By Selena Adetunji, CITL Marketing Intern 

In the pursuit of personal and professional growth, individuals often find themselves standing at a crossroads, contemplating the next significant step in their educational journey. For those who are working professionals and have already completed their undergraduate degree, the question of whether to pursue a graduate degree looms large. You may feel like something is missing. You may feel the need to broaden your educational knowledge and this decision is personal and multifaceted, this blog post aims to shed light on the compelling reasons why investing in an online graduate degree can be a transformative and enriching experience. Here are some concepts to consider when making a decision about continuing your education. 

• The big question you should ask yourself is if acquiring your master’s will bring value to your life. Is the degree a way to show achievement and self-confidence? Do you want to make advancements in your field? Are you considering pursuing a doctoral degree? Will it create new opportunities for you? Are you actually passionate about the subject?

• Everyone’s path to school may not be a linear journey. You might be thinking about grad school because you want to start a new career. This gives you the option to switch careers and explore something new, all while meeting people who currently work in the field and hear what their career journey was like. 

• A master’s degree sets you apart from others in your field. A master’s degree could lead to a higher position. If you are looking for new employment, a master’s degree can make you stand out against other applicants. Going back to school just might give you the career boost you are looking for.   

• Become an expert in the workforce. If you pursue a master’s degree, especially one that requires research, you will be able to earn real world experience and develop your thoughts and ideas in a field that interests you. 

• Going back to school in an online format is a flexible option for working professionals. You can take on courses as a part time or full time student and complete your degree gradually or as quickly as you can handle. You can also take classes in the fall, spring, or summer sessions. 

• Pursuing a master’s degree will allow you to create a network in your domain. You will not only be meeting your classmates, but you will also be making connections with professors, guest speakers, alumni, and more. These connections can be helpful in the long run. 

• Going to graduate school is another way to explore how you learn best and define your interests. What may work for others may not work for you and vice versa. You may be a visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or a reading/writing learner. The coursework differs greatly from what you experienced in undergrad and sometimes this is an uncomfortable adjustment period for students. Figuring out your learning style can help alleviate the adjustment period. To learn more about learning styles, check out this article. 

The decision to go back to school is a personal choice and there are several factors to consider. As you weigh your options, consider these tips and take your time in making your decision. 

Need more convincing? Check out this Illinois Online blog post about balancing work and a graduate program if one of your concerns is the work life balance.