Editor’s Note: The following article – written by UCSB alum William “Woody” Robinson, who graduated with Dean’s Honors in Spring 2011 – is reprinted with permission from UC Santa Barbara’s Department of Geography.
After graduation, everyone is looking for the same thing: work. However, continuing your education may be a better investment of your time. Aside from a higher starting salary and specific subject expertise, graduate students receive the combined benefits of a college schedule and the experience of a trained professional. Also, these graduate programs are more accessible than you may think. Here are a couple things to consider when deciding if graduate school is right for you.
Money: A graduate degree will set a much brighter future for your professional career. Last year people with graduate degrees earned nearly double the salary of those only completing their undergrad. While graduate programs are far from free, scholarships are readily available. Just make sure to compare scholarships and avoid one with military commitment - unless that’s what you’re looking for!
Time: You’ll gain industry-specific knowledge with the flexibility of an undergraduate schedule. In the workforce, it may take several years (sometimes longer) to reach your ideal position. Graduate school is a way to bypass that process quickly and efficiently. Plus, if you choose the right school (hint: UCSB), you’ll have monthlong winter breaks!
Simply put, consider a graduate degree if you’re having trouble finding your path after college. For Geography, UCSB’s Remote Sensing and GIS are great disciplines to continue your education post-graduation. Plus, instead of working on Christmas Day, you’ll be able to hit the slopes of your local ski resort!
Woody Robinson is a recent UCSB Geography graduate who works with FindTheBest; he recently redesigned their data-driven comparisons to help users make more informed decisions on anything from Test Prep to Mountain Bikes.
To see a screenshot of FindTheBest search engine results comparing scholarships, grants, fellowships and student loans, based on minimum and maximum funding, award type, whether or not it is college specific, and other criteria, click here.