The following article, titled “The Next Step” was contributed by alumnus William (Woody) Robinson who graduated with Dean’s Honors in Spring 2011:
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! (See Woody’s note below.)
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 month-long 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 re-designed their data-driven comparisons to help users make more informed decisions on anything from Test Prep to Mountain Bikes.
Note: Woody included the code to embed the scholarship/grant comparison he’s been working on recently. “Thought it’d be a cool resource for your readers”:
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