The decision making process should start with your personal interests and goals.
What kind of work do you hope to do in the future? Is an advanced degree required to do that work? If you’re not sure, this is a great time to do some career research or informational interviews.
You can also pursue graduate studies out of intellectual curiosity, a love of learning, and a desire to pursue independent research. Reflect on your values, and what is most important to you.
Graduate studies can be a wonderful experience and open the door to many career opportunities, but it is important to understand where further studies will lead, and how to take advantage of the opportunity.
Graduate studies is not the only way to get a job—and in most fields, it is very possible to return to school after starting to work. So, don’t only consider if grad studies is right for me, but is it right for me now?