6 SHOULD I GO BACK TO SCHOOL TO GET MY MASTER’S DEGREE? It depends on you Denise Faguy AgCareers.com WHETHER OR NOT TO PURSUE A GRADUATE (MASTERS) DEGREE IS A DECISION THAT REQUIRES A LOT OF THOUGHT, RESEARCH, AND FINANCIAL PLANNING. WHETHER YOU ARE CONSIDERING AN ON-CAMPUS OR ONLINE PROGRAM THERE IS MUCH TO PONDER. IF YOU ARE ALREADY IN A SUCCESSFUL CAREER, IS IT WORTH IT TO PURSUE A MASTER’S DEGREE. Individuals who seem to benefit most from graduate school are people who have a goal and a mission, who are self-driven and desire to find answers, and who have a strong work ethic. It is important to keep in mind that graduate school is a completely different beast than your undergraduate degree, there is a more effort required of a graduate student. A master’s degree is worth it to advance your career, to be a better leader and an asset to your organization in which you serve. You should have a desire for further education in a specific discipline that fulfills the needs and requirements of the job you wish to pursue and a passion for the discipline you are studying further. If you are not passionate about what you are studying, writing the thesis or dissertation will be a painful experience. Not all programs are created equal. Selectively choose a program with coursework you can apply to the work you do professionally because you will be more engaged. Also look for support staff who are responsive and understand how to work with professional students. Communicate with your personal and professional support network so they know you are pursuing a degree. Do not overdo it in any given semester. Know the limits of how many courses you can fulfill given the expectations of your job during that term as well as your personal life. Yes, you may have to give up a few things to get this done, but it will be worth it in the end. Students now have more options than ever for obtaining an advanced degree, including completing the program online. The AgCareers.com University Partners program is designed to highlight and share opportunities about educational advancement opportunities. Check out the array of online programs offered by our University Partners. PHOTO: LSOphoto/iStock/Getty Images Plus If you are not passionate about what you are studying, writing the thesis or dissertation will be a painful experience. FOOD & AGRICULTURE PROFESSIONAL CAREER GUIDE
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQyMDk=