How to Decide: Grad School Now or After a Break?
October 19, 2024
Deciding whether to jump straight into graduate school or take a break first is a big decision. Each path has pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your circumstances and career goals. Below are five key questions to ask yourself when deciding which route to take.
5 Questions to Ask Before Going to Grad School
- Do you know what you want to do?
- Do you feel burned out?
- Do you know what type of degree you need next?
- Will your future employer help cover the cost of the program?
- Will you be willing to go back to school if you take a break?
Let’s go through each of these.
1.) Do you know what you want to do?
Grad school is a significant investment of time and money, so having a clear idea of your long-term goals is crucial. If you’re still exploring career options, taking a break might allow you to gain clarity through work experience, internships, or networking.
The last thing you want to do is pay for an irrelevant Master’s degree and lose out on income you would have earned otherwise. Don’t be afraid to take a break to soul-search first instead of wasting both time and money pursuing an unnecessary degree.
2.) Do you feel burned out?
After years of undergrad studies, it’s common to feel drained. If you’re mentally or emotionally exhausted, forcing yourself into grad school may lead to poor performance. A well-timed break can help you recharge, ensuring that you’re fully committed when you begin your program.
You need enough gas left in your tank to make it through another 1-2 years for a Master’s degree, or ~5 years for a PhD. If you feel you have the stamina to jump into another degree directly, go for it! That’s what I did, and I don’t regret it at all.
3.) Do you know what degree you need next?
Not all careers require a graduate degree. Before enrolling, make sure that a Master’s or PhD will add value to your career path. If your desired industry prefers work experience over advanced degrees, it might be wise to wait.
In fact, perhaps a less technical degree like an MBA or Master’s in Engineering Management is right for you. Try talking to people who hold your dream job to find out what they recommend.
PhD’s in particular require a significant time commitment. If you want to become a professor, engineering director, engineering fellow, or work in a national lab, a PhD is likely required. Double check that your ideal career path truly requires a PhD – otherwise, it likely won’t financially pay off.
4.) Will your future employer help cover the cost of the program?
Some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs or scholarships for employees pursuing relevant degrees. If you start working and later decide to pursue grad school, you could reduce the financial burden by taking advantage of these programs. You may even consider a part-time degree so you can keep earning your full-time salary in the meantime.
For PhD programs, some employers provide fellowships or supplemental income. These opportunities frequently only come to people who worked at the company before enrolling in the PhD, however.
5.) Will you be willing to go back to school if you take a break?
Not everyone wants, is willing, or can go back to school if they take a break first. I personally started my PhD program directly after my undergrad because I knew I didn’t want the possibility of going to grad school hanging over my head during my break from school.
Other people begin making money from their full-time jobs after undergrad and realize they aren’t willing to give up their salary and lifestyle to go back to school. If you anticipate you’ll feel the same way, it may be best to begin your grad school directly after undergrad.
Lastly, life gets in the way sometimes. Many people have more family commitments after undergrad – they may get married, have kids, or have to take care of family members. They no longer have the opportunity to go to school. No one can anticipate everything, but if you think this may happen to you, it may be worth going to grad school directly after undergrad.
Final Thoughts
The decision to go to grad school now or take a break depends on your energy levels, career clarity, and financial situation. If you know what you want and feel ready to dive in, grad school could be a perfect next step. If you’re unsure or burned out, a break might be just what you need to refocus and gain valuable experience. On the other hand, if you don’t think you’ll ever go back if you take a break, it’s best to go straight. Take time to weigh the pros and cons—grad school will still be there when you’re ready.
