Undergrads using grad school to postpone job search?

[icygirl]

I have actually overheard many people at my university talking about this. They don't think they can get a job when they graduate, so they are applying to graduate schools instead, hoping that when they get out of grad school the job market will be better and plus, they will have an advanced degree. Personally I don't think it's a good idea, because then you are stacking more student loans on yourself. It almost seems like gambling...

What do you all think, and have you heard of people doing this?

[littleindiangirl]

I have actually overheard many people at my university talking about this. They don't think they can get a job when they graduate, so they are applying to graduate schools instead, hoping that when they get out of grad school the job market will be better and plus, they will have an advanced degree. Personally I don't think it's a good idea, because then you are stacking more student loans on yourself. It almost seems like gambling...

What do you all think, and have you heard of people doing this?

I didnt realize that people with masters were jobless.

The jobs are out still there, there is still generations retiring, (now more than ever), and having an advanced degree is still going to be valuable, even more so during a recession.

Cant go wrong there.

[mdjudson]

I have actually overheard many people at my university talking about this. They don't think they can get a job when they graduate, so they are applying to graduate schools instead, hoping that when they get out of grad school the job market will be better and plus, they will have an advanced degree. Personally I don't think it's a good idea, because then you are stacking more student loans on yourself. It almost seems like gambling...

What do you all think, and have you heard of people doing this?

I don't think it a bad idea. If you can afford to do it, do it. I have been going to college for 7 years part time and will get my associates this year. If I could not worry about working and goto school I would, but I have a wife, 4 kids, a doberman, a little kitty, a gecko and 3 bps that don't stop eating!!

Mike

[nevohraalnavnoj]

Depends on your field. In the hard sciences, a master's degree represents a huge gain over a bachelor's. Not to mention, in the hard sciences you typically don't incur much for student loans since your tuition is waved and you are paid a teaching assistant stipend.

Luckily most of my undergrad loans were subsidized, so the 5 years I've been in grad school they have incurred almost 0 interest. Compare that to inflation, and you could argue I'm making money by just letting those loans sit there.

JonV

[Mitch21]

I've definitely noticed this trend... Grad schools' applications are going through the roof from what I've heard. Everyone wants to stay in school, obtain a higher degree, then graduate in a year or two when the economy has turned...

I seriously considered it, but my undergrad loans are so large that I'll be paying them off for the next 10 years of my life! So no grad school for me yet... I'll wait until I get a job with an employer that will pay for it!

[tweets_4611]

I've heard of plenty of people doing this. And not just b/c of the economy either... I know of people that just haven't wanted to start working yet, so they go for their masters. At the career fair I went to a few weeks ago, some of the companies that I was talking to were saying that many of the students they were talking to said that they would be heading to grad school if it didn't look like it would be possible to get a job (and unfortunately most of the companies there weren't even hiring interns =/ ). I can't see doing it, but that's just b/c I want to be out of school....I'll keep working at a pizza place until I can find a real job if need be

[azpythons]

I've heard of plenty of people doing this. And not just b/c of the economy either... I know of people that just haven't wanted to start working yet, so they go for their masters. At the career fair I went to a few weeks ago, some of the companies that I was talking to were saying that many of the students they were talking to said that they would be heading to grad school if it didn't look like it would be possible to get a job (and unfortunately most of the companies there weren't even hiring interns =/ ). I can't see doing it, but that's just b/c I want to be out of school....I'll keep working at a pizza place until I can find a real job if need be

i work at pizza hut..and im offended

[BPHERP]

Hmmm.

Well....if you are going to go into debt I think the best thing to go into debt over is education; a lot of people go into debt buying stupid crap by maxing out credit cards, etc.

I don't think anyone can argue against taking out loans to get an advanced degree.

The only conceivable reason not to is that someone has kids and their minimum basic needs would be in jeopardy.

Barring that, I would have no problem going into debt while getting a Masters or a PhD.

Brandon

[Envied Reptiles]

It all depends on what field you are in or aspire to be in.

On a side note the local news (Cleveland) just aired a piece about a junior high that had 700 applications for an entry level janitor position.
Jobs are out there......but not like it used to be.........

[nevohraalnavnoj]

Hmmm.

Well....if you are going to go into debt I think the best thing to go into debt over is education; a lot of people go into debt buying stupid crap by maxing out credit cards, etc.

I don't think anyone can argue against taking out loans to get an advanced degree.

The only conceivable reason not to is that someone has kids and their minimum basic needs would be in jeopardy.

Barring that, I would have no problem going into debt while getting a Masters or a PhD.

Brandon

Good post, Brandon. Houses and education are your two best bets for going into debt....my friend that wants to buy a $3500 laptop...that might not be the best way to go into debt.

JonV