Graduate School Planning Guide

Research Career

Before applying for further study, you need to be fully aware of the working conditions, employment prospects, and physical and mental requirements of the field you plan to pursue.

Some students enter graduate school as a way of postponing their job search for another year or two. This approach doesn't do any good for your career development. Before going any further, consider some important questions:

• What do I want to accomplish in my lifetime?
• What are my long- and short-term professional goals?
• Is graduate study necessary for me to achieve these goals?
• Am I willing to invest time and money in another academic program?
• Do I have the interest and ability to be successful in a graduate program?
• By going to graduate school, am I simply delaying my career decision making?

Researching your field of interest will help you decide whether your career would benefit from graduate study. Here's how:

• Read some occupational literature.
• Talk with faculty, friends, and alumni—people who have the kinds of jobs that interest you.
• Visit Elmhurst's Career Education office. We'll be happy to help you determine your job prospects at all degree levels.