Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Graduate School or Not?

I am a junior and have 1 more year left before I graduate next spring (hopefully, if all goes as planned). I have always been 50/50 on grad school and wasn't sure if I wanted to do it. I think I would definitely like to take some time off before I do if I decide to go that route. Deanna actually brought grad school up with me and told me I could come sit in on one of her grad classes, so I took her up on that offer. I went to her grad class on interviewing where they learn to conduct interviews for their research. It was really great to go and observe a grad class since I didn't know much about any grad program.Watching them interact compared to an undergrad class was very intriguing. They all participated and they participated more than most undergrad classes would. They could easily talk about a topic for the entirety of the class if they didn't have to move on to other things. I love that kind of interaction so that gave me a little inspiration right there. The students were all very welcoming, gladly answered any of my questions, and wished me luck with my classes on my way out. If at all possible at any time during your studies as an undergrad and you're possibly thinking about grad school, even remotely, I recommend sitting in on a class if you have a teacher that allows you to. It was a great experience that definitely got me thinking and inspired me a little bit. I immediately came home and started looking up some grad programs. I am still undecided, but it got some wheels turning in my head and answered a lot of questions I had. 

2 comments:

  1. I wish I was able to do that this semester! How else can you find out what being a graduate student is than sit-in to one of their classes?

    For my field, a masters is needed so I've been expecting it. COMM studies has helped me get a better idea of how it is.

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  2. That is so cool how you were able to sit in on a masters class. I could totally see you in a grad program because you are super interactive during class and seem really interested in the feild! Good Luck with whatever you end up choosing!

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