Grad School vs Work: Post-BS Decision Help

[Maxwell]

Hey guys, I am wondering what the majority of you did right after you finished your BS degree. I am deciding between continuing to grad school vs. going right to industry. I don't want to do both at the same time.

If possible, with your answer, please tell me your field (EE, ME, etc.)

I kind of need to make a decision soon... and I am pretty torn.

 

[berkeman]

I went straight to my MSEE after my BSEE. I was pretty sure that I wanted to get an MSEE, and it seemed easiest to just do the extra 8 months and get it right away. Also, I was offered a scholarship by Bell Labs for my MSEE, so that was extra motivation to do it right away.

 

[ravenprp]

Hi there,

As someone who has gone through this decision process myself, I can offer some insight. I have a BS in Mechanical Engineering and I chose to go straight into the workforce after graduation.

First, it's important to consider your long-term career goals. Are you looking to advance in a specific field or industry? Do you want to eventually pursue a leadership or management role? This can help guide your decision between grad school and work.

If you are interested in pursuing a specific field or industry, it may be beneficial to gain real-world experience through a job before going back to school for a graduate degree. This will not only give you a better understanding of the industry, but also make you a more competitive candidate for graduate programs in the future.

On the other hand, if your ultimate goal is to pursue a higher level position or specialize in a particular area of your field, grad school may be the best option for you. It can also provide networking opportunities and access to resources that may not be available in the workforce.

Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal goals and priorities. It's important to weigh the pros and cons of both options and consider your financial situation as well. Grad school can be expensive, but it may also lead to higher earning potential in the long run.

In my experience, going straight into the workforce has allowed me to gain valuable experience and develop practical skills that I can apply in my career. However, I do plan on pursuing a graduate degree in the future to further advance in my field.

I hope this helps and good luck with your decision!