the reasons some people have told you to do a year of graduate school?
- In a world where a year of graduate school would be funded, do you think you would go?
- Do you think that as artists we need a graduate degree as much as a stem major would need one?
- What factors further your education rather than entering the work force immediately?
- What if you’re not financially able, yet want to continue your education?