My interest in graduate education began as dean at several universities, where I developed many Masters and Ph. D. programs. Later, as a college president for 20 years, I taught graduate courses at several institutions. My last administrative position was dean of a graduate school. So, as Martí wrote, I have lived “within the entrails of that monster.”
Deciding to attend graduate school can be stressful. Trepidation based on inhospitable graduate school experiences, self-doubt, and financial exigencies is quite common.
Years ago, Norma Cantú wrote “Getting there cuando no hay camino.” She listed obstacles Hispanics encountered. Today thanks to intrepid pioneers, many successful pathways have been paved. Upward bound Hispanics should not be deterred.
Yes, in the past, a few curmudgeon professors acted as if all wisdom resided with them. As one admonished me, “I prepare my lectures for God and any angel that might be listening. If my students don’t grasp what I convey, then they should become field hands. I do all I can to dispatch them hence as soon as possible.”
Some professors didn’t think their students should be in graduate school. They scornfully told me, “They would have never been accepted at [name of their graduate school].” Others expected students to arrive fully accomplished and educated with a Nobel prize in their hip pocket to boot. Extreme examples? Yes, but true.
The good news is those professors are long gone. Many graduate students overcame barriers to learn -- you won’t have to.
Today, most graduate school professors view their graduate students as potential colleagues and collaborators. Classes and assignments are learning and sharing experiences.
Harvard professor Gary Orfield notes America is “clearly on a path to becoming a country in which historically excluded groups will be a much larger presence.”
We know many Latinos receive an inadequate K-12 education. Yet hundreds of thousands have persevered and earned baccalaureate degrees. To attain leadership positions, more should complete graduate studies. Hispanics have the opportunity to become the spark plug that revitalizes America.
Once, completing a bachelor’s degree in any field was the pathway to professional opportunities. That is no longer the case. But earning a graduate degree in the right field will afford positive dividends for a lifetime.
Some fields offer more opportunities than others, but don’t pursue graduate education in a field that doesn’t interest you. Don’t let money be your main motivator: it’s okay as your second choice. You have a life to live; don’t get stuck in a profession that doesn’t bring you joy, at least once in a while. Presently STEM disciplines are particularly attractive and in demand.
There is a glut of lawyers nationwide. Many are either not employed or under-employed. But that is not the case for Hispanic lawyers. They are sorely needed.
Remember, America is aging – geriatric fields need trained leaders to serve an ever-growing demand. MBAs are hot again. At Stanford University, the average salary and bonus for 2020 MBA graduates were more than $176,000, per U.S. News data.
That was typical. The Wall Street Journal reported that across all business schools, median entry salaries and bonuses continue to rise year after year.
What to do? If you are an undergraduate, speak to working practitioners to gather first-hand information about different professions. Visit graduate schools, speak to counselors, professors, students and most of all to graduates.
Contact the Council for Graduate Studies. https://cgsnet.org CGS has excellent resources and suggestions. They even have programs dedicated to helping Hispanics.
A good graduate program will expect you to think, not just regurgitate facts. Train yourself to be a critical thinker.
Graduate studies require a lot of writing. Hone your skill by practicing. Train to be a concise writer.
Write and re-write your assignments. It is easy to spot a book report or term paper dashed off at the last moment. Those papers are “first drafts.” Give yourself enough time to rewrite your assignments several times.
As a professional, you will occasionally prepare oral presentations. But you will read or write reports and memos every single day. Writing is a skill that improves with practice. Good writers become good listeners and effective readers -- valuable skills.
If you have a baccalaureate and are employed, inquire if your employer will help with your graduate school expenses. If they won’t invest in you, are they the best employer for you?
Tailor your graduate program to help you become more productive at your job.
Are you planning to relocate? Many people don’t move given their spouse’s career, family attachments, and reluctance to adjust to a new region. Just remember, the vast majority of top-level executives moved several times during their careers.
Today there is more financial aid for graduate studies than ever before. Apply for it, but avoid back-breaking loans. Many students borrow far too much and suffer financially for years thereafter. Be prudent.
Graduate programs are focused and don’t allow many electives. Study the requirements; be sure you understand the parameters. Many universities permit a course or two to be taken as an individual independent study. Further, since the pandemic, distance learning opportunities have flourished.
Once, most graduate schools did not accept part-time students, and did not offer evening or weekend classes. Now, most do. Today, it is possible to study with schedules developed specifically for full-time working adults. Seize that opportunity.
Should you go to graduate school? Absolutely!
Graduate studies are an intense experience, but the personal and professional rewards are enormous. Do not just drift into any program. Study your personal interests and the options carefully before deciding.
Hard work? Yes, but it’s worth it. Your decision will impact all the days of your life.
A graduate degree is the key to many exciting and worthwhile opportunities.
Consider it and good luck! •
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