Graduate School: Overcoming Barriers to Success
Graduate School: Overcoming Barriers to Success
Graduate School: Overcoming Barriers to Success
The decision to attend graduate school can be one of immense commitment and responsibility. Success requires rigorous planning and well-defined goals, both short-term and long-term. Exceptional communication skills are also necessary to interact effectively with fellow classmates and faculty. Although completion of a Master’s program opens doors to many professional career opportunities, it does not come without challenges. One also must have several strategies in place for dealing with these challenges when they arise. With determination and hard work, overcoming these barriers will lead to success.
Personal and Professional Goals
Pursuing graduate studies can be a very personal decision. More individuals are looking into higher education degrees to combat the negative effects of a poor economy on their families (McKelvie, 2009). Providing financial stability to one’s family is a readily attainable goal by obtaining a Master’s degree. Achievement of this goal is appreciated when exceeding the basic needs of family members, financial obligations are met within deadlines, and a spouse can stay at home more often and spend additional time with children.
Personal goals may center on passion for one’s career. Graduate school is an admirable choice for those who want to immerse themselves in their chosen discipline, gain a higher level of education, and become experts and leaders in their field (Russell, 2007). An excellent way to determine when these goals have been met is to examine one’s problem-solving and decision-making skills, perform a self-evaluation of one’s knowledge base, and assess leadership abilities. There should be a noticeable improvement in these proficiencies from before graduate school.
Yearning for increased job security may lead an individual to enroll in a Master’s program. A resume with graduate degree credentials will give a prospective
Graduate School: Overcoming Barriers to Success
The decision to attend graduate school can be one of immense commitment and responsibility. Success requires rigorous planning and well-defined goals, both short-term and long-term. Exceptional communication skills are also necessary to interact effectively with fellow classmates and faculty. Although completion of a Master’s program opens doors to many professional career opportunities, it does not come without challenges. One also must have several strategies in place for dealing with these challenges when they arise. With determination and hard work, overcoming these barriers will lead to success.
Personal and Professional Goals
Pursuing graduate studies can be a very personal decision. More individuals are looking into higher education degrees to combat the negative effects of a poor economy on their families (McKelvie, 2009). Providing financial stability to one’s family is a readily attainable goal by obtaining a Master’s degree. Achievement of this goal is appreciated when exceeding the basic needs of family members, financial obligations are met within deadlines, and a spouse can stay at home more often and spend additional time with children.
Personal goals may center on passion for one’s career. Graduate school is an admirable choice for those who want to immerse themselves in their chosen discipline, gain a higher level of education, and become experts and leaders in their field (Russell, 2007). An excellent way to determine when these goals have been met is to examine one’s problem-solving and decision-making skills, perform a self-evaluation of one’s knowledge base, and assess leadership abilities. There should be a noticeable improvement in these proficiencies from before graduate school.
Yearning for increased job security may lead an individual to enroll in a Master’s program. A resume with graduate degree credentials will give a prospective
References: Bambacas, M., Patrickson, M. (2008). Interpersonal communication skills that enhance organizational commitment http://www.source.southuniversity.edu. Clemmer, J. (2011). Communication strategies, systems and skills. The Clemmer Group. Retrieved from http://www.clemmergroup.com Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, 12(13), 8. McKelvie, R. (2009). Invest in your education for a high income: Make more money over a lifetime with college or graduate degrees http://www.suite101.com/continuingeducation. Russel, L. (2007). Why pursue a master’s degree? Helium. Retrieved from http://www.helium.com 16 tips. Psych Central. Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com. Üstün, B. (2006). Communication skills training as part of a problem-based learning curriculum